§ 114-26. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Certified exempt means a lot that has been determined to be overgrowth exempt due to specialized landscaping and holds a two-year letter or certificate of verification from IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Science—University of Florida).

Excessive overgrowth means grass, undesirable plants, weeds, vines, understory, or other vegetation that is not cultivated or regularly tended and exceeds the maximum vegetative height standards set forth in subsection 114-28(b)(3).

Grass means any of the numerous plants of the family Gramineae.

Improved lot means a lot that has been previously cleared or partially cleared of plant life by humans and has a structure or other improvements located thereon.

Native vegetation means those plant species indigenous to Florida as determined by the best available scientific and historical documentation and suitable for planting in Brevard County. The Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants maintained by the institute for Systemic Botany, University of South Florida shall be used as a reference.

Native vegetative condition means land containing predominantly native vegetation.

Tree means a perennial, woody plant that is generally characterized by having a self-supporting trunk with secondary branches.

Undesirable plant means the "Invasive: Not Recommended" or "Caution" species listed in the IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Science—University of Florida) Plant List as may be amended. Plants shall be considered undesirable if not eligible for any use, limited use, or cautioned in any zone of Florida—North, central or south.

Understory means an underlying layer of low native vegetation usually associated with trees.

Undisturbed lot in its native state means any lot that has not been previously cleared or removed of plant life, or has not had plant life previously maintained by humans.

Vacant unimproved lot means a lot that has been previously cleared of native plant life by humans but has no structure or other improvements.

Vegetation means any plant material, including but not limited to trees, shrubs, vines, herbs and grasses.

Vegetative height means the vertical measurement from the sand/soil surface to the tallest portion of the plant.

Viable means plant material exhibiting a healthy and vigorous condition having live foliage out to the tips of branches and stems.

Weeds includes but is not limited to all rank vegetable growth that gives off obnoxious or unpleasant odors, or that constitutes a possible source of disease or distress to human beings, or such unattended vegetation that may conceal pools of water, trash or any other deposits which are detrimental to the health and safety of the public.

(Code 1979, § 17-13(c); Ord. No. 2010-16, § 6, 9-7-10)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.