§ 8-5-5. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall mean as follows:

Building area. That portion of a site upon which development may or does occur.

Caliper. The diameter of a tree, which shall be measured twelve (12) inches above the soil line for trees required to have a four-inch or greater caliper; or, for smaller trees, which shall be measured six (6) inches above the soil line, except that grafted trees shall be measured one (1) inch above the graft union if union can be seen. Measurements of one-half (½) inch or more are rounded to the next higher caliper.

Certificate of occupancy. A certificate issued by the building inspection department certifying that all requirements for development or redevelopment of property have been met and authorizing occupancy of buildings and structures.

Clearing. The removal of a tree of four-inch DBH or greater.

Crown. The main point of branching or foliage of a tree, or the upper portion of a tree canopy.

DBH (Diameter at breast height). The diameter of a tree measured at a breast height of fifty-four (54) inches above the ground. If a tree splits into multiple trunks below fifty-four (54) inches, then the trunk is measured at its most narrow point beneath the split. Measurements of one-half (½) inch or more are rounded to the next higher DBH.

Developed area. The site upon which any building, structure, pavement, landscape material, storm water facility, or other improvements, has been or will be placed.

Development or development activity. As defined in land disturbance activity below.

Land disturbance activity.

(a)

The new construction or installation of a structure or parking lot; or

(b)

Clearing, or otherwise removing trees (four (4) inches or greater) on a site; or

(c)

Adding removing, exposing, excavating, leveling, grading, digging, burrowing, dumping, piling, dredging, or otherwise significantly disturbing the soil of a site, which would affect trees.

Land disturbance approval. An official authorization issued by the City allowing the commencement of any land disturbance activities.

Person. Any individual, landowner, lessee, building contractor, developer or other entity involved in the use of real property, including agents, employees, independent contractors or other in privity with any of the above, whether natural persons, corporations, partnerships, joint ventures or governmental bodies, agencies or officials.

Preserved tree. Any tree indicated on a site development plan that is to be protected during land disturbances for incorporation into the final landscaping.

Site. The total area within the property boundaries of a principal parcel to be developed, or contiguous parcels intended for development under a common scheme or plan.

Specimen tree. Any tree or grouping of trees which has been determined to be of a high value because of its specific size, age, or other professional criteria. Pecan trees are not be included in this definition.

Tree. Any woody plant that normally grows to an overall height of fifteen (15) feet and develop an average mature spread of crown of twelve (12) feet in the Washington County area.

Tree credit (tree density factor). A numerical representation used to assign values to trees of various sizes to calculate either credit against reforestation requirements, as in the case of trees protected during the development process, or to determine the extent of replanting required, as in the case of protected trees. (See § VIII B)

Tree removal. Removal of a tree means any act which causes a tree to die within a period of two (2) years, including but not limited to:

(a)

Damage inflicted upon the root system by machinery, storage of materials, or soil compaction;

(b)

Changing the natural grade of the root system within the drip line;

(c)

Excessive pruning; paving with concrete, asphalt, or other impervious materials within such proximity as to be harmful to the tree.