G Definitions.
Gabions. Structures composed of masses of rocks or rubble held tightly together by wire mesh (typically) so as to form upright blocks or walls. Often constructed as a series of overlapping blocks or walls. Used primarily in retaining earth, steep slopes, or embankments, to retard erosion or wave action, or as foundations for breakwaters or jetties. (SMP)
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Garage, Private. An accessory structure or an accessory portion of a principal structure, designed or used for the shelter or storage of vehicles owned or operated by the occupants of the principal structure. (Ord. 3083)
Effective on: 7/2/2022
Garbage and Recycling Enclosures. Garbage and recycling enclosures shall include the areas containing garbage and recycling receptacles served by collection equipment and may also include interim on-site storage areas.
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Gas Station. Any area of land, including the structures thereon, that is used for the sale of gasoline, biofuels, biodiesel, diesel or other motor fuels, oils, lubricants, and auto accessories (including areas for storage) and which may or may not include washing, lubricating, and other minor servicing.
(Ord. 2709)
Effective on: 10/26/2013
Gated Community. A single-family residential community characterized by a closed perimeter of walls and fences and controlled entrances, and for which all of the rights-of-way are privately owned.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
General Sales or Services. An establishment engaging in the retail sale, rental, or lease of goods or the provision of services, including but not limited to automobile sales or service; heavy consumer goods sale or service; durable consumer goods or service; the sale or service of other consumer goods, grocery, food and beverage sales; health and personal care services; finance and insurance services; real estate services; professional services; administrative services; and restaurant and food services. General sales or services does not include hotels, motels, and other accommodation services; mail order or direct sales establishments; membership wholesale/retail warehouses; and packing, crating, and convention and trade show services; and marijuana retail sales. (Ord. 2744; Ord. 2803)
Effective on: 10/17/2015
Geologically Hazardous Areas. Areas that, because of their susceptibility to erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geologic events, are not suited to siting commercial, residential, or industrial development consistent with public health and safety concerns.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Geotechnical Report or Geotechnical Analysis. A scientific study or evaluation conducted by a qualified expert that includes a description of the ground and surface hydrology and geology, the affected land form and its susceptibility to mass wasting, erosion, and other geologic hazards or processes, conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of the proposed development on geologic conditions, the adequacy of the site to be developed, the impacts of the proposed development, alternative approaches to the proposed development, and measures to mitigate potential site-specific and cumulative geological and hydrological impacts on the proposed development, including the potential adverse impacts to adjacent and down-current properties. Geotechnical reports shall conform to accepted technical standards and must be prepared by qualified professional engineers (or geologists) who have professional expertise about the regional and local shoreline geology and processes. (SMP)
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Glare. A bright or dazzling light that substantially interferes with the normal use of property or the operation of motor vehicles on City streets.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Golf Course. A tract of land used for playing golf, with tees, greens, fairways, hazards, and other features customarily associated with the game of golf, such as driving ranges, club houses, and golf cart storage and maintenance facilities.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Government and Administration. The provision of governmental services not specifically identified elsewhere in these definitions. This definition includes military and national security functions and space research and technology when conducted by a government agency. The government and administration use class includes the former public administration use class that comprised all government functions, including federal, state, and local government agencies that administer, oversee, and manage public programs or that have executive, legislative, or judicial authority; and legislative and executive offices, courts, and other government functions. This definition does not include correctional institutions, which are separately defined and regulated. (Ord. 3083)
Effective on: 7/2/2022
Grade. The vertical elevation of the ground surface.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Grade, Existing. The natural elevation of the ground or site prior to any work being done or any changes being made to the ground or site.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Grade Schools. All public, private, and specialty schools from preschool through high school.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Grading. For the purposes of the Shoreline Master Program, the movement or redistribution of the soil, sand, rock, gravel, sediment, or other material on a site in a manner that alters the natural contour of the land. (SMP)
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Grading - Critical Areas. For the purposes of administering RZC 21.64, Critical Areas, “grading” is any excavating, filling, clearing, leveling, or contouring of the ground surface by human or mechanical means.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Green Building Rating and Certification System. Green building rating or certification systems broaden the focus beyond the product to consider the project as a whole. Rating systems are a type of building certification system that rates or rewards relative levels of compliance or performance with specific environmental goals and requirements. Rating systems and certification systems are frequently used interchangeably. Green building rating and certification systems require an integrated design process to create projects that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. While the philosophy, approach, and certification method vary across these systems, a common objective is that projects awarded or certified within these programs are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment. (Vierra, 2019) (Ord. 3083)
Effective on: 7/2/2022
Green Roof. A bioretention strategy of storing, evaporating, and transpiring stormwater as part of a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers, such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Grocery, Food, Beverage, and Dairy Sales. The retail sale of food and beverage merchandise for off-premises consumption. This definition includes grocery stores, supermarkets, fruit and vegetable stores, and sales of similar goods. This definition does not include convenience stores.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Gross Acre. The entire area of a parcel of land, including undevelopable critical areas, open space, and rights-of-way.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Gross Floor Area (GFA). The area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts, elevator shafts, stairwells, courts, second-story atriums, and lobbies.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Gross Leasable Area (GLA). The total floor area that is designated for a tenant’s occupancy, exclusive of common areas shared with other tenants, such as utility rooms, stairwells, and malls. (Ord. 2803)
Effective on: 10/17/2015
Gross Site Area. Gross site area is that area within the boundaries of a given lot. Gross site area does not include the area of any abutting streets or access ways.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Ground Disturbance/Disturbing Activities. Any activity that disturbs the soil including but not limited to excavation with heavy equipment, tree removal, and geotechnical analysis. Refer to RCW 27.53.060. (Ord. 2982)
Effective on: 1/2/2020
Groundwater. Water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the surface of the land or below a surface water body.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Growth. See New Development.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Growth Management Act (GMA). The Washington State Growth Management Act enacted in 1990 and amendments in succeeding years.
Effective on: 4/16/2011
Grubbing. See Weed Wrenching, Grubbing. (Ord. 2982)
Effective on: 1/2/2020