12.03 - Definitions § 12.03
Section 12.03: Definitions
The following terms, as used in this Chapter, shall have the meanings stated:
1. Boulevard: The portion of the street right-of-way between the curb line and
the property line.
Source: Ordinance No. 706
Effective Date: 12-11-87
2. Comprehensive Plan: A compilation of policy statements, goals, standards,
and maps for guiding the physical, social and economic development, both
private and public, of the City and its environs and may include, but is not
limited to, the following: Statements of policies, goals, standards, a land use
plan, a community facilities plan, a transportation plan, and recommendations
for plan execution. A comprehensive plan represents the Council's
recommendations for the future development of the community and includes
any part of such plan separately adopted and any amendment to such plan(s)
or part(s) thereof.
3. Corner Lot: A single parcel of land bounded in part by two streets that
intersect at an angle of one hundred thirty five (135°) degrees or less. For
measurement purposes, the primary front of a corner lot is the shorter of its
two street sides.
Source: Ordinance No. 34, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-12-90
4. Cul-de-Sac: A local street with only one (1) outlet and having an appropriate
terminal for the safe and convenient reversal of traffic movement.
Source: Ordinance No. 706
Effective Date- 12-11-87
5. Depth of Lot: The shortest horizontal distance between the front line and
the rear line measured at a ninety (90°) degree angle from the street right-
of-way.
Source: Ordinance No. 34, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-12-90
6. Double Bungalow: A residential structure divided into two (2) residential
units along a party wall.
7. Easement: A grant of an interest in land by an owner for the specific use of
said land by the public generally, or by a person or persons.
8. Final Plat: The final map, drawing or chart, as prepared by a Registered
Land Surveyor, on which the owner's or subdivider's plan of subdivision is
presented to the Council for approval and which, if approved, will be filed for
record in the office of the County Recorder.
Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of 3
§ 12.03
9. Functional Classification System Criteria for Roadways: The system
adopted by the Metropolitan Council based on roadway characteristics,
access spacing standards, and other transportation planning standards. The
functional classification system consists of five (5) roadways: Interstate
freeway, major arterials, minor arterials, collector streets and local streets.
The functional classification system is found in the Transportation Chapter of
the Metropolitan Development Guide/Policy Plan.
10. Half Street: A perimeter street of at least thirty (30) feet in width which lies
within the boundaries of a proposed plat.
11. Lot: A parcel or portion of land in a subdivision or plat of land, separated
from other parcels or portions by description.
12. Marginal Access Street: A street which is parallel to and close to arterial
streets and highways and which provides access to abutting properties and
protection from through traffic.
13. Minimum Subdivision Design Standards: The guides, principles and
specifications for the preparation of subdivision plans indicating among other
things, the minimum and maximum dimensions of the various elements set
forth in the preliminary plan.
14. Owner: Any individual, firm or other legal entity having sufficient proprietary
interest in the land sought to be subdivided to commence and maintain
proceedings to subdivide the same under this Chapter.
15. Party Walls: The wall shared in a residential structure by more than one
residential unit.
16. Pedestrian Way: The right-of-way across land, for use by pedestrian traffic
whether designated as a pedestrian way, crosswalk, or however otherwise
designated.
17. Planning Agency: The Planning Commission or Physical Development
Department of the City.
18. Platting Authority: The City Council.
19. Preliminary Plat: The preliminary map, drawing or chart indicating the
proposed layout of a subdivision to be submitted through the office of the
City Physical Development Department to the Planning Commission and the
Council for consideration.
20. Restrictive Covenants: Contracts entered into between private parties
constituting a restriction on the use of private property within a subdivision
for the benefit of the property owners, and providing mutual protection
against undesirable aspects of development which would tend to impair
values.
Golden Valley City Code Page 2 of 3
§ 12.03
21. Setback Line, Building: A line shown on the preliminary plat, within the lot
and parallel to the street or lot line, which sets off an area within which no
enclosed structure or portion thereof may be erected.
Source: Ordinance No. 706
Effective Date: 12-11-87
22. Street: A public right-of-way for vehicular traffic, whether designated as a
street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, thruway, road, avenue, boulevard,
lane, place or however otherwise designated.
Source: Ordinance No. 34, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-12-90
23. Street Width: The shortest distance between the lines delineating the right-
of-way of a street.
24. Subdivider: Any person, firm or other legal entity commencing proceedings
under this Chapter to effect a subdivision of land hereunder for himself or for
another.
Source: Ordinance No. 706
Effective Date: 12-11-87
25. Subdivision: The division of a parcel of land into two or more lots or parcels,
for the purpose of transfer of ownership or building development, or, if a new
street is involved, any division of a parcel of land. The term includes a
change to an existing subdivision and, when appropriate to the context, shall
relate to the process of subdividing or to the land subdivided.
Source: Ordinance No. 34, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-12-90
26. Width of Lot: The minimum required horizontal distance between the side
lot lines measured at right angles to the lot depth, at the minimum front yard
setback line.
Source: Ordinance No. 548, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-16-15
27. Utilities: One (1) or more of the following services provided to the public:
sanitary sewer, water, storm sewer, telephone, electricity, cable television,
and other communication mechanisms.
Source: Ordinance No. 706
Effective Date: 12-11-87
Golden Valley City Code Page 3 of 3