§ 5-51-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following definitions of words and terms apply:
(1) "Board� means the Rhode Island state board of examiners of landscape architects.
(2) "Decorative planting plans� means and refers to planning and designing intended exclusively
for the decoration of residential structures or settings that contain no greater than
two (2) "dwelling unitsâ€� as the term is defined in §â€‚45-24-31(24) and that involves the use and arrangement of trees, shrubs, plants, ground-cover,
and/or flowers for aesthetic and decorative purposes only, but specifically does not
include the following:
(i) Plans or designs that create the layout of grading, vehicular paving, drainage, stormwater
management, irrigation, erosion control, retaining walls, decks, gazebos, pools, or
any similar structures;
(ii) Plans or designs intended or used at any time or in any manner for or in furtherance
of the purpose of obtaining federal, state, or local building, construction, or related
permits or like authorizations; and/or
(iii) Plans or designs relating to federal, state, or local public works or public projects,
or otherwise relating to property that is not privately owned.
(3) "Department� means the department of business regulation.
(4) "Director� means the director of the department of business regulation or his or her
designee.
(5) "Landscape architect� means a person who engages or offers to engage in the practice
of landscape architecture.
(6)(i) "Landscape architecture� means planning and designing the use, allocation, and arrangement
of land and water resources, through the creative application of biological, physical,
mathematical, and social processes. Insofar as these services involve safeguarding
life, health, or property, and include any other professional services that may be
necessary to the planning, progress, and completion of any landscape architectural
services, these services may include, but not be limited to, the following:
(A) Consultation, research, analysis and assessment, selection, and allocation of land
and water resources;
(B) Formulation of graphic and written criteria to govern the planning and design of land
construction development programs including:
(I) The preparation, review, and analysis of master and site plans;
(II) Reconnaissance, planning, design, preparation of drawings, construction documents
and specifications, and responsible construction observation;
(C) Design coordination and review of technical plans and construction documents prepared
by other professionals working under the direction of the landscape architect;
(D) Land preservation, restoration, conservation, reclamation, rehabilitation, management,
and development;
(E) Feasibility studies and site selection for developments;
(F) Integration, site analysis, and determination of settings for grounds and locations
of buildings, structures, transportation systems, and environmental systems;
(G) Analysis and design of grading and drainage, stormwater management, irrigation systems
for erosion and sediment controls, planting plans, lighting, and ground cover; and
(H) Feasibility studies, cost estimates, and reports for development.
(ii) "Landscape architecture� does not mean nor extend to the preparation of "decorative
planting plans� as defined in subsection (2).