Printer
TextComprehensive Plan Glossary
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This Glossary, updated June 19, 2012, contains an alphabetical
listing defining terms as they are used in the context of the
Comprehensive Plan. These terms are not intended to be the same
definitions as used in the County's Zoning Ordinance. Rather, they
are intended only to explain terms used in the Plan.
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dBA: A measurement unit of noise. The term dBA refers to a measurement of sound pressure on the "decibel" scale weighted to approximately the sensitivity of the human ear to certain frequencies. DEDICATION: The transfer of property rights from private to public ownership. Land so conveyed to the local government may be used for streets, schools, parks, utilities, etc. The governing body must formally accept the dedication for the transaction to be complete. DENSITY: The number of persons or dwelling units per acre. DEVELOPMENT INTENSITY: A quantitative measure of non residential and mixed use development, which may include residential components, usually expressed in terms of floor area ratio; the mix and distribution of uses within a given area that determines the impact on public facility systems and transportation facilities. DNL (Ldn): Day night loudness. A weighted average sound pressure level accounting for the variations in noise levels during a 24 hour period, which allows for additional sensitivity to nighttime noise. DIAMOND LANES: A specific type of High Occupancy Vehicle (H.O.V.) facility in which one or more lanes are reserved for use by H.O.V. traffic. A lane so designated is identified by a painted diamond symbol on the pavement. DISSOLVED OXYGEN: A component of water that is essential to the survival of aquatic life. Low concentrations of dissolved oxygen are generally caused by oxygen use during the decomposition of organic matter. DISTRICT PARKS: These parks offer diverse experiences and activities that typically involve an individual or group for a time period of up to a half day and may attract spectators or participants. These larger parks offer opportunities for a mix of park experiences and to combine diverse indoor and outdoor facilities and activities, such as recreation centers (RECenters), multiple athletic fields, courts, group picnic facilities, trails, woodlands, open space, open play areas, amphitheatre, sometimes in or near natural settings. The size of these parks varies, but are typically between 50 to 150 acres. EASEMENT: A grant by a property owner of the use of his or her land by another party for a specific purpose. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES: Biological species, communities and habitats characterized by high biological productivity, diversity, and/or connectivity, that are valuable because of their scarcity, their uniqueness, their pollutant removal abilities, and/or their aesthetic benefits. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Activities aimed at job creation, retention and expansion, which strengthen a community's economic base and provide employment opportunities for the population. ENERGY CONSERVATION: The practice of reducing energy consumption. ENERGY EFFICIENCY: The incorporation of design and/or technological measures that serve to reduce energy use while attaining a similar level of service. ENERGY RESOURCE AND RECOVERY FACILITY: A mass burn disposal facility that burns solid waste to create steam for electric power generation. ENHANCED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR: Major public transportation facilities (such as rail transit or high occupancy vehicle lanes) will be provided in these corridors, based upon the results of a comprehensive alternatives analysis. Final facility locations are subject to the completion of the Area Plans and/or other appropriate studies. See the Transportation Plan Map for identification of the corridors. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CORRIDORS (EQCs): An open space system designed to link and preserve natural resource areas and provide passive recreation. The system includes stream valleys, wildlife habitats, and wetlands. EQC: See Environmental Quality Corridors.
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