As used in this article and in the "Administrative Manual", the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
Action Plan: A listing of trees on a property, in chart form, that identifies each tree by tag number and shows species, size (DBH), condition, form, percent critical root zone saved and the actions to be taken with each tree. The action plan must be submitted with each lot redevelopment plan or lot improvement plan.
Ad Hoc Tree Removal: Tree removal not related to lot redevelopment or lot improvement.
Administrative Manual: A document prepared by the village manager at the direction of the village board of trustees that identifies the requirements for tree preservation and procedures to establish a comprehensive review process for the village to follow in enforcing the tree preservation ordinance.
Caliper: Measurement used for nursery stock. The diameter of a tree trunk as measured six inches (6") above ground line for nursery trees up to and including four inches (4") in caliper and as measured twelve inches (12") above ground line for nursery trees larger than four inches (4") caliper.
Construction Envelope: The defined area of the lot or development that contains all of the construction or site disturbance activities.
Critical Root Zone: The area inscribed by an imaginary circular line on the ground beneath a tree having as its center point the center of the trunk of the tree and a radius equal to one foot (1') for every one inch (1") of trunk diameter (DBH).
Damage: The taking of any direct or indirect action that causes, or is reasonably likely to cause, the death of a protected tree or a significant loss of a protected tree's structural integrity including, without limitation, destruction, poisoning, carving, mutilating, girdling, severing the main trunk, leader, or large branches, touching with live wires, crushing or exposing the roots, digging or drilling any hole or trench within the root zone, filling with soil or other materials within the root zone, compacting a substantial portion of the soil in the critical root zone, or moving a tree to another location. Without limiting of the foregoing, "damage" does not include the pruning of protected trees in accordance with "Standard Practices For Tree, Shrub, And Other Woody Plant Maintenance" (ANSI A300) and "Tree Pruning Guidelines" published by the International Society of Arboriculture or similar standards and guidelines from time to time recommended for residents of the village by the village forester.
Demolition Plan: A plan for the demolition of existing structures on a lot. The demolition plan shall include a tree preservation plan that provides for the protection of trees during demolition of the structures and the removal of the debris.
Diameter At Breast Height (DBH): Measurement for trees other than nursery stock. The diameter of a tree measured at four and one-half feet (4.5') above the existing ground line.
Director: The Director of Public Works and Engineering or their designee.
Ground Line: The elevation of the existing ground at the point where the trunk of the tree meets existing ground. If the tree is on a slope, then the average elevation of the existing ground is used.
Healthy Tree: Any tree rated by the village forester as being in fair or better condition.
Heritage Tree: Any tree, including all genus, species, varieties, cultivars, and sizes of trees, that:
(a) Represents the very best specimens of trees, either predates or corresponds with the incorporation of the Village in the beginning of the twentieth century, and are determined by the Village Manager, or his or her designee, to be in good health and structurally sound;
(b) Heritage trees shall include all trees listed below, with a DBH as indicated:
(1) All Oaks (quercus) with a DBH equal or greater than twenty five inches (25");
(2) All Hickory (carya) with a DBH equal or greater than sixteen inches (16");
(3) All Ironwoods (ostrya virginiana) with a DBH equal or greater than eight inches (8");
(4) All Sugar Maples (acer saccharum) with a DBH equal or greater than twenty inches (20"); and
(5) All White Pines (pinus strobus) with a DBH equal or greater than twenty inches (20").
Lot Improvement Plan: A plan submitted to the village that shows all of the existing features and proposed changes to a parcel of land and existing structures. The lot improvement plan must be approved prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Lot Redevelopment Plan: A plan submitted to the village that shows all of the existing features and proposed changes to a parcel of land, including the demolition of existing structures.
Mitigation: The required replacement of protected trees on a site that are damaged or removed during demolition, lot redevelopment, lot improvement, or on an ad hoc basis, or of public trees in the public ways or on public property adjacent to a site that are damaged or removed during demolition, lot redevelopment, lot improvement, or on an ad hoc basis, in accordance with the evaluation of the village forester and mitigation formulas set forth in this article and the "Administrative Manual".
Monoculture: The practice of growing or planting a single species of trees within a given location.
Owner: The person or entity legally or beneficially owning a site in the village who is undertaking actions with respect to protected trees on such real estate which are regulated by the provisions of this article. The term "owner" shall include the family members, guests, tenants, licensees, contractors, agents, officers, directors, shareholders and employees of the person or entity legally or beneficially owning the real estate in question under the provisions of this article.
Protected Tree: All public trees without regard to DBH, all heritage trees and any healthy tree located on a site that is either: a) a tree having a diameter at breast height (DBH) of eight inches (8") or greater; or b) a multi-stem tree having an aggregate total of fifteen inches (15") DBH or greater. Notwithstanding anything herein to contrary, a protected tree shall not include any tree in the genera Rhamnus (Buckthorn).
Pruning: The cutting or trimming of protected trees in accordance with "Standard Practices For Tree, Shrub, And Other Woody Plant Maintenance" (ANSI A300) and "Tree Pruning Guidelines" published by the International Society of Arboriculture or similar standards and guidelines from time to time recommended for residents of the village by the village forester.
Public Tree: Any tree located on the dedicated right of way of all public roads and streets (parkway trees) in the village within or adjacent to a residential zoning district.
Remove Or Removal: To cut down a tree, or remove fifty percent (50%) or more of the crown, trunk, or root system of a tree; or to damage a tree so as to cause the tree to decline and/or die. "Removal" includes topping. "Removal" includes, but is not limited to, damage inflicted upon a root system by application of toxic substances, operation of equipment and vehicles, storage of materials, change of natural grade due to unapproved excavation or filling, or unapproved alteration of physical conditions, including girdling. Without limitation of the foregoing, "remove" or "removal" does not include the pruning of trees in accordance with national pruning standards.
Rhamnus (Buckthorn): A non-native species such as seeds, eggs, spores, or other propagules, whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health. The genera Rhamnus is considered an aggressive species, commonly known as an "invasive species." The Buckthorn invades forests, prairies, and savannas in the Midwestern United States and can form dense thickets crowding out native shrubs and understory plants. It is difficult to eliminate and can regenerate after cutting or burning. This invasive species grows and reproduces rapidly, negatively impacting wildlife and water quality in the areas in which it is present.
Site: A lot, block, tract or parcel of residential zoned land under unified ownership in the village of Deerfield upon which demolition, lot redevelopment, lot improvement, or ad hoc tree removal is planned or taking place.
Topographic Survey: A plan prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer that depicts the existing contour and ground elevations of a site in accordance with the village engineering department's requirements.
Topping: The severe cutback of a tree's limbs to stubs three inches (3") or larger in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the natural canopy and disfigure the tree. Topping does not include the practice of "pollarding" when conducted in accordance with the standards established by the International Society Of Arboriculture.
Tree: A self-supporting, woody plant, together with its root system, having a well defined stem or trunk or a multistemmed trunk system with a more or less well defined crown.
Tree Emergency: The existence of any tree within the village that has become an immediate danger or hazard to persons or property as a result of any tornado, windstorm, flood, freeze, natural disaster or other sudden, unforeseen accident.
Tree Inventory: A listing by tag number of the existing protected trees on the site and on adjacent properties that are within ten feet (10') of the property line of the site, or that have a critical root zone extending into the site. The tree inventory shall also include all public trees in the right of way adjacent to the site and all public trees that may be impacted by the construction. Data provided shall include tag number, species, size in dbh, condition rating, form rating, and any observed problems.
Tree Preservation Plan: A plan that provides all of the detail necessary as may be required by the village manager or his/her designee to verify how the existing public trees, protected trees and site features will be preserved.
Tree Removal Permit: The written permit issued by the village to authorize the removal of a public tree or protected tree pursuant to the provisions of this article.
Tree Removal Permit Application: The application required for issuance of a tree removal permit pursuant to section 21-28 of this chapter. A tree removal application fee in the amount established in the village fee ordinance shall be submitted with the application.
Tree Replacement Plan: The written plan submitted by an owner to the village pursuant to this article under which the owner becomes obligated to provide mitigation for protected trees for which removal is sought at a rate and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be specified in the plan, as approved by the village.
Tree Survey: A document consisting of text and graphics that includes the tag number and location of all trees having a DBH of six inches (6") or greater, all live protected trees on the site or on adjacent properties that are within ten feet (10') of the property line of the site or that have a critical root zone extending into the site. The tree survey shall also include all public trees in the right of way adjacent to the site and all public trees that may be impacted by the construction. The survey will contain a level of detail and other pertinent information as may be required by the village manager or his/her designee.
Village Fee Ordinance: Shall mean and refer to the annual fee resolution adopted by the corporate authorities establishing, among other things, fees under this article for applications, permits and plan reviews.
Village Forester: A qualified arborist employed or engaged by the village of Deerfield who is designated to act as village forester by the village manager. (Ord. 0-05-9, 3-21-2005; amd. Ord. 0-12-36, 10-1-2012; Ord. 0-14-17, 9-2-2014; Ord. 0-21-10, 3-15-2021)