§ 17.09.030. Additional definitions.

In addition to those definitions contained within WAC 197-11-700 through 799 and WAC 197-11-220, when used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context indicates otherwise:

"Department" means any division, subdivision or organizational unit of the county established by ordinance, rule or order.

"Early notice" means the county's response to an applicant stating whether it considers issuance of a determination of significance likely for the applicant's proposal (mitigated DNS procedures).

"Economic impact" means the potential effects that a proposal may have upon the following components of the county's economy: governmental finances, housing demand, land values, business and commercial opportunities, and employment.

"Environmental assessment" means an environmental checklist where more than two detailed technical reports are additionally required, such as a geotechnical report, hydrological report, and traffic impact study. Environmental assessments must be prepared by persons who are professionally competent in a particular field identified as one or more elements of the environment in WAC 197-11-444.

"Impacts upon neighborhood character" means the potential effects that a development may have upon the ways in which residents use and perceive their neighborhood. These impacts include such areas as pedestrian usage, personal safety and privacy, aesthetics, and recreational use of outdoor spaces.

"Ordinance" means the ordinance, resolution, or other procedure used by the county to adopt regulatory requirements.

"SEPA rules" means WAC Chapter 197-11 adopted by the Department of Ecology.

(Ord. 11804 § 6, 1998: Ord. 7889 § 1 (part), 1984)