Clifton, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Clifton Code Ch. 433, Art. V, the Tree Removal and Protection Ordinance (adopted 12-3-2002 by Ord. No. 6320-02), applies to new subdivisions, site plans and new construction citywide (§ 433-33, amended through Ord. No. 7922-24 in 2024). Section 433-34 bars cutting down or removing any tree with a caliper of four inches or greater measured 4 1/2 feet above ground, or site clearing, without a tree removal permit. Applicants file an original plus two copies of a permit application and a scaled removal plan under § 433-35; removals over five trees need a plan sealed by a licensed land surveyor.

Fees under § 433-36 run from $50 for one to five trees up to $400 for 51 or more, plus $100 per additional 50 trees. Section 433-37 limits approvable removals to specific grounds, such as trees within the building footprint or 15 feet of a structure, dead or hazardous trees, or trees blocking sight lines, and requires mitigation planting (a major or minor replacement tree) for removals tied to grading, driveways, or site-plan approvals, doubling to two replacements per tree for removals outside the permitted grounds.

Separately, § 433-25 governs curbside/right-of-way trees: an owner must request Department of Public Works removal of a diseased, dead or hazardous street tree, and a $30 permit (waivable within five days of storm damage) is required to cut a tree over six inches in diameter on private property outside the right-of-way.