Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall for the purposes of these regulations have the meaning herein indicated. (See bibliography for sources.)[1]
ADT (AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC)
The average number of cars per day that pass over a given point.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Housing that is affordable to very low-income, low-income, or moderate-income persons as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development regulation for the municipality and is maintained for occupancy exclusively for such very low-income, low-income, or moderate-income person(s) for a period of not less than 30 years through the use of a covenant or deed restriction, a development agreement, or by transferring an interest to a state or municipal housing agency or nonprofit housing organization.
AGGRESSIVE SOILS
Soils that may be corrosive to cast iron and ductile iron pipe. These soils represent approximately 5% of the soils found within the United States and include dump areas, swamps, marshes, alkaline soils, cinder beds, polluted river bottoms, etc., which are considered to be potentially corrosive.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required by ordinance for approval of a site plan.
BASE COURSE
That portion of the flexible pavement structure immediately beneath the surface course which is constructed on the subbase, or if no subbase is used, directly on the subgrade. Performs the major function as a structural portion of the pavement and usually consists of crushed stone.
BERM
A mound of soil, either natural or man-made, used to obstruct views.
BOND
Any form of a surety bond in an amount and form satisfactory to the Common Council. All bonds shall be approved by the governing body whenever a bond is required by these regulations.
BUFFER
An area within a property or site, generally adjacent to and parallel with the property line, either consisting of natural existing vegetation or created by the use of trees, shrubs, fences, and/or berms, designed to limit continuously the view of and/or sound from the site to adjacent sites or properties.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk measured in inches, six inches above ground level for trees up to four inches in diameter and 12 inches above ground level for trees over four inches in diameter.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
A public facility with a life expectancy of three or more years (10 years for roadway improvements) to be owned and operated by or on behalf of the local government.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
A proposed schedule of all future projects listed in order of construction priority, together with cost estimates and the anticipated means of financing each project.
CAPPED SYSTEM
A completed water supply and/or sewerage system put in place for future use (contingent upon expansion), rather than to meet immediate development needs.
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT or CLUSTER ZONING
A development approach in which building lots may be reduced in size and buildings sited closer together, usually in groups or clusters, provided that the total development density does not exceed that which could be constructed on the site under conventional zoning and subdivision regulations. The additional land that remains undeveloped is then preserved as open space and recreational land.
[Amended 5-3-2000 by Ord. No. 00-03]
COMMON LATERAL
A sanitary sewer service lateral serving more than one occupancy unit (generally not permitted).
COMMON OPEN SPACE
Land within or related to a development, not individually owned or dedicated for public use, which is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the residents of the development. It may include complementary structures and improvements.
COMMON OWNERSHIP
Ownership by the same person, corporation, firm, entity, partnership, or unincorporated association; or ownership by different corporations, firm, partnerships, entities, or unincorporated associations, in which a stockbroker, partner, or associate, or a member of his family owns an interest in each corporation, firm, partnership, entity, or unincorporated association.
[Added 12-19-2000 by L.L. No. 6-2000]
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of a community or region. Includes analysis, recommendations, and proposals for the community's population, economy, housing, transportation, community facilities, and land use.
CONCURRENCY
Requirement that development applications demonstrate that adequate public facilities be available at prescribed levels of service concurrent with the impact or occupancy of development units.
CONSTRUCTION PLAN
The maps or drawings accompanying a subdivision plat and showing the specific location and design of improvements to be installed in the subdivision in accordance with the requirements of the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission as a condition of the approval of the plat.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
CONVENTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Development other than planned development.
CULVERT
A structure designed to convey a watercourse not incorporated in a closed drainage system under a road or pedestrian walk or driveway.
CUSHIONS
Supportive or protective bedding materials placed underneath piping.
DEDICATION
An act transmitting property or interest thereto.
DENSITY
The permitted number of dwelling units per gross acre of land to be developed.
DESIGN FLOOD
The relative size or magnitude of a major flood of reasonable expectancy, which reflect both flood experience and flood potential and is the basis of the delineation of the floodway, the flood hazard area, and the water surface elevations.
DESIGN STANDARDS
Standards that set forth specific improvement requirements.
DETENTION BASIN
A man-made or natural water collector facility designed to collect surface and subsurface water in order to impede its flow and to release the same gradually at a rate not greater than that prior to the development of the property, into natural or man-made outlets.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Agreement between the Common Council and developer through which the Common Council agrees to vest development use or intensity or refrain from interfering with subsequent phases of development through new legislation in exchange for the provision of public facilities or amenities by the developer in excess of those required under current community regulations.
DEVELOPMENT REGULATION
Zoning, subdivision, site plan, official map, floodplain or other governmental regulation of the use and development of land.
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading, or other means.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
The system through which water flows from the land, including all watercourses, water bodies, and wetlands.
DROP MANHOLE
A manhole provided for inspection and maintenance of sewers where an incoming sewer is considerably higher than the outgoing.
DROP PIPE
A vertical pipe used to convey sewage from a higher to a lower elevation.
EASEMENT
A right-of-way granted, but not dedicated, for limited use of private land for a quasi-public purpose and within which the owner of the property shall not erect any permanent structures.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Features, natural resources, or land characteristics that are sensitive to improvements and may require conservation measures or the application of creative development techniques to prevent degradation of the environment, or may require limited development, or in certain instances may preclude development.
ESCROW
A deed, a bond, money, or a piece of property delivered to a third person to be delivered by him to the grantee only upon fulfillment of a condition.
EXPENDITURE
A sum of money paid out in return for some benefit or to fulfill some obligation. The term includes binding contractual commitments whether by development agreement or otherwise to make future expenditures as well as any other substantial change in position.
EXTERNAL BUFFER
A naturally vegetated area or vegetated area along the exterior boundaries of an entire development processed in accordance with a multiphase or phased site plan application which is landscaped and maintained, in order to eliminate or minimize conflicts between such development and adjacent land uses.
FINAL APPROVAL
The official action of the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission taken on a preliminary approved major subdivision or site plan, after all conditions, engineering plans, and other requirements have been completed or fulfilled and the required improvements have been installed, or guaranties properly posted for their completion, or approval conditional upon the posting of such guaranty.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT
The map of a subdivision to be recorded after approval by the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission and any accompanying material as described in these regulations.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
FIRST FLUSH
The delivery of a disproportionately large load of pollutants during the early part of storms due to the rapid runoff of accumulated pollutants. The first flush in these guidelines is defined as the runoff generated from a one-year twenty-four-hour storm event from land which has been made more impervious from predevelopment conditions through land grading and construction/development activities.
FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT
A pavement structure consisting of the subgrade, subbase course, base course and surface course materials.
FLUSHING
The cleaning out of debris and sediment from pipes by force of moving liquid, usually water.
FOREBAY
An extra storage area or treatment area, such as a sediment pond or created wetland, near an inlet of a stormwater management facility to trap incoming sediments or take up nutrients before they reach a retention or extended detention pond.
FRONTAGE
That side of a lot abutting on a street or way and ordinarily regarded as the front of the lot, but it shall not be considered as the ordinary side of a corner lot.
GRADE
The slope of a road, street, or other public way, specified in percentage (%) terms.
GROUND COVER
A planting of low-growing plants or sod that in time forms a dense mat covering the area, preventing soil from being blown or washed away and the growth of unwanted plants.
HARDY CROSS METHOD
Method of controlled trial and error by which a water distribution system can be analyzed, first introduced in 1936 by Hardy Cross, Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois.
HEALTH, SAFETY, OR GENERAL WELFARE
The purpose for which municipalities may adopt and enforce land use regulations for the prevention of harm or promotion of public benefit to the community; commonly referred to as police power.
HIGH DENSITY
Those residential zoning districts in which the density is equal to or greater than one dwelling unit per 10,000 square feet.
HYDROLOGIC RESPONSE
The properties, distribution, and circulation of water.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water.
IMPOUNDMENT
A body of water, such as a pond, confined by a dam, dike floodgate, or other barrier.
IMPROVEMENT
Any man-made, immovable item which becomes part of, placed upon, or is affixed to, real estate.
INFILL DEVELOPMENT
Development designed to occupy scattered or vacant parcels of land which remain after the majority of development has occurred in an area.
ISLAND
In street design, a raised area, usually curbed, placed to guide traffic and separate lines, or used for landscaping, signing, or lighting.
LANDSCAPING
Acting with the purpose of meeting specific criteria regarding uses of outside space, including ground cover, buffers, and shade trees.
LATERAL SEWERS
Pipes conducting sewage from individual buildings to larger pipes called trunk or interceptor sewers that usually are located in street rights-of-way.
LEVEL OF SERVICE
The six levels of service which are generally described as follows for simple uninterrupted flows. More specific descriptions for each highway element, including interrupted as well as uninterrupted flow, are presented later appropriate headings.
A. 
LEVEL OF SERVICE AA condition of free flow, accompanied by low volumes and high speeds. Traffic density will be low, with uninterrupted flow speeds controlled by driver desires, speed limits, and physical roadway conditions. There is little or no restriction in maneuverability due to the presence of other vehicles, and drivers can maintain their desired speeds with little or no delay.
B. 
LEVEL OF SERVICE BOccurs in the zone of stable flow, with operating speeds beginning to be restricted somewhat by traffic conditions. Drivers still have reasonable freedom to select their speed and lane of operation. Reductions in speed are not unreasonable, with a low probability of traffic flow being restricted. The lower limit (lowest speed, highest volume) of this level of service has been used in the design of rural highways.
C. 
LEVEL OF SERVICE CStill in the zone of stable flow, but speeds and maneuverability are more closely controlled by the higher volumes. Most of the drivers are restricted in their freedom to select their own speed, change lanes, or pass. A relatively satisfactory operating speed is still obtained, with service volumes suitable for urban design practice.
D. 
LEVEL OF SERVICE DLevel of service which approaches unstable flow, with tolerable operating speeds being maintained, though considerably affected by changes in operating conditions. Fluctuations in volume and temporary restrictions to flow may cause substantial drops in operating speeds. Drivers have little freedom to maneuver, and comfort and convenience are low. These conditions can be tolerated, however, for short periods of time.
E. 
LEVEL OF SERVICE EThis cannot be described by speed alone, but represents operations at lower operating speeds, typically, but not always, in the neighborhood of 30 miles per hour, with volumes at or near the capacity of the highway. Flow is unstable, and there may be stoppages of momentary duration. This level of service is associated with operation of a facility at capacity flows.
F. 
LEVEL OF SERVICE FDescribes a forced-flow operation at low speeds, where volumes are below capacity. In the extreme, both speed and volume can drop to zero. These conditions usually result from queues of vehicles backing up from a restriction downstream. The section under study will be serving as a storage area during parts or all of the peak hour. Speeds are reduced substantially and stoppages may occur for short or long periods of time because of the downstream congestion.
LINKAGE
A program that requires developers constructing nonresidential structures to either construct affordable housing units or pay money in lieu of construction into a designated fund to provide housing for the future employees of the site.
LOT FRONTAGE
That portion of a lot extending along a street line.
LOT IMPROVEMENT
Any building, structure, place, work of art, or other object situated on a lot.
LOW DENSITY
Those residential zoning districts in which the density is equal to or less than one dwelling unit per 40,000 square feet.
MAIN
In any system of continuous piping, the principal artery of the system to which branches may be connected.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTY
Any security which may be required and accepted by a governmental agency to ensure that necessary improvements will function as required for a specific period of time.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
All subdivisions not classified as minor subdivisions, including but not limited to subdivisions of five or more lots, or any size subdivision requiring any new street or extension of the local government facilities or the creation of any public improvements.
MANNING EQUATION
A method for calculating the hydraulic capacity of a conduit or open channel to convey water.
MEDIAN
That portion of a divided highway separating lanes of traffic proceeding in opposite directions.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision containing not more than four lots fronting on an existing street, not involving any new street or road, or the extension of municipal facilities or the creation of any public improvements, and not adversely affecting the remainder of the parcel or adjoining property, and not in conflict with any provision or portion of the Comprehensive Plan, Official Map, Chapter 190, Zoning, or these regulations.
[Amended 5-3-2000 by Ord. No. 00-03]
MONEY IN LIEU OF LAND
Payment of money into a municipally earmarked fund to do for acquisition of facilities off site in place of dedicating land or providing such facility on site.
MULCH
A layer of wood chips, dry leaves, straw, hay, plastic, or other materials placed on the surface of the soil around plants to retain moisture, prevent weeds from growing, hold the soil in place, or aid plant growth.
OFFSET
The amount of the reduction of an impact fee designed to fairly reflect the value of area-related facilities or other oversized facilities, pursuant to rules herein established or administrative guidelines, provided by a developer pursuant to the local government's subdivision or zoning regulations or requirements.
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated, or reserved for the public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.
PERC TEST (PERCOLATION TEST)
A test designed to determine the ability of ground to absorb water, and used to determine the suitability of a soil for drainage or for the use of a septic system.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Regulation of development based on open space ratio, impervious surface ratio, density, and floor area ratio.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTY
Any security that may be accepted by a municipality as a guaranty that the improvements required as part of an application for development are satisfactorily completed.
PERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that permits full or partial absorption of stormwater.
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)
An area of a minimum contiguous size, as specified by ordinance, to be planned, developed, operated, and maintained as a single entity containing one or more structures to accommodate commercial or office uses, or both, and appurtenant common areas and other uses incidental to the predominant uses.
PLAT
A map or maps of a subdivision.
POLICE POWER
Inherent, delegated, or authorized legislative power for purposes of regulation to secure health, safety, and general welfare.
POTABLE WATER SUPPLY
Water that does not contain pollution, contamination, objectionable minerals or infective agents and is considered satisfactory for domestic consumption.
PREAPPLICATION CONFERENCE
An initial meeting between developers and municipal representatives which affords developers the opportunity to present their proposals informally.
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
The conferral of certain rights prior to final approval after specific elements of a development plan have been agreed upon by the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission and the applicant.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
PRELIMINARY PLAT
The preliminary drawing or drawings, described in these regulations, indicating the proposed manner or layout of the subdivision to be submitted to the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission for approval.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
PUBLIC HEARING
A meeting of the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission or Common Council preceded by notice, open to the public and at which the public may, at the discretion of the body holding the public meeting, be heard.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT
Any drainage ditch, roadway, parkway, sidewalk, pedestrianway, tree, lawn, off-street parking area, lot improvement, or other facility for which the City of Oneida may ultimately assume the responsibility for maintenance and operation, or which may effect an improvement for which City of Oneida responsibility is established.
RATIONAL METHOD
A method for estimating peak stormwater runoff rates in the design of urban facilities which considers surface conditions and/or characteristic, storm intensity and size of the drainage area. Generally only used for drainage areas up to 100 acres in size.
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
The number of dwelling units per gross acre of residential land area including streets, easements and open space portions of a development.
RESUBDIVISION
Any change in a map of an approved or recorded subdivision plat that affects any street layout on the map or area reserved thereon for public use or any lot line, or that affects any map or plan legally recorded prior to the adoption of any regulations controlling subdivisions.
RETAINING WALL
A structure erected between lands of different elevation to protect structures and/or to prevent the washing down or erosion of earth from the upper slope level.
RETENTION BASIN
A facility designed to store stormwater runoff as a permanent pool of water without release except by means of evaporation, infiltration, or attenuated release when runoff volume exceeds the permanent storage capacity of the permanent pool.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A strip of land occupied or intended to be occupied by a street, crosswalk, railroad, road, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water main, sanitary or storm sewer main, shade trees, or for any other special use. The usage of the term "right-of-way" for land platting purposes shall mean that every right-of-way hereafter established and shown on a final plat is to be separate and distinct from the lots or parcels. Rights-of-way intended for streets, crosswalks, water mains, sanitary sewers, storm drains, shade trees or any other use involving maintenance by a public agency shall be dedicated to public use by the maker of the plat on which such right-of-way is established.
ROAD CLASSIFICATION
For the purpose of providing for the development of the streets, highways, roads and rights-of-way in the governmental unit and for their future improvement, reconstruction, realignment and necessary widening, including provision for curbs and sidewalks, each existing street, highway, road, and right-of-way and those located on approved and filed plats, have been designated on the Official Map of the local government and classified therein. The classification of each street, highway, road and right-of-way is based upon its location in the respective zoning districts of the local government and its present and estimated future traffic volume and its relative importance and function as specified in the Comprehensive Plan of local government. The required improvements shall be measured as set forth for each street classification on the Official Map.
ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTH
The distance between property lines measured at right angles to the center line of the street.
SALE or LEASE
Any immediate or future transfer of ownership, or any possessory interest in land, including contract of sale, lease, devise, intestate succession or other transfer of an interest in a subdivision or part thereof, whether by metes and bounds or lot and block description.
SCREENING
Either a strip at least 10 feet wide of densely planted (or having equivalent natural growth) shrubs or trees at least four feet high at the time of planting, of a type that will form a year-round dense screen at least six feet high; or an opaque wall or barrier or uniformly painted fence at least six feet high.
SECURITY
The letter of credit or cash escrow provided by the applicant to secure its promises in the subdivision improvement agreement.
SEDIMENTATION
A deposit of soil that has been transported its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity or other natural means as a product of erosion.
SERVICE AREA
The area for a particular category of public facilities within the jurisdiction of the City of Oneida and within which impact fees for capital improvements will be collected for new development occurring within such area and within which fees so collected will be expended for those types of improvements for that category of public facility identified in the public facility improvements program. Service areas may be subdivided into subareas for purposes of assuring that impact fees collected and expended therein reasonably benefit new development within such areas.
SETBACK
The distance between the street right-of-way line and the front line of a building or any projection thereof, excluding uncovered steps.
SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangular-shaped portion of land established at street intersections in which nothing is erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
SKETCH PLAT
A sketch preparatory to the preliminary plat (or final plat in the case of minor subdivisions) to enable the subdivider to save time and expense in reaching general agreement with the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission as to the form of the plat and the objectives of these regulations.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
SOIL CEMENT
A mixture of portland cement and locally available soil. It serves as a soil stabilizer.
STABILIZED TURF OR EARTH
Turf, or earth (soil), strengthened usually by the mixing of cement or lime with the original material to achieve increased strength, thereby reducing shrinkage and movement.
STORMWATER DETENTION
A provision for storage of stormwater runoff and the controlled release of such runoff during and after a flood or storm.
STORMWATER RETENTION
A provision for storage of stormwater runoff.
STREET HIERARCHY
The conceptual arrangement of streets based upon function. A hierarchal approach to street design classifies streets according to function, from high-traffic arterial roads down to streets whose function is residential access. Systematizing street design into a road hierarchy promotes safety, efficient land use, and residential quality.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected.
STUB STREET
A portion of a street for which an extension has been proposed and approved. May be permitted when development is phased over a period of time, but only if the street in its entirety has been approved in the preliminary plan.
SUBBASE
That portion of the flexible pavement structure between the subgrade and the base course consisting of a compacted layer of granular material. Distinguished from the base course material by less stringent specification requirements for strength aggregate type and gradation.
SUBDIVIDER
Any person who:
A. 
Having an interest in land, causes it, directly or indirectly, to be divided into a subdivision or who;
B. 
Directly or indirectly, sells, leases or develops or offers to sell, lease or develop or advertises to sell, lease, or develop, any interest, lot, parcel site, unit or plat in a subdivision or who;
C. 
Engages directly or through an agent in the business of selling, leasing, developing or offering for sale, lease, or development a subdivision or any interest, lot, parcel site, unit or plat in a subdivision and who;
D. 
Is directly or indirectly controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with any of the foregoing.
SUBDIVISION
Any land, vacant or improved, which is divided or proposed to be divided into two or more lots, parcels, sites, units, plots, condominiums, tracts or interests for the purpose of offer, sale, lease, or development whether immediate or future, either on the installment plan or upon any and all other plans, terms and conditions. "Subdivision" includes the division or development of residentially and nonresidentially zoned land, whether by deed, metes and bounds description, devise, intestacy, lease, map, plat or other recorded instrument. "Subdivision" includes resubdivision and condominium creation or conversion.
[Amended 5-3-2000 by Ord. No. 00-03]
SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
A contract entered into by the applicant and the City of Oneida by which the applicant promises to complete the required public improvements within the subdivision within a specified time period following final subdivision plat approval.
SUBDIVISION PLAT
The final map or drawing, described in these regulations, on which the subdivider's plan of subdivision is presented to the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission for approval and which, if approved, may be submitted to the County Clerk for filing.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
SURFACE COURSE
That portion of the flexible pavement designed to resist abrasive forces of traffic, limit the amount of surface water that penetrates into the pavement structure, provides a skid-resistant surface, and provides a smooth uniform riding surface. Surface course is constructed directly on the base course and consists of a mixture of mineral aggregates and bituminous materials.
TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT
Improvements built and maintained by a subdivider during construction of the subdivision and prior to release of the performance bond.
TR-55
Stormwater runoff analysis method. A method for determining predevelopment and post-development peak stormwater runoff rates and total volume as well as stormwater storage requirements. The TR-55 Method is based on Technical Release 55, Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds, published by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
The conveyance of development rights by deed, easement or other legal instrument, authorized by ordinance or regulation, to another parcel of land and the recording of that conveyance.
VARIANCE
A waiver from compliance with a specific provision of Chapter 190, Zoning, granted to a particular property owner because of the practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship that would be imposed by the strict application of that provision of the ordinance. The granting of variances traditionally is the responsibility of the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission.
[Amended 11-8-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]
[1]
Editor's Note: The bibliography for the terms used in these regulations is not set out herein.