Paramus vs Ridgewood
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Paramus, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Paramus and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Under Chapter 453, Paramus may require violators to pay a replacement assessment equal to the appraised value of any unlawfully removed tree, calculated up to $27 per square inch of trunk cross section.
View full Paramus rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood requires every healthy qualified tree removed under permit to be replaced on site, or the property owner must pay $500 per missing replacement tree into the Village Tree Fund Escrow.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Paramus | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Shade Tree and Parks Commission | - |
| Cap | Up to $27 per square inch | - |
| Basis | Trunk cross section appraisal | - |
| In Addition To | $200-$1,500 court fine | - |
| Replacement Fee | - | $500 per missing tree |
| Code Chapter | - | Chapter 260 |
| Formula | - | $500 x (removed minus replanted) |
| Tree Fund | - | Escrow held by Village |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Paramus FAQ
How is the replacement assessment calculated?
Paramus calculates the assessment by appraising the tree value, often using square inches of trunk cross section multiplied by a per-square-inch rate capped at $27, reflecting the size and species of the destroyed tree.
Is the replacement assessment in addition to fines?
Yes. The Commission can impose a replacement assessment on top of the $200 to $1,500 municipal court fine, so unauthorized removal of large trees can become very costly.
Ridgewood FAQ
How much is Ridgewood's fee in lieu of tree replacement?
The Tree Fund Escrow Fee is $500 multiplied by the number of qualified trees removed minus the number of replacement trees planted, payable when on-site replacement is not feasible.
Are all removed trees subject to replacement?
No. Trees removed because they are dead, dying, diseased, damaged, hazardous, on public lands, or encroaching on utilities are exempt from the replacement requirement under Chapter 260.
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