For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CERTIFIED FORESTER OR ARBORIST. An independent contractor or town employee retained to address, survey, monitor and manage the health of town trees and the harm done by exotic invasive species (plants, insects and exotic trees), possessing a degree in forestry or horticulture or landscape architecture, or a certified arborist with the ability to do a Level 2 Tree Risk Assessment, who shall also be licensed, and bonded, and insured.
DESIGNATED MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY. If no arborist is retained, the President of the Town Council may appoint a town employee as the designated authority on a temporary basis, with powers and responsibilities limited by the individual's qualifications and abilities as determined by the Town Tree Board. The designated municipal authority shall carry identification to show such designation and current certification(s).
NUISANCE TREE. A dead, diseased, weakened, or invasive tree with an accelerated potential to cause physical human harm or to cause property damage.
SHRUBS AND OTHER PLANTS. All vegetation, woody or otherwise, except lawn grasses and flowers less than 24 inches in height.
TOWN-OWNED PROPERTY. Property within the town limits of Long Beach, Indiana owned by the town in fee simple absolute, or impliedly or expressly dedicated to the public for present or future use for purposes of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or for public access or easements.
TOWN TREES. Trees not located on private property, including, but not limited to, park trees, street trees, and other trees located on town-owned and public property, including those in the right-of-way.
TREE. A woody, perennial plant, ordinarily with one main stem or trunk, which develops many branches, and which ordinarily grows to a height of ten feet or more with a diameter more than six inches at a height of five feet.
TREE LAWN. The public property located in the area between the pedestrian walkway and the edge of the paved area of the street or curb; or, if there are no curbs or the curbs are adjacent to the sidewalks, the area from the edge of the road pavement to the edge of the right-of-way as measured from the center of the road, which is generally 20 feet from the center line of the roadway or 25 feet from the center line of Lake Shore Drive; and suitable for tree planting and sustainable tree growth.
TREE TOPPING. The severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the tree’s crown to such a degree as to remove the normal tree canopy and disfigure the tree.
(Ord. 2021-09, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 2023-04, passed 10-9-23)