For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When consistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The use of the word "shall" means the requirement is always mandatory and not merely directory.
APPLICANTMeans any "person," as defined below, who applies for approval to remove trees regulated under this chapter.
CRITICAL ROOT RADIUS (CRR)Means the zone around the base of a tree where the majority of the root system is found. This zone is calculated by multiplying the diameter at breast height (DBH) of the tree by 1.5 feet. For example, a tree with a six-inch DBH would have a CRR of nine feet (6 x 1.5 = 9).
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH)Means the diameter of the trunk of a mature tree generally measured at a point 4 1/2 feet above the ground level from the uphill side of the tree. For species of trees where the main trunk divides below the four-and-one-half-foot height, the DBH shall be measured at the highest point before any division.
HAZARD TREEMeans a tree or limbs thereof that meet one or more of the criteria below. Trees that do not meet any of the criteria below and are proposed to be removed solely for development purposes are not hazard trees.
A. Has an infectious disease or insect infestation;
Obstructs the view of traffic signs or the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles, where pruning attempts have not been effective;
Is causing obvious damage to structures (such as building foundations, sidewalks, etc.); or
Is determined to be a threat to public health, safety, and/or welfare by a certified arborist or licensed tree expert (LTE).
PERSONMeans any individual, resident, corporation, utility, company, partnership, firm, or association.
PLANTING STRIPMeans the part of a street right-of-way between the public right-of-way and the portion of the street reserved for vehicular traffic or between the abutting property line and the curb or traveled portion of the street, exclusive of any sidewalk.
RESIDENTMeans an individual who resides on the residential property or contractor hired by the individual who resides on the residential property where a tree(s) regulated by this chapter is removed or proposed to be removed.
STREET TREEMeans a tree planted in the sidewalk, planting strip, and/or in the public right-of-way adjacent to the portion of the street reserved for vehicular traffic. This also includes trees planted in planting strips within the roadway right-of-way, i.e., islands, medians, pedestrian refuges.
TREEMeans a woody perennial plant, typically having a single stem or trunk growing to a considerable height and bearing lateral branches at some distance from the ground.
TREE CALIPERMeans the diameter of the trunk of a young tree, measured six inches from the soil line. For young trees whose caliper exceeds four inches, the measurement is taken 12 inches above the soil line.
TREE REMOVALMeans to kill or to cause irreparable damage that leads to the decline and/or death of a tree. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive pruning, application of substances that are toxic to the tree, over-mulching or improper mulching, and improper grading and/or soil compaction within the critical root radius around the base of the tree that leads to the decline and/or death of a tree. Removal does not include responsible pruning and maintenance of a tree, or the application of treatments intended to manage invasive species.
