Tree removal permit rules in Rockland County, NY — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Rockland County towns require permits for private tree removal above size thresholds. Clarkstown Code Ch. 214, Ramapo Ch. 354, and Orangetown Ch. 21A govern removal of trees 6-10 inches DBH. Street trees in Nyack, Suffern, and Spring Valley are village-managed only.
Rockland towns regulate tree removal through municipal tree preservation laws. Clarkstown Town Code Chapter 214 requires permits for trees 8 inches DBH and larger on lots under development or in steep slope/wetland buffers. Ramapo Chapter 354 sets a 6-inch DBH threshold for regulated removals. Orangetown Code Chapter 21A applies to trees within 100 feet of watercourses or on slopes exceeding 15 percent. Haverstraw and Stony Point have similar provisions. Applications require a site plan showing tree locations, species, DBH, and replacement proposal. Certified arborist reports (ISA) may be needed for hazardous tree claims. Street trees in Nyack, Piermont, Suffern, and Spring Valley are managed exclusively by village DPW under Village Law. NY ECL Article 15 protects trees in regulated freshwater wetlands and along the Hudson River shoreline. SEQRA review applies to removals over one acre of canopy.
Unauthorized removal in Clarkstown: $500 to $10,000 per tree plus replacement at appraised ISA trunk-formula value. Street tree damage: municipal restitution plus $500 to $5,000 fine. Wetland buffer violations: NY DEC enforcement under ECL Article 15, fines up to $11,500 per day.
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See how Rockland County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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