City Code Section
- The definitions contained in this Section relate to excavation and grading work only as outlined in this Chapter.
- A. Approval means a written engineering or geological opinion concerning the progress and completion of the work.
- B. As graded is the surface conditions exposed on completion of grading.
- C. Bedrock is in‑place solid rock.
- D. Bench is a relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be placed.
- E. Borrow is earth material acquired from an off‑site location for use in grading on a site.
- F. Civil engineer means a professional engineer registered in the State to practice in the field of civil works.
- G. Civil engineering means the application of the knowledge of the forces of nature, principles of mechanics, and the properties of materials to the evaluation, design, and construction of civil works for the beneficial uses of mankind.
- H. Clearing is the cutting or removal of vegetation that results in exposing any bare soil.
- I. Compaction is the densification of a fill by mechanical means.
- J. Earth material is any rock, natural soil, or fill and/or any combination thereof.
- K. Engineering geologist means a geologist experienced and knowledgeable in engineering geology and registered as an engineering geologist in the State of Oregon.
- L. Engineering geology means the application of geologic knowledge and principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.
- M. Erosion is the wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water, and/or ice.
- N. Excavation is the mechanical removal of earth material.
- O. Fill is a deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
- P. Geological hazard means a potential or apparent risk to persons or property because of geological or soil instability either existing at the time of construction or that would result from construction.
- Q. Grade means the vertical location of the ground surface.
- R. Existing grade is the grade prior to grading.
- S. Rough grade is the stage at which the grade approximately conforms to the approved plan.
- T. Finish grade is the final grade of the site that conforms to the approved plan.
- U. Grading is any excavating or filling or combination thereof.
- V. Key is a designed compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the toe of a proposed fill slope.
- W. Retaining wall is a structure that provides lateral support for a mass of soil or fluid and other imposed loads.
- X. Site is any lot or parcel of land or contiguous combination thereof, under the same ownership, where grading is performed or permitted.
- Y. Slope is an inclined ground surface the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.
- Z. Soil is naturally occurring surficial deposits overlying bedrock.
- AA. Soil (Geotechnical) engineer means a civil engineer competent by education, training, and experience in the practice of soil engineering.
- BB. Soil (Geotechnical) engineering means the application of the principles of soil mechanics in the investigation, evaluation, and design of civil works involving the use of earth materials and the inspection and testing of the construction thereof.
- CC. Terrace is a relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope surface for drainage and maintenance purposes.