Definitions. Whenever used in this chapter, unless a different meaning
clearly appears from the context, or unless a different meaning is
stated in a definition applicable to only a portion of this chapter,
the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENT CUT
The removal, to the extent possible, of the minimum number
of the smallest and poorest specimens of trees so as to permit land
development and the retention of the maximum number of the larger
and better specimen of trees.
CALIPER
Caliper is a type of diameter measurement used in the nursery
industry. The height measurement shall be taken from the ground level
for field grown stock and from the soil line for container grown stock,
which should be at or near the top of the root flare. Caliper measurement
of a trunk shall be taken six inches above the top of root flare up
to and including four-inch caliper size. If the caliper at six inches
above the ground exceeds four inches, the caliper should be measured
at 12 inches above the top of root flare. Seldom are trees perfectly
round. The most accurate measurement will result from the use of a
diameter tape. Caliper measurements taken with manual or electronic
slot or pincer-type caliper tools should be the average of the smallest
and largest measurement.
CLEAR CUTTING
The removal of all standing trees on a lot or portion of
a lot.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The official of the Town charged with the responsibility
of administering this chapter. In the absence of a designation by
the Town Administrator, the Code Enforcement Officer shall be the
Town Engineer. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be responsible for
the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. In this regard,
the Code Enforcement Officer is authorized and shall perform any necessary
inspections and is further authorized and shall issue violation notices
and shall sign complaints and provide testimony in the Town of Westfield
Municipal Court for violations of this chapter.
DRIPLINE
The circular area surrounding a tree, the radius of which
area shall be the distance from the trunk of the tree to the outermost
branch of the tree.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
agency or other entity.
REPLACEMENT TREE
The tree, including a description of the species and the minimum diameter and height, which is required pursuant to §
29A-22.
ROOT SYSTEM
Those tree roots within the dripline perimeter.
SELECTIVE CUTTING
The removal of larger trees on an individual basis while
leaving trees of lesser size for future harvest.
SHADE TREE
Any species of tree having characteristics which help provide
shade, as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
SITE PLAN
A development plan as defined in Chapter
25 of the Town Code.
STOP-WORK ORDER or ORDER
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer to stop any
tree work or other activity which he or she believes is occurring
in violation of any provision of this chapter.
SUBDIVISION
The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land, including minor subdivisions and major subdivisions, as defined in Chapter
25 of the Town Code.
THINNING
The removal of undesirable, competitive, diseased or damaged
trees so as to cultivate and improve the development of the remaining
trees on a lot.
TOWN
The Town of Westfield.
TOWN CODE
The Town Code of the Town of Westfield.
TOWN TREE
A tree located on land owned by the Town or a tree whose
base is located in whole or in part within the public right-of-way.
TREE
Any deciduous or coniferous species which reaches a typical
mature height of at least 25 feet and a typical mature DBH of four
inches or greater.
TREE BOND
The bond which shall be posted for two years to provide for
the cost of a replacement tree if such replacement tree dies during
such two-year period.
TREE INVENTORY
The inventory prepared by the Tree Preservation Commission
which lists the trees on vacant and subdividable lots in the Town.
TREE PRESERVATION COMMISSION or COMMISSION
The Commission created to assist the Planning Board or Board
of Adjustment, as the case may be, and the Code Enforcement Officer
in an advisory capacity on tree preservation and management matters
pertaining to the Town.
TREE PRESERVATION PLAN or PLAN
The additional information required as part of the tree removal
application where property is being developed and requires subdivision
or site plan approval.
TREE TRUST FUND
The fund created to collect money, pursuant to this chapter,
for the purchase and planting of replacement trees. The Tree Trust
Fund shall be administered under the direction of the Code Enforcement
Officer in conjunction with the Town Administrator, and it shall include
funds provided by developers pursuant to this chapter as well as donations,
grants or bequests made to the trust fund.