The following terms are defined for the purposes of this chapter:
(a) Buildable area: The area of construction for a building and parking area, including a distance of fifteen feet around the perimeter of the foundation of the building.
(b) Clearing:
Any act that causes a tree or other vegetation to decline and/or die. Such acts shall include, but not be limited to, damage inflicted upon the root system of the vegetation by the application of toxic substances, by the operation of equipment and vehicles, by the storage of materials, by the change of natural grade due to unapproved excavation or filling, or by the unapproved alteration of natural physical conditions.
(c) Criticalroot zone (CRZ): This is the circular area surrounding a tree in which the tree's roots critical to its survival usually will be found, and which should be protected. The radius of the CRZ in feet is, typically, 1.5 times the DBH in inches. For example, if a tree's DBH is 10 inches then the CRZ is 1.5 times 10, resulting in a CRZ radius of 15 feet. This formula is particularly useful in dealing with trees that have been growing in a forest or that naturally have a narrow growth habit. Recognizing that the root zone varies with tree variety, the actual radius for the critical root zones shall be approved by the City Arborist.
(Ord. 73-2018. Passed 1-8-19.)
(d) DBH:
Diameter-at-breast-height is tree trunk diameter measured in inches at a height of four and one-half feet above the ground.
(e) Protective barriers:
Structural measures, such as fencing or berms, installed prior to construction for the purpose of preventing damage to trees during construction.
(f) Tree: Any self-supporting woody plant growing upon the earth that usually provides one main trunk and produces a more or less distinct and elevated head with many branches.
(g) Trees of quality: These are trees within a natural wooded area that can be expected to be a future asset to the property as determined by the City Arborist.
(h) Trees, unacceptable species:
Trees designated as such by the City's Shade-Tree Commission.
(i) Wooded areas: A grouping of trees and other woody plants covering a land area of 10,000 square feet or greater, with at least ten trees per 10,000 square feet (or an average of at least 40 trees per acre) having a two inch or greater DBH.
(Ord. 54-2016. Passed 2-28-17.)