[1960 Code, Ch. 13.08; 1960 Code, Secs. 13.08.010, 13.08.020]
(A) 
The rules and definitions contained in this chapter shall be observed and applied in the interpretation of all other chapters in this title, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise.
1. 
Words used in the present tense include the future tense; and words used in the singular number include the plural number, and the plural the singular.
2. 
The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary.
3. 
The word "may" is permissive.
(B) 
Defined Terms.
ALLEY
A strip of land, not less than 20 feet in roadway width and not more than 40 feet, along the side of or in the rear of properties, intended to provide secondary access to these properties.
BUILDING LINE
A line within a lot, so designated on the plat of the proposed subdivision, between which line and any street line upon which the lot abuts, the erection of a building is prohibited.
CROSSWALKWAY
A strip of land dedicated to public use, which is reserved across a block to provide pedestrian access to adjacent areas.
CUL-DE-SAC
A street having one open end and being permanently terminated by a vehicle turnaround.
EASEMENT
A grant by a property owner for the use of a strip of land by the general public, a corporation, or a certain person or persons for a specific purpose or purposes.
LOT
A building site shown on a plat of subdivision recorded with the appropriate county office and identifiable by reference to said plat of subdivision rather than by metes and bounds.
PARCEL
Refers broadly to a lot, tract or any other piece of land.
PLAN COMMISSION
The Plan Commission of the City.
PLAT
A map, drawing or chart on which the subdivider's plans of the subdivision are presented and which he submits for approval first in preliminary, then in final form.
ROAD, ROADWAY
The paved area existing on the street right of way and not the street right of way width.
STREET
An area which primarily serves or is intended to serve as a vehicular and pedestrian access to abutting lands or to other streets. The word "street" refers to the width of the street right of way or easement, whether public or private, and shall not be considered as the width of the roadway or paving or other improvement on the street right of way.
STREET, COLLECTOR
A street which is used to carry traffic from local streets to thoroughfare streets.
STREET, LOCAL
A street intended primarily as access to abutting properties.
STREET, MAJOR
A street designed to serve as a major traffic artery for movement of vehicles through the City or between various parts of the City.
STREET, MARGINAL ACCESS
A local street which is parallel and adjacent to thoroughfare streets and expressways, and which provides access to abutting properties and protection to local traffic from fast, through-moving traffic on the primary streets and expressways.
SUBDIVISION
The division of land in two or more parcels for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or building development, including all public streets, alleys, easements for public service facilities, parks, playgrounds, school grounds or other public grounds.
SUBDIVISION EXEMPTIONS
The following shall not be considered a subdivision and shall be exempt from the requirements of this title:
1. 
The division of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of five acres or more in size which does not involve any new streets or easements of access;
2. 
The conveyance of parcels of land or interests therein for use as rights of way for railroads or other public utility facilities which does not involve any new streets or easements of access;
3. 
The conveyance of land owned by a railroad or other public utility which does not involve any new streets or easements of access;
4. 
The conveyance of land for highway or other public purposes or grants or conveyances relating to the dedication of land for public use or instruments relating to the vacation of land impressed with a public use;
5. 
Conveyances made to correct descriptions in prior conveyances.
SUBDIVISION, MAJOR
Any subdivision that does not meet the requirements of a minor subdivision.
SUBDIVISION, MINOR
A proposed subdivision of land is a "minor subdivision" if the proposed division of a parcel of land is along an existing public street, does not involve the opening, widening or extension of any street or road and does not involve more than three lots after the original tract has been completely subdivided.