The following are definitions of specialized terms and phrases used in this chapter. Definitions of general terms and phrases are located in Article VI (Development Code Definitions)
A. Arborist. 1) A person currently certified by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture as an expert on the care of trees; 2) a consulting arborist who satisfies the requirements of the American Society of Consulting Arborists; or 3) other qualified professionals who the director determines has gained through experience the qualifications to identify, remove, or replace trees (i.e., licensed landscape architect, horticulturist, biologist).
B. Damaged Tree. Any action causing or contributing injury to the root system or. other parts of a tree, by fire, application of toxic substances, operation of machinery or equipment; improper watering; changing natural grade of land by excavation or filling the drip line area around the trunk; or by attaching signs or artificial material thereby piercing the bark of the tree.
C. Diseased Tree. Trees afflicted by, but not limited to, any of the following: insect infestation, heart rot, exfoliation, slime flux, crown rot, leaf scorch, and root fungus that shall be evaluated, treated and re-evaluated in an effort to restore or save the tree.
D. Diameter at Standard Height (DSH). DSH means the diameter of the main tree trunk measured at 4.5 feet above natural grade, except as specified below. The diameter shall be calculated by using the following formula: diameter = circumference/3.14.
1. For a tree that branches at or below 4.5 feet, DSH means the diameter of the main tree trunk at the narrowest point between the grade and the branching point.
2. For a tree with a common root system that branches at the ground, DSH means the sum of the diameter of the largest trunk and one-half the cumulative diameter of the remaining trunks at 4.5 feet above natural grade.
E. Drip Line. A line that may be drawn on the ground around a tree directly under its outermost branch tips and which identifies that location where rainwater tends to drip from the trees. When depicted on a map, the drip line will appear as an irregular shaped circle that follows the contour of the tree's branches as seen from overhead.
F. Historically Significant Tree. A living tree designated by resolution of the council as an historic tree because of an association with some event or person of historical significance to the community or because of special recognition due to size, condition, or aesthetic qualities.
G. Mature Native Oak Tree. A living Native Oak Tree with a DSH of 4.0 inches or more.
H. Mature Native Tree. A living Native Tree with a DSH of 4.0 inches or more.
I. Mature Tree. A living tree of any species, other than Native Oak Tree or Native Tree, with a DSH of 9.5 inches or more.
J. Native Oak Tree. A living tree of the genus Quercus including, but not limited to, the California or Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Coastal Sage Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa), Engleman Oak (Quercus engelmannii), Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidfolia), and the Valley Oak (Quercus lobata).
K. Native Tree. A living tree that is native to California and/or the Murrieta climate zone including, but not limited to, the California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Western Cottonwood (Populus fremontii), California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia California), and California Black Walnut (Juglans California).
L. Tree Report. A report prepared by an Arborist to identify the potential impact of new development on Protected Trees, the current health and/or stability of Protected Trees, the recommended restorative or remedial measures intended to improve the health and safety of Protected Trees, and to provide supporting evidence for instances where Protected Trees cannot be preserved.
(Ord. 553-19 § 4, 2019; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)