§ 52.02 Definitions

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein.

1. “Conservation area” means an area that is planted with ground cover plants of a size and texture compatible with the environment and maintained accordingly.

2. “Developed lot or land” means an improved residential or commercial lot.

3. “Grass” means any plant of the family Gramineae, having jointed stems, sheathing leaves, and seedlike grains.

4. "Ground cover" means plants with the growth and root capacity to cover and stabilize an area of soil and to prevent erosion.

5. "Natural area" means an area allowed to retain native plant material in a natural prairie state.

6. "Noxious weeds" means primary and secondary classes of weeds as defined by the Code of Iowa, and all additions to this list as so declared by the State Secretary of Agriculture.

7. "Parking" means that part of the street, avenue or highway in the City not covered by sidewalk and lying between the lot line and curb line; on unpaved streets, the parking is that part of the street, avenue, or highway lying between the lot lines and that portion of the street usually traveled by vehicular traffic.

8. "Right-of-way" means the entire width of a platted street or alley in use or undeveloped.

9. "Soil erosion control" means a method of planting and cultivation, or lack of same, designed to retain soil and to prevent soil movement caused by natural or manmade causes.

10. "Undeveloped lot or land" means an unimproved lot or area.

11. "Weeds" means any plants growing uncultivated and out of context with the surrounding plant life when such plant has a seed head formed or forming and with a height of twelve (10) inches or more, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.