The preservation and maintenance of trees and wooded lands is necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the City of Rye because trees and their canopy provide shade, impede soil erosion, aid water absorption, reduce stormwater runoff, enhance air quality, mitigate global climate change, yield advantageous microclimate effects, offer a natural barrier to noise, provide a natural habitat for wildlife and add to the aesthetic quality of the community. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the preservation and planting of healthy native trees, enhance the tree canopy throughout Rye and to encourage the proper planning for the maintenance, restoration and protection of City trees.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The standards with respect to the care and treatment of trees developed by the American National Standards Institute and designated as ANSI A300.
The trunk diameter measured six inches above the ground for up to and including four-inch caliper size and 12 inches above the ground for larger sized trunks.
City of Rye, New York.
A professional holding certification regulated and maintained with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Parcels owned by the City of Rye, which includes rights-of-way (ROW), parks, open space and City facilities.
The diameter of a tree measured at a point of 54 inches above ground level at the base of the tree on the uphill side.
Shall be any property or right-of-way owned by any municipal corporation or public school district that is not defined as City property
The surface and space above, on, and below any public highway, avenue, street, lane, alley, driveway, bridge, tunnel, park, parkway, waterway, dock, bulkhead, wharf, pier, public easement, right-of-way or any other public ground or water within or in which the City now or hereafter holds any property interest.
A living deciduous or coniferous plant with an erect perennial trunk and a definitely formed crown of foliage.
Any tree that has a DBH of eight (8) inches or greater.
Any tree that has a DBH of thirty (30) inches or greater.
The labor foreperson in charge of trees or such representative, such as an experienced certified arborist, designated by the City Engineer.