Howell, NJ Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Chapter 180 of the Howell Township Code was adopted 7-14-2020 as Ord. No. O-20-14 and replaced the Township's earlier bamboo-only chapter. Section 180-2 defines invasive plants as Canadian thistle, Eurasian watermilfoil, garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, Japanese stiltgrass, mile-a-minute, purple loosestrife, Russian olive and water chestnut. The definition also reaches any cutting, flower, seed, root, other plant part, or cultivar of those plants. Subsection B of the same definition adds all native and non-native bamboo. Section 180-3 stops short of a planting ban: Howell Township property owners are "strongly discouraged" from planting any invasive plant, but once one grows on a lot, the owner and occupant are jointly and severally required to confine it at their cost so it cannot spread onto other private property, public property or a public right-of-way.

Total removal from the property and from every affected neighboring property is the alternative. The duty to confine does not apply if the owner establishes, to the satisfaction of the Township Inspector or Municipal Judge, that the plant originated on another property. Section 180-4 lets the Enforcing Officer, meaning the Township Code Enforcement Officer or a designee, inspect any premises after a complaint or on visual observation. When an inspection finds encroachment, the Township serves written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by regular mail, on both the plant owner and the affected owner, using the Tax Assessor's records.

Within 45 days of receiving notice the plant owner submits a removal and restoration plan, and the work must be finished within 120 days of plan approval.