The following definitions govern the construction of this chapter:

(a) “State Water Resources Development System” means the State Water Resources Development System as described in Section 12931, including, but not limited to, all portions of the project authorized pursuant to the Central Valley Project Act (Part 3 (commencing with Section 11100)) and additions thereto.

(b) “Encroachment” means any installation of any tower, pole, pipe, fence, building, structure, object, or improvement of any kind or character that is placed in, on, under, or over any portion of the State Water Resources Development System or other use of the department’s right-of-way, including the alteration of the ground surface elevation by more than one foot, or the planting of trees, vines, or other vegetation on the department’s right-of-way that may pose a threat to the physical integrity of any facility of the State Water Resources Development System or that could interfere with the department’s rights with regard to access, inspection, repair, or the operation and maintenance of any State Water Resources Development System facility.

(c) “Person” means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, other business entity, nonprofit organization, or governmental entity.

(d) “Right-of-way” means any property interest acquired by the department for State Water Resources Development System purposes, including but not limited to, an easement, license, permit, joint use agreement, or fee ownership.

(Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 263, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2006.)