Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Article I of Chapter 360, Streets and Sidewalks, protects sight lines. Section 360-1 requires all owners or tenants of land in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills to keep brush, hedges and other plant life growing within 25 feet of the intersection of two roadways, and within 10 feet of any roadway, cut to a height of not more than 2 1/2 feet or to a height that maintains proper sight distances. The Township Police Department determines the sight distance standard, or the Township Engineer directs it based on the geometry of the roadways in accordance with the applicable AASHTO standard.

The duty is triggered by notice, and the cut is due within 10 days after notice has been given. Under § 360-2 the Superintendent of Parks and Forestry or a police officer gives the notice in writing. It is served personally if the owner or tenant lives in the Township and is available, by registered mail to the last known address if not, and by posting on the premises if no address can be found. If the owner refuses or neglects to cut within the 10 days, § 360-3 authorizes the Superintendent to cut the growth and certify the cost to the Township Council, which examines the certificate and charges the cost against the land, or a reasonable cost if the figure is excessive.

Section 360-4 makes the charge a lien added to the next taxes assessed and levied, bearing interest at the tax rate. Section 360-1 sets a cut height for growth near the roadway; it does not print a separate overhead clearance figure for branches. Removing trees is a different rule. Under Chapter 392, no person can destroy or remove five or more live trees exceeding three inches in diameter, measured one foot above the ground, within any year without filing an application with the Superintendent of Parks and Forestry, and an aggrieved applicant has 10 days to appeal in writing to the Township Council.