How Toms River Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Toms River maintains 136 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Toms River falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Rainwater Harvesting

Toms River Township lets small nonresidential redevelopment projects skip full major-development stormwater review by routing roof runoff to dry wells, rain barrels or planting beds instead. The option applies only to site plans disturbing less than one acre in a designated urban redevelopment area, and only after the Township Engineer determines the project qualifies under Code § 348-8.28.1.

Key details: Threshold: Nonresidential redevelopment site plans disturbing under 1 acre. Qualifying BMP: Roof drainage to dry wells, rain barrels or planting beds. Approval needed: Determination by the Township Engineer required. Maintenance: Written plan, annual review, log kept for inspection. Penalty: $2,000 fine per violation.

Violating any part of § 348-8.28.1, including failing to route roof drainage to an approved dry well, rain barrel or planting bed after the Township Engineer's determination, or failing to maintain the required stormwater facility, carries a flat fine of $2,000 per violation under Subsection K. Subsection J(2)(i) also lets the township perform overdue maintenance itself after 14 days' written notice and bill the responsible party, with nonpayment becoming a lien on the property.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Toms River Township requires a permit before cutting, removing, or destroying any tree in the township under its Woodlands Management ordinance, with landmark trees of 16 inches DBH or greater given special preservation priority.

Key details: Permit required: any tree cut/removed. Landmark tree: 16-inch DBH or greater. Governing law: § 348-12 Woodlands Mgmt. First-offense fine: up to $100 (improved lot). Other violations: up to $1,000 first offense.

Violating this article on an improved residential lot draws up to $100 first offense, $500 repeat; other violations carry up to $1,000 and 30 days' community service, per § 348-12.16.

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

Tree Trimming

Toms River property owners must prune any tree overhanging a street or sidewalk to keep at least eight feet of clearance above the surface.

Key details: Clearance required: 8 feet over street/sidewalk. Responsible party: Tree owner. Limb removal: Needs written Township OK. Township authority: Can prune for safety.

Failure to maintain clearance falls under the chapter's general penalty of $100 to $1,000 per day, or up to 90 days in jail, per violation.

Weed Ordinances

Toms River Township can order owners to clear brush, weeds, high grass, and debris within seven days of notice, then bill the removal cost as a lien against the property if the owner ignores it.

Key details: Notice period: 7 days to remove. Governing section: § 335-2O (IPMC § 111.2). Enforcement tool: Municipal lien on property. Who can order it: Township Council.

Ignoring a seven-day removal notice lets the Township clear the lot itself and add the full cost to the property's tax bill as a municipal lien, plus interest at the tax rate.

Water Restrictions

Toms River Township restricts lawn and yard watering only when the Township Council formally declares a water emergency by resolution: there's no standing watering-day or time schedule in normal conditions.

Key details: Trigger: Council-declared water emergency only. First offense fine: $100. Repeat offense penalty: $500 + up to 30 days service. Covers: Public water and private well users. Adopted: 5-23-2006, Ord. No. 4009-06.

Violating a declared water emergency's watering restrictions carries a $100 fine for a first offense; repeat offenses draw a $500 fine plus up to 30 days of community service under § 589-54.

Compared to other cities, Toms River takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Toms River is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Toms River, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Toms River's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.