Clifton, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Under Clifton Code Ch. 433, Art. II, the Council found that vegetation crowding streets, highways, intersections and railroad grade crossings creates traffic and safety hazards. Section 433-8 sets the trigger at 10 feet from any street or highway, or 50 feet from an intersection of two or more streets/highways or a rail crossing, and requires trimming to a height of no more than two feet within 10 days of notice from the City Engineer. Section 433-9 gives the Engineer independent authority to compel cutting to no more than 2 1/2 feet whenever growth is judged a traffic or safety hazard.

Section 433-10 requires 10 days' written notice by registered or certified mail to owners and tenants before the City acts. Section 433-11 lets City crews cut the growth themselves if the owner or tenant misses the ten-day deadline, with the cost certified to the Municipal Council and placed as a lien on the property, collected the same way as property taxes and bearing the same interest rate. Section 433-12 clarifies the article does not override Chapter 175, Brush, Weeds and Debris, so a property can face separate brush/weed enforcement on top of this roadside-clearance rule.