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🌳 Tree Protection/Tree Removal Permits

Paramus vs Ridgewood

How do tree removal permits rules compare between Paramus, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?

Paramus and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.

Paramus, NJ

Bergen County

Heavy Restrictions

Paramus Chapter 453 requires Shade Tree and Parks Commission approval before removing trees in parks, streets, or undeveloped property, with fines from $200 to $1,500 per violation.

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Ridgewood, NJ

Bergen County

Heavy Restrictions

Ridgewood requires a permit from the Division of Engineering to remove any qualified tree of eight inches diameter at breast height or greater on private property under Chapter 260.

View full Ridgewood rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactParamusRidgewood
Code ChapterChapter 453Chapter 260
AuthorityShade Tree and Parks Commission-
Min Fine$200 per offense-
Max Fine$1,500 per offense-
DBH Threshold-8 inches or greater
Permit Office-Division of Engineering
Shade Tree Phone-201-670-5565

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Paramus FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own developed property?

Permits are clearly required for park, street, and undeveloped property trees. For developed residential property, residents should contact the Paramus Shade Tree and Parks Commission to confirm permit requirements before removing any tree.

What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?

You face a municipal court fine between $200 and $1,500 per violation. The Commission can also require a separate replacement assessment based on the appraised value of the destroyed tree.

Ridgewood FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a small tree in my Ridgewood yard?

A permit is only required for qualified trees of eight inches diameter at breast height or greater. Smaller trees and certain invasive species are not regulated under Chapter 260's removal permit requirement.

Can I remove a dead or hazardous tree without a permit?

Trees that are dead, dying, diseased, damaged, or pose a danger to structures or people may be removed without a permit, but this must be confirmed by a Qualified Tree Expert or the Village Arborist.

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