Unified Development Ordinance, 34th Supplement, October 2024

Article 12.2. Defined Terms | CHAPTER 12. DEFINITIONS

landscape features (such as vegetation, soils, hydrology, and natural processes) and/or by mimicking natural processes through installation and maintenance of structurally engineered devices (such as bioretention cells, bioswales, permeable paving/pavers, green roofs, stormwater street trees, and cisterns). In addition to contributing to stormwater management, GSI practices can enhance site aesthetics, improve air quality, reduce urban heat island impacts, provide shading, create wildlife habitat, reduce energy consumption, reduce infrastructure costs, and increase property values. Gross Floor Area The sum in square feet of the gross horizontal area of all floors of a building measured from the exterior walls or from the centerline when 2 buildings or units abut. Gross floor area includes basement floor area when more than 50% of the basement height is above the established curb level or above the finished lot grade level where the curb level has not been established. Elevator shafts, stairwells, floor space used for mechanical equipment, attics, internal balconies and mezzanines, and floor area devoted to accessory uses are included in the calculation of gross floor area. However, the following shall not be included: any space devoted exclusively to on-site parking; outdoor loading, display, storage, utility service areas; and/or uninhabited enclosed space on tops of roofs; or attic space having head room of less than 7' 10". Attached garages shall be included in the calculation of gross floor area. Ground Cover Any living or nonliving material incorporated in or covering the surface of the soil which controls accelerated erosion and prevents off-site sedimentation in accordance with this chapter. h Hazardous Tree A tree is hazardous when it meets all of the following as determined by a Certified Arborist: 1. It has a structural defect that predisposes the entire tree, or at least 1/5 or more of the tree's crown, to structural failure; 2. The DBH of the tree predisposed to structural failure is at least 10 inches, or

the diameter of the crown limb(s) predisposed to structural failure is at least 8 inches at the largest point; 3. The structural defect has a failure potential of "medium" or greater as described in the current edition of A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of HazardTrees in Urban Areas , published by the International Society of Arboriculture, and cannot be remedied by an accepted arboricultural practice; 4. A target exists beneath or adjacent to the tree that could be injured or damaged, including but not limited to: pedestrians, vehicles, streets, sidewalks, buildings and other man-made structures. Hazardous Waste Facility A facility for the collection, storage, processing, treatment, recycling, recovery or disposal of hazardous waste, as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. §130A‑290. Heritage Tree A single-trunk shade tree that is 24 inches DBH or larger, or a single-trunk understory tree that is 12 inches DBH or larger that is not unhealthy and not a hazardous tree. High-Quality Waters Waters classified in title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code chapter 2B section .0101(e)(5) - General Procedures and amendments thereto, all of which is incorporated by reference. High-Quality-Water (HQW) Zones Those areas that are within both 1 mile and drain to high-quality waters. Historic Alley A publicly dedicated alley that was in existence as of September 1, 2013. Historic Landmark A building, site or object that has been designated by the City Council as either a historic site, property or landmark. Hospice Any coordinated program of care provided by a medically directed interdisciplinary team designed to provide palliative care and emotional support to the terminally ill in a home or homelike setting so that quality of life is maintained and family members may be active participants in care of the terminally ill family member.

12 – 11 Published October 2024

Part 10: Unified Development Ordinance City of Raleigh, North Carolina

Supp. No. 34