Tree removal permit rules in Ridgewood, NJ — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Ridgewood requires a permit to remove any non-invasive tree eight inches or larger in diameter at breast height, and replacement of every healthy tree taken down.
Chapter 260, adopted April 9, 2025, governs tree protection, removal, and replacement on both public and private lands. Property owners must apply to the Division of Engineering of the Department of Public Works for a tree removal permit before cutting any non-invasive tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of eight inches or more. Healthy trees that are removed must be replaced on site, or a payment-in-lieu must be made into the Village tree replacement fund. Invasive species removals are allowed when verified by a licensed tree expert and confirmed by the Village Arborist, but still require a permit.
Removing a regulated tree without a permit results in fines, mandatory replacement, and possible payment-in-lieu under Chapter 260.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by code-compliant barriers under Chapter 251, with location restrictions setting pools at least ten ...
Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood requires zoning permits for any retaining wall over two feet tall, with engineered drawings, soil reports, and grading plans signed by a licensed N...
Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood requires that the finished, decorative side of any fence face neighboring properties or the street, with structural posts and rails facing inward, ...
Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood requires a zoning permit before constructing, replacing, or altering any fence or freestanding wall on residential property, with applications revi...
Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood limits residential fences to four feet in height in most yards, with taller heights permitted only in specific situations such as rear yards abutti...
Ridgewood, NJ
Consumer fireworks in Ridgewood are governed primarily by New Jersey state law, not a local fireworks chapter. Aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bergen County.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Ridgewood's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.