For purposes of this subchapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Consolidate" means a combination of two or more office locations within the same immediate neighborhood that does not substantially affect the nature of the business or customers served. Thus, for example, a consolidation of two branches on the same block following a merger would not constitute a branch closing. Banks that are in doubt about whether a consolidation or a closing has occurred should consult the department. A consolidation is considered a relocation for purposes of ARM 2.59.903 and 2.59.907.

(2) "Customer" means a person who opened an account at the branch location in question, is currently associated with that branch, or whose address is within the same municipal area as the branch, as the bank determines is appropriate.

(3) "Principal city" means an area designated as a "principal city" by the federal Office of Management and Budget.

(4) "Relocate" means a movement within the same immediate neighborhood that does not substantially affect the nature of the business or customers served. Generally, relocations involve movement over a short distance.

(5) "Short distance" means:

(a) within a 1,000-foot radius of the current location of the branch if it is located within the principal city of a metropolitan statistical area (MSA);

(b) within a one-mile radius of the current location of the branch if the branch is not located within a principal city, but is within an MSA; or

(c) within a two-mile radius of the branch if it is not located in an MSA.