Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17A Administration

Chapter 17A.020 Definitions

Section 17A.020.220 “V” Definitions

1. Variance.
   A grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter that permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by Title 17 SMC.

2. Vegetative Classes.
   Certain types of wetlands as defined by the U.S. fish and wildlife service's classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States, FWS/OBS-79-31 (Cowardin et al., 1979) and which are at least one-half acre in size or comprise at least ten percent of the entire wetland.

3. Vehicle-Scaled Fixtures (lighting)
   Pole-mounted light fixtures placed and designed to illuminate vehicular-traffic areas including exterior lots, driveways and roadways. For purposes of the HFBC, Pedestrian-Scaled Fixtures are defined by height as measured from ground to bottom of shade or bulb

4. Vehicle Types.

   1. Commercial Vehicle.
      See “Commercial Vehicle” (SMC 17A.020.030).

   2. Motor Vehicle.
      Vehicles that have their own motive power and that are used for the transportation of people or goods on streets. Motor vehicle includes:

      1. motorcycles,

      2. passenger vehicles,

      3. trucks, and

      4. recreational vehicles

   with motive power. See also Passenger Vehicle, Recreational Vehicle, and Truck.

   3. Passenger Vehicle.

      1. A motor vehicle designed to carry ten persons or less including the driver.

      2. Passenger vehicle also includes motor vehicles designed to carry ten persons or less that are constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use.

      3. Passenger vehicle includes vehicles commonly called cars, minivans, passenger vans, and jeeps.

      4. Passenger vehicle is intended to cover the vehicles defined as passenger cars and multi-purpose passenger vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter V, Section 571.3. See also Recreational Vehicle, and Truck.

   4. Recreational Vehicle.
      See “Recreational Vehicle” (SMC 17A.020.180).

   5. Truck.

      1. A motor vehicle which is designed primarily for the movement of property or special purpose equipment, or a motor vehicle that is designed to carry more than ten persons.

      2. Truck includes vehicles commonly called trucks, pick-ups, delivery vans, buses, motor homes, and other similar vehicles.

      3. Truck is intended to cover the vehicles defined as trucks and buses by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter V, Section 571.3.

      4. Trucks are divided into three categories by size as stated below.

         1. Light Truck.
            Light trucks are trucks and similar vehicles with single rear axles and single rear wheels.

         2. Medium Truck.
            Medium trucks are trucks and similar vehicles, other than truck tractors, with single rear axles and dual rear wheels. Truck tractors are in the “Heavy Truck” category.

         3. Heavy Truck.
            Heavy trucks are trucks, including truck tractors, and similar vehicles with two or more rear axles.

         4. Utility Trailer.
            A vehicle designed to be pulled by a motor vehicle which is used to carry property, trash, or special equipment and that is sixteen feet or less in length. Boat trailers are included as utility trailers. Utility trailers that are longer than sixteen feet in length are considered industrial vehicles and are regulated as heavy trucks.

      5. See also Passenger Vehicle, and Recreational Vehicle.

5. Vernal Wetland System.
   Seasonal depressional wetlands typically occurring high in the drainage that derive their hydrology from rainfall and snow and a small immediate watershed. Vernal systems are formed as a result of accumulation of surface water in an isolated basin that at no time of the year would have a natural inlet or outlet and water is entirely absent from the surface part of the year.

6. Vested.
   The right to development or continue development in accordance with the laws, rules, and other regulations in effect at the time vesting is achieved.

7. Video Display Method.
   A video display method is a method of display characterized by real-time, full-motion imagery.

8. Vulnerable Species.
   Those species susceptible to significant population declines because they are uncommon either within a specific area or statewide, have a very limited distribution, or have special space or habitat requirements.

Date Passed: Monday, January 12, 2015

Effective Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2015

ORD C35212 Section 19