15.16.010 - DEFINITIONS
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter: A. Building means a structure having a roof supported by columns or walls used for supporting or sheltering a use of any kind. B. Building Footprint means the combined area of the first floor of a dwelling unit and a private garage, as obtained from the Whatcom County Assessor's office records, or other source acceptable to the Public Works Director or authorized designate. C. Developed Parcel means any parcel that has been altered from a natural state with or without a permit from the City. This includes clearing, grading or filling, whether or not that work accompanies excavation and construction. D. Duplex means a building designed and arranged exclusively for occupancy by two families living independently of each other in separate dwelling units. E. Duplex Parcel means a parcel that has been developed and constructed to contain one duplex, and continues to be used solely for that purpose. F. Dwelling Unit means a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one family including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. G. Garage, Private means an accessory building or a portion of the main building other than a carport used or intended to be used for the parking or storage of motor vehicles. H. Impervious surface means a hard surface area which either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle as under natural conditions prior to development, and/or a hard surface area which causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow from the flow present under natural conditions prior to development. Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, roof tops, walkways, patios, driveways, paved parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed earthen materials, and oiled, macadam or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of storm water Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall not be considered as impervious surfaces. I. Large Footprint Residential Parcel means a single-family residential parcel with a building footprint of greater than 3,000 square feet. J. Medium Footprint Residential Parcel means a single-family residential parcel with a building footprint of greater than 1,000 square feet and less than or equal to 3,000 square feet. K. Multiple Family Dwelling Unit means a building or portion thereof, designed for or occupied by three or more families living independently in separate dwelling units. L. Nonresidential Parcel means a parcel which has been developed for any purpose other than a single-family dwelling unit or duplex and includes, among others, all multiple family dwelling units and all property owned by governmental and nonprofit entities. M. Parcel means any area of land within the City of Bellingham that is deemed a distinct property as identified by the Whatcom County Assessor's Office, whether or not the parcel is considered taxable. N. Public Works Director means the duly appointed Director of the City of Bellingham Department of Public Works. O. Right-of-way means a strip of parcel of land dedicated to the City for public uses including street, mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian uses as well as emergency access, utility, drainage, vegetation management, view corridor or other necessary public uses on a portion of which a street is built. P. Single-family Residential Parcel means a parcel which has been developed and constructed to contain one dwelling unit and continues to be used solely for that purpose. Q. Small Footprint Residential Parcel means a single-family residential parcel with a building footprint of less than or equal to 1,000 square feet. [Ord. 2001-02-007]
