“Commercial logging or timber harvesting operations” means those activities which result in the cutting and removing of tree stems from a site for commercial purposes, leaving the root mass intact. “Timber harvesting” means a tree-cutting operation affecting 1 or more acres of forest or developed woodland within a 1-year interval that disturbs 5,000 square feet or more of forest floor. “Timber harvesting” does not include grubbing and clearing of root mass. This Division IV does not apply to:any highway construction activity that is subject to <cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gnr|5-103">State Natural Resources Article § 5-103</cite>; commercial logging and timber harvesting operations, subject to the forest conservation and management program under <cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|8-211">State Tax-Property Article § 8-211</cite>:that were completed before July 1, 1991; or were completed on or after July 1, 1991, on property which:is the subject of a declaration of intent signed by the land owner and approved by the Department of Public Works and the Maryland Department of Natural Resource’s Project Forester’s Office as provided in <cite data-doc="Code of Maryland Regulations" data-path="08.19.01.05">COMAR 08.19.01.05</cite>; and has not been the subject of an application for a grading permit for development within 5 years after a logging or timber harvesting operation, but after this 5-year period the property shall be subject to this Division IV; the cutting or clearing of public utility rights-of-way or land for electric generating stations regulated under State Public Utility Companies Article, Title 7, if:required certificates of public convenience and necessity have been issued in accordance with <cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gnr|5-1603">State Natural Resources Article § 5-1603(f)</cite>; and the cutting or clearing of the forest is conducted so as to minimize the loss of forest; routine maintenance or emergency repairs of public utility rights-of-way, if:the right-of-way existed before the effective date of the State or this program; or the right-of-way’s initial construction was approved under this Division IV; any noncoal surface mining regulated under Title 7, Subtitle 6A, of the State Natural Resources Article; any preliminary plan of subdivision or any grading or sediment control plan approved before July 1, 1991; areas covered by the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Law; a real estate transfer to provide a security, leasehold, or other legal or equitable interest, including a transfer of title, a portion of a lot or parcel, if:the transfer does not involve a change in land use or new development or development, with associated land disturbing activities; and both the grantor and grantee file a declaration of intent; any activity conducted on a single lot of any size provided that the activity:does not result in the cumulative cutting or clearing of 5,000 square feet or greater of forest; and does not include an application for a grading or building permit for disturbance of 5,000 square feet or greater; or an activity required for the purpose of constructing a dwelling house intended for the use of the owner, or a child or a grandchild of the owner, if the activity:does not result in the cumulative cutting or clearing of 20,000 square feet or greater of forest; does not include an application for a grading or sediment and erosion control permit of 20,000 square feet or greater; and is the subject of a declaration of intent filed with the Department pursuant to <cite data-path="|7|§42-7">§ 42-7 of this Division IV</cite>. City Code, 1976/83, art. 9A, §1-1(e), (t) and §2-2 Ord. 93-170 Ord. 04-672 Ord. 20-401