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Article 10: Definitions 49 <br /> Section 10.1: Definitions <br /> An area of land adjacent to a stream or a FEMA-identified floodplain, whichever is greater, which, except <br /> as permitted within this Ordinance, must remain undisturbed in its natural state. Streams are identified by <br /> any of the following means: <br /> a) Shown as solid blue lines or as broken blue lines on the USGS Quadrangle maps, <br /> b) Shown as a water feature in the Orange County Soil Survey, or <br /> c) A water feature identified by a field determination of County staff trained in surface water <br /> identification through the North Carolina Division of Water Qualit Quality <br /> ( QNCDEQ). <br /> Stream buffers shall extend around the perimeter of all other water features if any portion of the stream <br /> buffer touches the water feature. Disputes pertaining to water feature identification decisions by County <br /> staff shall be filed directly to the QNCDEQ. <br /> Stream, Ephemeral (Stormwater) <br /> A feature that carries only stormwater in direct response to precipitation with water flowing only during <br /> and shortly after large precipitation events. An ephemeral stream may or may not have a well-defined <br /> channel, the aquatic bed is always above the water table, and stormwater runoff is the primary source of <br /> water. An ephemeral stream typically lacks the biological, hydrological, and physical characteristics <br /> commonly associated with continuous or intermittent conveyance of water. <br /> Stream, Intermittent <br /> A well defined channel that contains water for only part of the year, typically during winter and spring <br /> when the aquatic bed is below the water table. The flow may be heavily supplemented by stormwater <br /> runoff. An intermittent stream often lacks the biological and hydrological characteristics commonly <br /> associated with the continuous conveyance of water. <br /> Stream, Modified Natural <br /> An on-site channelization or relocation of a stream channel and subsequent relocation of the intermittent <br /> or perennial flow as evidenced by topographic alterations in the immediate watershed. A modified natural <br /> stream must have the typical biological, hydrological and physical characteristics commonly associated <br /> with continuous conveyance of water. <br /> Stream Order <br /> A ranking of the relative sizes of streams within a watershed based on the nature of their tributaries. The <br /> smallest unbranched tributary is called first order, the stream receiving the tributary is called second <br /> order, and so on. <br /> Stream, Perennial <br /> A well-defined channel that contains water year round during a year of normal rainfall with the aquatic bed <br /> located below the water table for most of the year. Groundwater is the primary source of water for a <br /> perennial stream, but it also carries stormwater runoff. A perennial stream exhibits the typical biological, <br /> hydrological and physical characteristics commonly associated with continuous conveyance of water. <br /> Street <br /> A way for vehicular traffic whether designated as a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, <br /> freeway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place or however otherwise designated. <br /> Street, Alley <br /> A minor way used primarily for vehicular access to the rear or side of properties otherwise abutting a <br /> street at the front, and which is not intended for general circulation. <br /> Street, Arterial <br /> A street used primarily for through traffic, usually on a continuous route. These streets carry high <br /> volumes of traffic, in excess of 1,200 trips per day. For purposes of these regulations such streets <br /> include those so designated in the Comprehensive Plan or element thereof. <br /> Street, Collector <br /> Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 10-54 <br />