§ 70-3.17. Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply in this article:

BUILDING HEIGHT

The vertical distance to the highest point of a roof, measured from the preexisting grade at the front of the building, as determined by the Building Commissioner or his/her representative prior to construction.

CLUSTERED DEVELOPMENT

Development that directs all built elements into selected areas of a parcel by clustering development at higher densities on a portion of the property, while allowing the remainder of the parcel to be preserved as undeveloped, open space. Clustered developments shall limit encroachment of the development upon environmentally sensitive areas and reduce the amount of open land disturbed by development, roads, and utility lines.

DWELLING UNIT

One or more rooms used as a residence, each having sleeping and toilet facilities, and only one kitchen.

FINISHED BASEMENT

That portion of a building which is partly below grade with less than half of its floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground, and which has internal circulation to the floor above and/or plumbing fixtures.

GROSS FLOOR AREA

The sum of the gross horizontal area of all floors of all structures on a site, as measured to the outside surfaces of exterior walls. Gross floor area shall include attached garages, enclosed porches, and roofed porches having more than 50% of the perimeter enclosed or screened. Gross floor area shall also include finished basements as defined in this section. Gross floor area in dwellings for areas exceeding ten feet in height shall be equal to 1.5 times the actual floor area.

LOT COVERAGE

The percentage of a lot(s) covered by the maximum projection of any floor or roof of buildings or structures, excluding uncovered swimming pools, uncovered terraces, uncovered porches, uncovered verandas, uncovered decks and carports.

MULTIPLE UNIT DEVELOPMENT

A development of dwelling units on one or more contiguous lots under common ownership, which may take the form of individual structures with common utilities.

UNFINISHED BASEMENT

That portion of a building which is partly below grade with less than half of its floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground, with neither internal circulation to the floor above nor plumbing.

WATERFRONT

Land abutting Little Neck Bay, Manhasset Bay, or Hempstead Harbor.