For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
APPLICANT. Any person or entity that is required to submit and implement an approved Woodland Preservation Plan under this chapter.
CALIPER INCH. The diameter of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above ground level.
CONIFEROUS TREES. A wood plant which, at maturity, is at least 12 feet or more in height and has foliage on the outermost portions of the branches year round.
CONSTRUCTION ZONE. Any area in which movement of earth, alteration in topography, soil compaction, disruption of vegetation, change in soil chemistry, or other change in the natural character of the land occurs as a result of the site preparation, grading, building construction, or any other construction activity.
CRITICAL ROOT ZONE (CRZ). An imaginary circle surrounding the tree trunk radius distance of 1 foot per 1 inch of tree diameter (a 20 inch diameter tree has a CRZ with a radius of 20 feet).
DRIP LINE. The farthest distance away from the trunk that rain or dew will directly fall to the ground from the leaves or branches of the tree.
EXEMPT TREE. Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoids), Ash (any fraxinus species), willow (any Salix species), any species of the genus Elm, except those bred to be immune to Dutch Elm Disease, Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Russian Olive (Elaeagmis angustifolia), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and Box-elder (Acer negundo) trees. These trees are not protected under the provisions of this Chapter unless the tree is located in the Shoreland Overlay District, and, unless located in the Shoreland Overlay District, shall not be included in the definition of a Significant Tree for purposes of this chapter.
HARDWOOD DECIDUOUS TREE. Includes ironwood, oak, maple (hard), walnut, ash, hickory, birch, black cherry, hackberry, locust, and basswood.
SIGNIFICANT TREE. A healthy tree measuring a minimum of 6 caliper inches for all hardwood deciduous trees, a minimum of 20 caliper inches for all softwood deciduous trees, or a minimum of 12 feet in height for all coniferous trees.
SIGNIFICANT WOODLAND. A grouping or cluster of coniferous and/or deciduous trees with contiguous crown cover, occupying 15,000 or more square feet of property, and is comprised of deciduous trees of 6 caliper inches or more, and coniferous trees over 12 feet in height.
SOFTWOOD DECIDUOUS TREES. Includes catalpa, cottonwood, poplars/aspen, box elder, willow, silver maple, and elm.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 655, passed 5-23-2016)