Wayne, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk vegetation deadline
- Three days after notice is received
- Height where no sidewalk exists
- Not less than 8 feet above the sidewalk area surface
- Clearance above a roadway
- Not less than 17 feet above existing pavement
- Compliance order for roadway violations
- 10 days from the Township Engineer's written order
- Corner and roadside sight rule
- Plants over 2 1/2 feet barred within 10 feet of roadway
- Township cleanup cost
- Certified, then a lien on the property
Summary
In Wayne Township, New Jersey, the owner or tenant of land along a public street must keep the sidewalk area clear of vegetation that obstructs pedestrians, and cleanup is due within three days after notice. Where no sidewalk exists, vegetation can stay only at a height not less than 8 feet above the sidewalk area surface. Vegetation above a roadway must stay at least 17 feet above the pavement.
No person shall: ... H. Permit brush, hedges, trees, or other vegetation to extend into a roadway that may cause obstructions to vehicular traffic. Existing vegetation may remain above an existing roadway, so long as, the height of the vegetation is not less than 17 feet as measured from the existing roadway pavement. ... § 180-21. Vegetation removal. ... The owner or tenant of lands that abut a sidewalk area of a public street shall keep the sidewalk area clear of vegetation that may cause obstructions to pedestrian foot-traffic. Existing vegetation may remain within sidewalk areas where no sidewalk exists, so long as, the vegetation is at a height not less than 8 feet as measured from the surface of the sidewalk area. The owner or tenant shall clear such vegetation within three days after notice has been received or be subject to the penalty provisions contained in § 180-25.
Full Breakdown
Two duties in Chapter 180 of the Wayne Township Code govern trimming along streets. Section 180-21 covers the sidewalk: the owner or tenant of lands that abut a sidewalk area of a public street must keep the sidewalk area clear of vegetation that obstructs pedestrian foot-traffic. Where no sidewalk exists, existing vegetation can remain within the sidewalk area only if it sits at a height not less than 8 feet as measured from the surface of the sidewalk area. After notice, the owner or tenant has three days to clear it, and the section points to the penalty provisions in § 180-25. The text was amended 9-18-2024 by Ord. No. 57-2024 and 11-6-2024 by Ord. No. 64-2024, and § 180-31 restates it in Article VI.
Section 180-10 covers the roadway. Item H bars any person from permitting brush, hedges, trees, or other vegetation to extend into a roadway where it can obstruct vehicular traffic, and existing vegetation can remain above an existing roadway only if its height is not less than 17 feet as measured from the existing roadway pavement. Item G separately bars brush, hedges or other plant life over 2 1/2 feet in height within 10 feet of any roadway and within 25 feet of the intersection of two streets or roadways, measured at the right-of-way lines, where it obstructs the view of approaching traffic.
Enforcement follows § 180-11. For a § 180-10 violation the Township Engineer issues a written order to the owner or tenant requiring compliance within 10 days, and if the person refuses or neglects it the Township Engineer has the required work done. Under § 180-23 the Township removes vegetation, brush or tree growth when the owner or tenant misses the § 180-21 deadline, and the Township Engineer, Director of Public Works or any Police Officer can issue a notice of violation or summons. The Township Engineer or Director of Public Works certifies the cost and the Legal Department places a lien on the property (§§ 180-12, 180-24). Trimmings cannot go into the street: § 180-22 bars depositing vegetation, brush or tree growth upon the roadway between the curblines.
Utilities carry their own tree duty. Section 129-19 requires any person or utility maintaining wires through Township-owned land, a street or a park to fasten and maintain them so as to safeguard all trees against damage.
Violations & Fines
Missing the three-day deadline after notice under § 180-21 exposes the owner or tenant to the penalty provisions in § 180-25, which print a $100 fine for each violation for uncleared snow and ice or snow deposited on the roadway. For § 180-10 violations the Township Engineer orders compliance within 10 days, then has the work done and the Legal Department places a lien (§§ 180-11, 180-12). Section 180-13 adds liability for the Township's repair or removal expenses on top of the § 180-14 penalty stated in Chapter 1, § 1-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must trim vegetation blocking the sidewalk in Wayne Township?
How high must tree branches be over a Wayne Township street?
Are there height limits for hedges near intersections in Wayne Township?
What if the owner does not trim after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wayne
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