SECTION 5 - GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The definitions contained in this glossary are distinct to this manual. For the definitions not contained herein, reference should be made to Part 2, Division 1, Section 107.01 of Subtitle 27 of the Zoning Ordinance.
BERM: An earthen mound designed to provide screening of undesirable views, reduce noise, etc.
BUFFER: A combination of physical space and vertical elements, such as plants, berms, fences, or walls, the purpose of which is to separate and screen incompatible land uses from each other.
BUFFERYARD: One of several specific combinations of minimum building setbacks, landscaped yard widths, and plant material requirements set forth in Section 4.7, Buffering Incompatible Uses, for use in buffering incompatible land uses.
CONSERVATION LANDSCAPING: A landscape methodology that uses native plants, removes invasive plants, conserves water, and minimizes use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in order to provide sustainable biological communities.
CRITICAL ROOT ZONE: The minimum volume of roots necessary for maintenance of tree health and stability. The critical root zone of a specimen tree (thirty (30) inches diameter at breast height (dbh) or greater) is a circle with a radial distance of one and one half (1.5) feet for every one (1) inch dbh. The critical root zone of a non-specimen tree (less than thirty (30) inches dbh) is a circle with a radial distance of one (1) foot for every one (1) inch of dbh, with a minimum of eight (8) feet.
DECIDUOUS: A plant with foliage that is shed annually.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION: The sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere.
EVERGREEN: A plant with foliage that persists and remains green year-round.
GREEN AREA: An area of land associated with and located on the same parcel of land as a building for which it serves to provide light and air. Green area, for purposes of this manual, does not include any water surfaces or paved surfaces or any impervious area of a site, such as rooftops or patios.
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