Athens City Code

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

Bedrock means in-place, solid, and undisturbed rock.

Clearing means the removal from land of trees, shrubs, grass, and/or other varied ground cover and vegetation for windbreaks, water retention, and the maintenance of topsoil.

Compaction means the densification of materials by mechanical means.

Cut. See Excavation.

Earth material means any rock and/or natural soil exclusive of any decomposable matter.

Earthwork means excavation, fill and backfill, compaction, and grading.

Erosion means the wearing away of the ground surface as a result of movement of wind, water, and/or ice.

Excavation means the mechanical removal of earth material.

Fill or backfill means a deposit of earth by artificial means.

Finish or final grade means the grade of the subject site, which conforms to the permitted plan.

Grade means the vertical location of the ground surface to a predetermined elevation datum.

Grading means the operation of raising or lowering the ground surface to a predetermined grade.

Grading permit means a document allowing or authorizing the initiation of grading, excavation, or related earthwork according to city policies, procedures, and ordinances in conformity to the approved plans.

Rough grade means the stage of construction at which the grade approximately conforms to the permitted plan.

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

Site means a specific location on which any of the following activities are underway: excavation, cutting, or filling of earth or related earthwork.

Site plan means the graphical plan, usually in map form, prepared pursuant to ACC chapter 14-IV and the subdivision regulations of the city.

Soil means naturally occurring surface deposits overlying bedrock.

Stormwater means the waters derived from rain falling or snow melting within a tributary drainage basin, flowing over the surface of the ground or collected in a stormwater drainage system.