§ 8.5.14. Definitions.

The section provides uniform definitions for elements found on landscape plan or related [to] the landscape design practices. The definitions here apply only to landscaping and not other sections of this Code.

1.

Annual: A plant that, under typical conditions, lives for only one year (see Perennial).

2.

Buffer: Landscape buffers are a designated landscaped area that may be required of new development to reduce negative visual impacts between adjacent structures or uses. A buffer creates a year-round, semi-opaque barrier; a filtered view between uses is still possible. The landscape buffer shall create a year-round, semi-opaque barrier however; a filtered view between uses is still possible.

3.

Caliper: The diameter of a tree measured six inches above the ground if up to a four-inch caliper. For a larger caliper, the measurement is made 12 inches above the ground.

4.

Coniferous: Trees and shrubs that generally have needles rather than leaves, bear cones, and typically remain green throughout the year (see Deciduous).

5.

Deciduous: Trees and shrubs that lose their leaves at the end of each growing season and develop new leaves the following season (see Coniferous).

6.

Defensible space: A natural or man-made area, where woody vegetation that is capable of allowing a fire to spread unchecked, has been removed, planted a certain distance from any structures, or otherwise treated or modified to reduce the spread and intensity of advancing wildfire. Defensible spaces create areas for fire suppression operations to occur. (See Chapter 36, 1997 UBC Amended "Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Requirements for New Construction.")

7.

Drip line: An area around the tree trunk that generally includes the spread of the tree branches. Also that area around a structure that is beneath the roof overhang.

8.

Ground cover: Low growing plant materials intended to spread over the ground. Also includes mulches used to fill in around plantings and grass.

9.

Hardscape elements: Any non-living elements that are incorporated into a landscaping plan such as sidewalks, paths, driveways, required light fixtures, seating areas, or structures like gazebos that do not serve as a principal use.

10.

Landscape area: That part of the property exclusively set aside for living plant materials and other elements considered part of and unique to a landscape plan such as rock features, fencing, walls, walks, pergolas, water or rock sculptures, etc.

11.

Mature crown: The width of the area occupied by the branches of a healthy, full-grown tree that has not been pruned and has been grown in a constructed landscape below 6,000 feet elevation.

12.

Mulch: Non-living material used for covering bare ground between plant materials in a landscaped area to retain water, prevent erosion, lessen weeds and generally make a healthier, aesthetic environment for the plant materials. Mulch is composed of loose, non-living materials including wood chips, shredded wood, pine needles or other materials that do not reflect heat onto adjacent plants or structures.

13.

On-center: A landscaping term that refers to spacing of plant materials by locating the trunk, or center of the plant, a specified distance from the center of the next plant. The term is customarily used when plants will be spaced equal-distant from each other. On-center calculations are used to determine the number of plants required, however adjustments in the placement of plants can be made to accommodate driveways and other hardscape elements.

14.

Ornamental tree: A small deciduous tree that will be no more than 30 feet tall at maturity with no more than a 30-foot wide mature crown (see Shade Tree).

15.

Parkway: An area of grass or other living landscape material between the road and the sidewalk and may be in the right-of-way.

16.

Perennial: A plant that, under typical condition, will live a minimum of three years.

17.

Sales lot: The area where a seller of vehicles, boats, farm machinery, mobile homes or similar items displayed outdoors puts such items for storage, display and sale as part of the sales operation.

18.

Screen, landscape: A landscape screen shall visually shield or obscure adjacent structures or uses from proposed structures or uses. Landscape screens shall create a year-round, completely visual and physical separation between uses.

19.

Shade tree: A large tree that will be at least 30 feet tall when mature with at least a 30-foot wide mature crown (see Ornamental Tree).

20.

Significant tree: A deciduous tree with a caliper of greater than four inches or a coniferous tree taller than 15 feet.

21.

Supplemental irrigation: Water provided to plant materials in excess of natural rainfall. It is required for the first two growing seasons for newly transplanted landscapes.

22.

Xeriscape: The term Xeriscape is a registered trademark by Denver Water and used here by permission. Xeric design includes seven concepts that describe an established landscape with minimal, supplemental water needs. Site-specific conditions determine which plants are appropriate for use within the parameters established by the seven concepts. Xeric design and xeric plants are not synonymous, and the use of the xeric design techniques does not necessarily require the use of xeric plants.

23.

Xeric plants: A distinct group of plants that generally require less to remain healthy. The word Xeric is derived from the Greek word Xerox, meaning dry.

(Res. No. 07092013R005, Exh. A, 6-10-2013)