Atlantic County, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 72-3 of the Atlantic County Code lists tree trimming and removal among the acts that require a highway occupancy permit before anyone touches a County right-of-way: it is unlawful to trim or remove trees located within or overhanging a county right-of-way, including tree trimming and removal performed in connection with utility maintenance, without first getting written approval from the County Engineer (Section 72-3I). The same chapter separately bars planting new trees or other landscaping improvements inside a County right-of-way under Section 72-5C, unless the planting is part of an approved site plan, a public-utility installation, or permitted ground cover under Section 72-6E.

Applications for right-of-way tree work go through the Atlantic County Division of Engineering at 201 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225, using the same permit form, fee structure, and plan requirements that apply to any other highway occupancy permit: a $100 initial application fee, a separate Schedule A permit fee, and detailed plans showing the location of the tree relative to the right-of-way line (Section 72-6, Section 72-7). Because the ordinance folds tree trimming into the general highway occupancy permit system rather than a standalone tree ordinance, a contractor doing utility-related pruning is not exempt: the requirement applies even to trimming and removal performed in connection with utility maintenance.

A property owner who wants to trim overhanging branches without going through the County Engineer risks the same enforcement as someone who excavates the roadway without authorization.