[R.O. 2008 § 402.020; Ord. No. 5752 § 1, 12-8-2011]
The following definitions shall apply in interpretation and enforcement of this Chapter, unless otherwise specifically stated:
BUFFERYARD
A combination of distance and a visual buffer or barrier. It includes an area, together with the combination of plantings, berms and/or fencing that are required to eliminate or reduce existing or potential nuisances. These nuisances can occur between adjacent zoning districts and between different land uses. Such nuisances include dirt, litter, noise and glare of lights, signs and incompatible land uses, buildings or parking areas.
CALIPER
A measurement of the tree trunk diameter measured at twelve (12) inches above ground level.
CITY TREE PLAN
A written document that plans for the care, replacement, maintenance, and removal of trees in parks, along streets, and in other public spaces.
LANDSCAPE MATERIAL
Landscaping materials are considered to be native or exotic plantings, lawns, ground cover, trees, shrubs, and other planting materials. Paved or decorated surfaces, outdoor landscape elements, pools, fountains, water features, paved or decorative surfaces are also considered landscape materials.
PLANT UNIT
A plant unit shall consist of a combination of landscape materials which shall equal thirty (30) points where deciduous canopy trees measuring two (2) to two and one-half (2.5) inch caliper equal ten (10) points each, evergreen trees measuring six (6) to eight (8) feet tall equal ten (10) points each, ornamental deciduous trees measuring one and one-half (1.5) to two (2) inch caliper equal five (5) points each, and shrubs measuring eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) inches tall or three (3) to four (4) feet wide equal one (1) point each. All sizes specified are at the time of planting. While any combination of materials may be used to achieve the total point requirement, the mixture of a combination of types of materials is strongly encouraged. An example of various plant unit alternatives is on file in the City offices.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
Land opened, reserved or dedicated for a street, sewer, water, walk, drainage course or other public purpose.
ROOT FLARE
It is the swelling at the base of the trunk where the roots and the trunk connect.
SHRUB
Any woody plant that has several stems, none of which is dominant, and is usually less than ten (10) feet (3 m) tall.
TREE
A perennial woody plant typically having one (1), but possibly multiple main trunks reaching a mature height greater than fifteen (15) feet and a mature trunk of at least eight (8) inches in diameter at one (1) foot above the ground.
TREE PROTECTION ZONE
That portion of any parcel of land covered by the front, side and rear yard setback requirements as established by the City of O'Fallon Zoning Code.