Landscaping Rules in Brick, NJ

If you live in Brick or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Brick has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Artificial Turf

Brick Township's vacant-property code names artificial turf or sod as acceptable ground cover for registered vacant and foreclosure properties, alongside grass and mulch.

Key details: Governing chapter: Ch. 329, Foreclosure/Vacant Property. Turf status: Listed as acceptable ground cover. Applies to: Registered vacant/foreclosure properties. Disallowed substitutes: Weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt.

Registered vacant or foreclosure properties that fail to maintain yards in acceptable ground cover, including letting weeds, gravel, or broken pavement stand in for landscaping, are a violation of Chapter 329 subject to code enforcement citation and potential township-imposed compliance action with cost recovery, in addition to the chapter's registration fees and late penalties.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Brick gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Weed Ordinances

Brick Township requires owners to keep bushes, hedges, and plant life within 10 feet of any street trimmed to no more than 2 1/2 feet when needed for traffic visibility, per Township Code § 122-1.

Key details: Height limit: 2 1/2 feet maximum. Street setback zone: within 10 feet of street. Intersection zone: within 25 feet of intersection. Compliance window: 10 days after written notice. Enforcing agency: Division of Inspections; Public Works.

Ignore the 10-day cutting notice and the Department of Public Works trims the growth itself, certifying the cost as a lien on the property collected like delinquent taxes; separate penalties apply under Chapter 1, § 1-15, General penalty.

Water Restrictions

Brick Township has no standing watering-day schedule; lawn sprinkling limits only kick in once the BTMUA or Township declares a water emergency under Chapter 486, which can ban sprinkling outright or restrict it to set days and hours.

Key details: Governing chapter: Code Ch. 486, Water Emergencies. Trigger: Declared water emergency only. Full curtailment: Absolute sprinkling/pool/car-wash ban. Partial curtailment: Specific days/hours per declaration. Max penalty: $2,000 fine or 90 days.

Using water in a way barred by an active declaration violates § 486-8 and is enforced by inspection under § 486-7. Penalties run under the Chapter 1, § 1-15 general penalty: up to a $2,000 fine, 90 days in jail, or 90 days of community service, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Brick Township requires a Shade Tree Commission or Engineering Department permit before cutting, removing, or killing any protected tree in the township.

Key details: Permit authority: Shade Tree Commission or Dept. of Engineering. Review deadline: 35 days, or deemed approved. Protected trunk size: 3 in. deciduous, 4 in. coniferous. Application fee: $5–$25 per tree, or $25/acre. Small-lot exemption: Tracts ≤ 1 acre with existing home.

Each tree removed, destroyed, killed, or damaged is a separate offense, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense, punishable under the Chapter 1 general penalty.

This is one of the stricter rules in Brick's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Brick's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Brick is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Brick's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.