Definitions specially applicable to this Chapter are set forth in this Section. The definitions of other defined terms are as set forth in Section 12-10 (DEFINITIONS).

Scenic view

A "scenic view" is an outstanding or unique view from a mapped public park or an esplanade or a mapped public place which is protected by the regulations of this Chapter. Scenic views shall be limited to:

(a)        distant landscapes of scenic grandeur which contain natural features such as hills, palisades or similar features;

(b)        outstanding views of large bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lakes, harbors, waterfalls or similar aquatic features; or

(c)        panoramic views of the waterfront profile of the skyline formed by built and natural elements.

The minimum horizontal distance between the scenic view and a view reference line shall be at least 1,500 feet and shall not contain distractions which reduce the quality of such view. The specific view to be preserved under the regulation of this Special Scenic View District shall be described and made part of this Chapter.

View framing line

The "view framing line" is a line or lines which establish the outer edge of the scenic view to be protected. For each scenic view, the view framing line or lines and their elevation are to be located and identified and made part of this Chapter.

View plane

A "view plane" is an imaginary plane above which no obstruction shall be permitted within a Special Scenic View District unless authorized by the City Planning Commission. Position of the view plane may be conical surfaces. Such view plane or planes are established by joining the view reference line with the view framing lines as illustrated below:

View planes and their elevation, length and slopes applicable to each Special Scenic View District are to be located and identified and made part of this Chapter.

View reference line

The "view reference line" is a line within a mapped public park or an esplanade or a mapped public place from which at any point an outstanding scenic view may be observed. A view reference line and its elevation applicable to each Special Scenic View District are to be located and identified and made part of this Chapter.

The mapped public park or an esplanade or a mapped public place in which such view reference line is located shall be directly accessible from a street.