§ 425.010. Definitions.

For purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions apply:

CRITICAL ROOT ZONE

An area drawn for each tree surveyed which represents the average root system. The average root system extends beyond the drip line extending from the outer surface of a tree's branch tips to the ground. Critical root zones vary depending upon tree species, tree size, soils and moisture level, but shall be deemed to incorporate a distance of ten (10) feet beyond the defined boundary of the drip line.

DISTURB

Intentionally or unintentionally removing, destroying or killing a tree.

FAIR CONDITION

A tree having a life expectancy of greater than fifteen (15) years, a relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay, no more than one (1) major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only) and no major insect or disease problems.

GRAND TREE

A tree in fair or better condition which has a minimum height of thirty (30) feet and which equals or exceeds the following diameter:

	Large hardwoods (including oaks, hard maples, hickories, sycamores, elms, ash, dogwoods, magnolias, etc.) — twenty-four (24) inch DBH.
	Large softwoods (pines, cedars, firs, spruces, etc.) — twenty (20) inch DBH.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, grand trees shall not include box elder, silver maple, sweet gum, mulberry, green ash, mountain ash, black locust, poplar, cottonwood or willow trees.

NEW CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

Construction of a building on a site where no previous building exists at the commencement of the construction activity or where at least fifty percent (50%) (as measured by reference to floor area of the ground floor of the building) of an existing building is demolished as part of the construction activity in order to accommodate a new building or replacement or expansion of the existing building.

TREE CANOPY COVERAGE

The area in square feet of a tree's spread. Existing tree canopy is determined by measuring the ground's surface area that is covered by the branch spread of a single tree or clump or grove of trees.

TREE PRESERVATION PLAN

A tree preservation plan is a plan of a site that identifies the pre- and post-activity tree status of a site upon which there is to be any grading, demolition or construction relating to new construction activity. A tree preservation plan shall provide sufficient detail to enable the reviewing authority to determine whether the proposed activity complies with the requirements of this Chapter and shall include a detailed description and location of trees on the site prior to any proposed new construction activity and shall identify proposed changes in the tree canopy coverage, including any replacement or restoration of trees. The tree preservation plan may also include or be supplemented by a description of the aesthetic and/or practical rationale for any proposed tree removal and replacement. A tree preservation plan shall be prepared in map form and may be included on a site survey, a landscape, demolition, grading, building, subdivision, site plan or development plan or submittal or may be filed as a supplement to such plans or submittals or as a separate document.

TREE SIZE

The measurement of the diameter of a tree trunk (typically referred to as caliper) at four and one-half (4½) feet above natural grade (diameter at breast height, "DBH"). If a tree splits into two (2) or more trunks below four and one-half (4½) feet, then the trunk is measured at its most narrow point below the split. For newly planted trees, the caliper measurement will be taken six (6) inches above natural grade.

Ord. No. 2008-1576 §1, 5-20-2008