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12.0 Glossary

intersection volumes (e.g., an intersection with an ICU of 0.60 has 60 percent of the total
available capacity being used by traffic).

Intersection Capacity Utilization Method (ICU): A method of analyzing intersection level
of service by calculating a volume-to-capacity (V/C) ratio for each governing "critical"
movement during a traffic signal phase. The V/C ratio for each phase is summed with the
others at the intersection to produce an overall V/C ratio for the intersection as a whole. The
ICU is usually expressed as a percent. The percent represents that portion of the hour
required to provide sufficient capacity to accommodate all intersection traffic if all
approaches operate at capacity. The V/C ratio represents the percent of intersection capacity
used. For example, a V/C ratio of 0.85 indicates that 85 percent of capacity is being used.

Intrusive Noise: Noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given
location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration,
frequency, and time of occurrence and tonal or information content as well as the prevailing
ambient noise level.

Inversion Layer: A condition in the atmosphere through which the temperature increases
with altitude, holding cooler surface air down along with its pollutants.

Jobs/Housing Balance or Jobs/Housing Ratio: The jobs/housing ratio divides the number
of jobs in an area by the number of employed residents. A ratio of 1.0 typically indicates a
balance. A ratio greater than 1.0 indicates a net in-commute; less than 1.0 indicates a net out-
commute.

Jurisdiction by Law: Jurisdiction by law means the authority of any public agency: (1) To
grant a permit or other entitlement for use; (2) To provide funding for the project in
question; or (3) To exercise authority over resources which may be affected by the project.
A city or county will have jurisdiction by law with respect to a project when the city or county
having primary jurisdiction over the area involved is: (1) The site of the project; (2) The area
in which the major environmental effects will occur; and/or (3) The area in which reside
those citizens most directly concerned by any such environmental effects. Where an agency
having jurisdiction by law must exercise discretionary authority over a project in order for
the project to proceed, it is also a Responsible Agency (State CEQA Guidelines, Section
15366).

Kilowatt (kW): One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. Refers to the instantaneous amount of
electricity used or generated.

Lacustrine: Deposited in a lake environment.

Landfill: An area of land or an excavation in which wastes are placed for permanent disposal,
and that is not a land application unit, surface impoundment, injection well, or waste pile.
Class I and Class II landfills are both hazardous waste landfills. Class I landfills have stricter
controls than Class II landfills and can accept wastes not permitted in Class II facilities.

Landmark: (1) A building, site, object, structure, or significant tree, having historical,
architectural, social, or cultural significance and marked for preservation by the local, State,

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