§ 11-101. Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Applicant means any persons, corporation, or public or private organization proposing a development which would involve disturbance to the natural terrain as herein defined.

Coastal feature means coastal beaches and dunes, barrier beaches, coastal wetlands, coastal cliffs, bluffs, and banks, rocky shores, and manmade shorelines as defined in "The State of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program" as amended June 28, 1983.

Cut means an excavation. The difference between a point on the original ground and designated point of lower elevation on the final grade. Also, the material removed in excavation.

Development project means any construction, reconstruction, demolition, or removal of structures, roadways, parking or other paved areas, utilities or similar facilities, including any action requiring a building permit by the town.

Erosion means the removal of mineral and/or organic matter by the action of wind, water, and/or gravity.

Excavate means any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock, or any other similar material is dug into, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated, or bulldozed, and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom.

Fill means any act by which earth, sand, or other material is placed or moved to a new location above-ground. The fill is also the difference in elevation between a point of existing undisturbed ground and a designated point of higher elevation of the final grade.

Land disturbing activity means any physical land development activity which includes such actions as clearance of vegetation, moving or filling of land, removal or excavation of soil or mineral resources or similar activities.

Runoff means the surface water discharge or rate of discharge of a given watershed after a fall of rain or snow and including seepage flows that do not enter the soil but run off the surface of the land. Also, that portion of water that is not absorbed by the soil, but runs off the land surface.

Sediment means solid material, both mineral and/or organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by wind, water, and/or gravity as a product of erosion.

Soil erosion and sediment control plan means the approved document required before any person may cause a disturbance to the natural terrain within the town as herein regulated. Also, referred to in this article as erosion and sediment control plan or approved plan.

Watercourse means any water or coastal wetland at its mean high water level, any freshwater wetland at its seasonal high water level, including but not limited to, any river, stream, brook, pond, lake, swamp, marsh, bog, fen, wet meadow, or any other standing or flowing body of water. The edge of the watercourse as herein defined shall be used for delineation purposes.

(Ord. of 6-3-1991, art. VII, § 1)

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Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.