Stafford Township, NJ Invasive Plant Rules: Bamboo Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 127 of the Stafford Township Code was adopted 10-7-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-17 and was first numbered Chapter 159 before it was renumbered. Its stated purpose in § 127-1 is to protect and promote the public health through the control of the growth of invasive plant species. Section 127-2 defines invasive plants as native and nonnative vines and vegetation that grow out of place and are competitive, persistent and pernicious, and it names bamboo of the spreading or running type, kudzu vine, and ivy or oak.

The duty in § 127-3 falls on the property owner: control the growth of invasive plants onto the property and insure that the growth does not spread to adjoining properties. Chapter 127 as printed sets no planting ban and no required setback distance for bamboo. The test is the boundary line, and failure to control the spread of such vegetation beyond the boundaries of the owner's property is a violation of the chapter.

The enforcing officer is the Township Code Enforcement Officer or a designee. Under § 127-4, all places and premises in Stafford Township are subject to inspection by the enforcing officer, and an inspection is made if that official has reason to believe any section of the chapter is being violated. When an invasive plant has spread to an adjoining property, § 127-5A requires written notice to the owner of the property from which the plant originated, ordering removal and abatement within the time specified. That period will be up to but not more than one year. The cost of abatement is borne by the property owner under § 127-5B. If the owner fails to comply within the time specified, § 127-5C lets the enforcing official remove or otherwise control the invasive plant species, and the Township can thereafter recover the cost. Chapter 127 cross-references Chapter 68 for removal of brush, grass and weeds and Chapter 158 for property maintenance.