Toms River, NJ Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Chapter adopted
- Nov. 27, 2012, Ord. No. 4387-12
- Named species
- Bamboo, ragweed, multiflora rose, kudzu-vine, poison ivy/oak
- Owner duty
- Control growth; no spread past property line
- Abatement cost
- Charged to owner, can become a lien
- Penalty basis
- N.J.S.A. 40:49-5, 40:69A-29, daily violations
Summary
Toms River Township requires every property owner to control invasive plants, defined by Township Code § 340-2 as vines and vegetation that "grow out of place and are competitive, persistent, and pernicious," including bamboo, ragweed, multiflora rose, kudzu-vine and poison ivy or oak. Letting the growth spread past a property line is itself a violation.
§ 340-2. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: INVASIVE PLANTS: All native and non-native vines and vegetation that grow out of place and are competitive, persistent, and pernicious. These plants may damage trees, vegetation, or structures. Examples include, but are not limited to, bamboo (spreading or running type), ragweed, multiflora rose, kudzu-vine and poison ivy or oak. § 340-5. Removal or abatement. A. Whenever an invasive plant, as defined by this chapter, is found on any plot of land, lot or any other premises or place, a violation notice shall be given to the owner, in writing, to remove or abate the violation within such time as shall be specified in such notice. B. The cost of abatement shall be borne by the property owner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954830; v33 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 340, adopted November 27, 2012 by Ord. No. 4387-12, exists "to protect and promote the public health through the control of the growth of invasive plant species" (§ 340-1). Section 340-2 defines invasive plants as "all native and non-native vines and vegetation that grow out of place and are competitive, persistent, and pernicious. These plants may damage trees, vegetation, or structures," naming bamboo (the spreading or running type), ragweed, multiflora rose, kudzu-vine, and poison ivy or oak as examples, though the list is not exclusive.
" Every place and premises in the Township is subject to inspection by an enforcing officer whenever that official has reason to believe the chapter is being violated (§ 340-4). If an invasive plant is found, § 340-5 requires a written notice to the owner setting a deadline to remove or abate it, and the cost of abatement is charged to the property owner; if the owner does not comply within the stated time, the enforcing official may remove or control the plants directly and place a lien on the property to recover the Township's cost. A. 40:49-5 and 40:69A-29, with each day the violation exists treated as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove or abate a listed invasive plant after written notice lets the Township's enforcing official do the removal directly and bill the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property (§ 340-5). Separately, any violation of the chapter, including letting invasive growth spread past a property line, is subject to the maximum fines and penalties under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5 and 40:69A-29, with each day of noncompliance a distinct offense (§ 340-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants count as invasive under Toms River's ordinance?
What happens if I don't remove invasive plants after a notice?
Does my bamboo have to stay on my own property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toms River
Compare Toms River to another location·View the New Jersey invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle prohibited species.