Bergen County requires permits for tree removal within county parks and county road rights-of-way. Removals on private property are governed by each municipality's tree ordinance and by NJDEP's statewide no-net-loss rules for development projects.
Bergen County's Department of Parks regulates tree removal in the county park system under park regulations adopted by the Board of Commissioners. The Department of Public Works approves removals within county road rights-of-way. For private residential property, tree removal permits are set by your borough or township ordinance. New Jersey's statewide tree replacement rule under NJDEP's no-net-loss reforestation regulations (NJAC 7:50 and NJAC 7:7A) applies to development applications and major site plans. Bergen County's Soil Conservation District also reviews land disturbance over 5,000 square feet that may involve tree clearing.
Unauthorized removal of regulated trees can trigger replacement costs at appraised value, NJDEP penalties under NJSA 13:1L-14.3, and municipal fines often $500 to $2,000 per tree.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Teaneck's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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