Ecological Functions or Shoreline Functions. The work performed or role played by the physical, chemical, and biological processes that contribute to the maintenance of the aquatic and terrestrial environments that constitute the shoreline’s natural ecosystem. (SMP)

Ecologically Intact Shoreline. Those shoreline areas that retain the majority of their natural shoreline functions, as evidenced by the shoreline configuration and the presence of native vegetation. Generally, but not necessarily, ecologically intact shorelines are free of structural shoreline modifications, structures, and intensive human uses. This term is intended to delineate those shoreline areas that provide valuable functions for the larger aquatic and terrestrial environments which could be lost or significantly reduced by human development. (SMP)

Ecosystem-Wide Processes. The suite of naturally occurring physical and geologic processes of erosion, transport, and deposition, and specific chemical processes that shape landforms within a specific shoreline ecosystem and determine both the types of habitat that are present and the associated ecological functions. (SMP)

Edge of Roof. On a pitched roof, the lowest portion of the fascia board covering the roof rafters, or if no fascia board exists, the lowest point of the roof rafters. On a flat roof, the top of the parapet wall or three feet above the roof deck.

Education, Public Administration, Health Care, and Other Institutions. An establishment or institution offering services, such as education or training, government services, health and human services, religious services, or death services, or a civic, social, political, fraternal, or similar association or organization. This definition specifically excludes correctional facilities and secure community transition facilities.

Electric Scooters and Motorcycles. Any two-wheel vehicle that operates exclusively on electric energy from an off-board source that is stored in the vehicle’s batteries and produces zero emissions or pollution when stationary or operating.

Electric Utility Facilities. Unstaffed facilities, except for the presence of security personnel, that are used for or in connection with or to facilitate the transmission, distribution, sale, or furnishing of electricity, including but not limited to electric power substations.

Electric Vehicle (EV). Any vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid, or an off-board source, that is stored onboard. Electric vehicles include battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Charging Levels. The standardized indicators of electric force, or voltage, at which an electric vehicle’s battery is recharged. Levels 1, 2, and 3 are the most common EV charging levels and include the following specifications: Level 1 is considered slow charging. Level 2 is considered medium charging. Level 3 is considered fast or rapid charging.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station. A public or private parking space located together with battery charging station equipment that has as its primary purpose the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or other storage device in an electric vehicle. A restricted electric vehicle charging station is privately or publicly owned and available to the public.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. Structures, machinery, and equipment necessary and integral to support an electric vehicle, including battery charging stations, rapid charging stations, and battery exchange stations.

Electric Vehicle Parking Space. Any marked parking space that identifies the use to be exclusively for the parking of an electric vehicle.

Elevated Construction. A construction technique that employs posts or pilings to raise a structure so that waters can flow freely beneath the structure.

Elevation. The architectural view of the front, side, or back surface of a structure to include doors, windows, and rooftop screening that is an extension of the facade, but excluding any roof area and rooftop equipment or structures.

Eligible Facilities Request. Means a request for modification of an existing tower or base station that does not result in a substantial change of the physical dimensions of such tower or base station, involving [See Substantial Change]:

Emergency Work. See RMC Chapter 6.36, Noise Standards.

Entrance. Ingress and egress to and from a structure.

Entrance, Primary. The principal entrance to a structure through which pedestrians enter.

Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement or EDNA. See RMC Chapter 6.36, Noise Standards.

Equestrian Facility. A facility used to board, train, or exercise more than six adult horses at any one time for commercial purposes, which may be private or public and may include facilities for spectators and competitions. (SMP). This term also applies Citywide.

Erosion. A process whereby wind, rain, water, and other natural agents mobilize and transport soil particles.

Erosion Hazard Areas. Those areas containing soils which, according to the United States Soil Conservation Service Soil Classification System, may experience severe to very severe erosion.

Escort Agency. A person or business association that furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as its business purpose for a fee, tip, or other consideration. An escort is a person employed by an escort agency, and who, for any form of consideration, agrees or offers to act as a companion, guide, or date for another person, or who agrees or offers to privately model lingerie or to privately perform a striptease for another person. The term “escort agency” shall not include any escort service offered by a charity or nonprofit organization for medical assistance or assistance to the elderly or infirm.

Establishment (Creation). The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics present to develop a wetland on an upland or deepwater site, where a wetland did not previously exist. Activities typically involve excavation of upland soils to elevations that will produce a wetland hydroperiod, create hydric soils, and support the growth of hydrophytic plant species.

Excavation. The mechanical removal of earth material.

Excessive Pruning. Pruning more than four years of branch growth, unless necessary to restore the vigor of the tree or to protect life and property.

Existing and Ongoing Agricultural Activities. Those activities conducted on lands defined in RCW 84.34.120(2) and those activities involved in the production of crops and livestock, including but not limited to operation and maintenance of farm and stock ponds or drainage ditches, irrigation systems, changes between agricultural activities, and normal operation, maintenance or repair of existing serviceable structures, facilities, or improved areas. Activities which bring an area into agricultural use are not part of an ongoing activity. An operation ceases to be ongoing when the area on which it was conducted is legally converted to a nonagricultural use. Idle land registered in a federal or state soils conservation program or zoned for agricultural use by the City is considered existing and ongoing. Forest practices are not included in this definition.

Exotic. Any species of plant or animal that is foreign to the Puget Sound region.

Expansion, Nonconforming Structure. Any enlargement or expansion of a legal nonconforming structure, whether horizontally or vertically, and any increase in the area within a structure or on a site devoted to a nonconforming use.

Expansion, Nonconforming Use. Any expansion of a legal nonconforming use.

External Illumination. The method of illuminating a sign where the light source is separated from and external to the sign structure by using a floodlight or by being back-lighted.