CITY OF DES MOINES SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM

Des Moines Shoreline Master Program
CHAPTER 8 – DEFINITIONS
In addition to definitions contained in the Des Moines Zoning Code (DMMC 18.04), the
following definitions shall apply for purposes of administering the Des Moines SMP.
Abut (abutting, abuts) 3 . To touch at one end or side, to lie adjacent to, be next to, or to border
upon. Abut is synonymous with adjacent and adjoining.
Accessory 3 . A use, a building or structure, part of a building or other structure, which is
subordinate to and the use of which is incidental to that of the main building, structure, or use on
the same lot, including a private garage. If an accessory building is attached to the main building
by a common wall or roof, such accessory building shall be considered a part of the main
building.
Accessory living quarters (ALQ) 3 . Provides complete independent living facilities including
provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation within a detached structure or within part
of the primary dwelling unit.
Act 1 . The Washington State SMA, chapter 90.58 RCW.
Accretion beach 4 . Beach area that shows a net accumulation of beach sediment over time, as a
result of natural coastal geologic processes or as a result of the effects of shoreline modifications
on natural processes.
Adjacent 3 . To abut
Agricultural activities 1 . Agricultural uses and practices for economic use, including, but not
limited to: Producing, breeding, or increasing agricultural products; rotating and changing
agricultural crops; allowing land used for agricultural activities to lie fallow in which it is plowed
and tilled but left unseeded; allowing land used for agricultural activities to lie dormant as a
result of adverse agricultural market conditions; allowing land used for agricultural activities to
lie dormant because the land is enrolled in a local, state, or federal conservation program, or the
land is subject to a conservation easement; conducting agricultural operations; maintaining,
repairing, and replacing agricultural equipment; maintaining, repairing, and replacing
agricultural facilities, provided that the replacement facility is no closer to the shoreline than the
original facility; and maintaining agricultural lands under production or cultivation.
Alley 3 . A public thoroughfare or way which affords only a secondary means of access to abutting
property.
Amendment 1 . A revision, update, addition, deletion, and/or reenactment to the Des Moines
SMP.
Approval 1 . An official action by the City of Des Moines agreeing to submit a proposed SMP or
amendments to the Department of Ecology for review and official action pursuant to the SMA.
KEY: 1. RCW or WAC 2. 1988 SMP Glossary 3. City Zoning Code 4. New Definition
Department of Ecology approval effective November 1, 2010
Adopted by City of Des Moines Ordinance No. 1502 113