Tree Protection in Rockland County, NY (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Rockland County, New York.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Rockland County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Tree Removal Permits

Rockland County tree removal permits vary by town. Clarkstown Chapter 254 requires permits to remove trees over 6 inches DBH on undeveloped/subdivision parcels. Ramapo Chapter 188 protects steep-slope tree cover. Nyack heritage tree ordinance covers trees over 24 inches DBH village-wide.

tree-protection/tree-removal-permits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Heritage & Protected Trees

Rockland County towns protect heritage and landmark trees through local tree laws. Clarkstown Code Ch. 214 and Ramapo Code Ch. 354 impose enhanced protections for specimen trees 30+ inches DBH, with removal requiring Planning Board or Town Board approval.

tree-protection/heritage-trees

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Replacement Requirements

Rockland County towns require replacement planting when regulated trees are removed. Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Orangetown tree ordinances impose 1:1 to 3:1 replacement ratios with fee-in-lieu options deposited into town tree funds.

tree-protection/tree-replacement

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Rockland County ordinances

See every category we cover for Rockland County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Rockland County Ordinance Hub →