Landscaping Rules in Paramus, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Tree Trimming

Paramus regulates trimming of street trees and trees in public spaces under Chapter 453, requiring permission from the Shade Tree and Parks Commission before any pruning, planting, or care work occurs in the public right-of-way.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 453 Trees and Shrubbery. Authority: Shade Tree and Parks Commission. Fine range: $200 to $1,500. Replacement appraisal: Up to $27 per square inch. Phone: 201-265-2100.

Trimming or topping street trees without a permit, hiring an unlicensed contractor for public-tree work, or damaging municipal trees can trigger fines from $200 to $1,500 and replacement assessments based on tree appraisal value.

Weed Ordinances

Paramus requires property owners to control weeds and overgrown vegetation under Chapter 339 Property Maintenance, treating uncontrolled weeds as a nuisance subject to inspection, notice, abatement, and Municipal Court enforcement.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 339 Property Maintenance. Adopted: 1969 by Ordinance 608. Drainage rule: Swales must stay debris-free. Direct prosecution: Allowed for health and safety violations. Cost recovery: Lien against property.

Allowing weeds, brush, or invasive plantings to overrun a lot, blocking drainage swales with growth, or refusing to comply with abatement notices can result in summonses, fines, and liens for Borough cleanup costs.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Paramus requires Shade Tree and Parks Commission approval before removing any street tree or any tree on undeveloped land or in a required planted buffer, and homeowners must pay replacement value for approved removals of public trees.

Key details: Permit issuer: Shade Tree and Parks Commission. Code chapter: Chapter 453. Healthy tree policy: Removal generally prohibited. Replacement formula: Up to $27 per square inch. Fines: $200 to $1,500 per offense.

Cutting down a street tree, removing a buffer-area tree without permission, or destroying a Borough tree can result in fines of $200 to $1,500 and tree-value replacement assessments calculated up to $27 per square inch of trunk cross section.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Paramus actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Grass Height Limits

Paramus enforces property maintenance standards under Chapter 339, requiring residents to keep lawns trimmed and yards free of overgrown vegetation that creates nuisance conditions affecting neighborhood appearance and public health.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 339 Property Maintenance. Adopted: May 14, 1969 (Ord. 608). Enforcement: Borough Enforcement Officers. Remedy: Abatement plus property lien. Court: Paramus Municipal Court.

Allowing grass and weeds to grow excessively, ignoring abatement notices, or refusing inspector access can lead to Municipal Court summonses, daily fines, and Borough-imposed liens for cleanup costs.

The Bottom Line

Paramus'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 Paramus is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Paramus can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.