Landscaping Rules in Stafford Township, NJ (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Stafford Township, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In Stafford Township, owners and tenants must keep brush, hedges, fences and other obstructions within 10 feet of any roadway, and within 20 feet of any intersection of two roadways, cut to no more than 2 1/2 feet from curbline grade. After notice they have 10 days before the Township cuts it.
Stafford Township Roadside Brush and Hedge Height Rule
Some RestrictionsStafford Township Code § 68-2B; § 68-3
§ 68-2. Notice to remove. ... B. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.26, every owner or tenant of lands lying within the Township of Stafford shall be required to keep all brush, hedges, fences and other obstructions which are within 10 feet of any roadway and within 20 feet of any intersection of two roadways cut to a height of not more than 2 1/2 feet measured from the grade at the curbline or as de...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Stafford Township requires a tree removal permit from the Department of Community Development and Planning before anyone removes a street tree with a DBH of 2.5 inches or more or a non-street tree with a DBH of six inches or more. Replacement trees or a $300-per-tree fee apply, and unpermitted removal draws a $500-per-tree fine.
Stafford Township Tree Removal Permit and Replacement Rules
Significant RestrictionsStafford Township Code § 194-4A; § 194-4B; § 194-9
A. Permit required. ... No person, including the property owner, shall remove or destroy or cause to be removed or destroyed by any person, any tree on land within the Township unless a permit is obtained for such removal or unless there is an exemption for the property under this chapter. ... B. Application; fee. A tree removal permit application must be obtained from, and filed with, the Depa...
Weed Ordinances
Stafford Township, including Manahawkin, requires all premises and exterior property to be kept free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches, and bans noxious weeds. Chapter 68 separately gives owners 10 days to clear brush and weeds after notice, before the Township cuts and liens the cost.
Stafford Township 10-Inch Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsStafford Township Code § 158-1.1B; § 158-3A
§ 158-1.1. Amendment to Code. ... B. Section 302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). Noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. ... § 158...
Water Restrictions
In Stafford Township, including Manahawkin, no irrigation system connected to the public water system can run outside the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Underground systems for nonresidential sites or installed for lawns and landscaped areas need a rain-sensor shutoff set at one-fourth inch of rain. The chapter sets hours, not watering days, and violations carry fines up to $1,000.
Stafford Township Irrigation Hours and Rain Sensors
Some RestrictionsStafford Township Code § 208-4; § 208-5; § 208-7
If an underground irrigation system is proposed for nonresidential site or installed for a lawn or landscaped areas, a rain-sensor shutoff device must be installed and properly maintained with such system. ... A. The rain sensor shall employ an electromechanical actuating device designed to cause circuit interruption that temporarily disables the irrigation controller during periods of signific...
Native Plants
In Stafford Township, including Manahawkin, all plant materials in stormwater management areas must be species indigenous to the area under § 130-51D(5). Section 130-83 separately encourages landscaping with native plant material and discourages substantial lawn areas that need fertilizer and pesticide, as a groundwater protection guideline applied to development and activities to the maximum extent practicable.
Stafford Township Native Plant Landscaping Standards
Light RestrictionsStafford Township Code § 130-51D(5); § 130-83B, C
(5) All plant materials shall be species indigenous to the area as per New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, Chapter 7, "Landscaping." ... The following principals, measures and guidelines shall be utilized, to the maximum extent practicable, to minimize the impact of development and/or activities on the quality of the Township's groundwater resources and to limit the risk of ...