West New York, NJ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 379-4 of Chapter 379 (Ord. No. 25/15, adopted 12-16-2015) governs limb cutting on street and public-place trees in the Town of West New York, Hudson County, New Jersey. Subsection A says no person other than the property owner upon which the tree is located within the lines of any street or public place shall cut any branch or limb without first obtaining a permit from the Building Department. Subsection C sets the fee at $5, paid when the application is filed by check or money order payable to the Town of West New York.

Subsection B closes a loophole for utilities and contractors: a permit authorizing the attaching of wires on a tree gives no right to cut any limb or branch of that tree. Subsection D is the property-owner exception. An owner whose tree stands within the lines of a street, public place or a right-of-way in which the Town holds an interest can cut a branch or limb without a permit if it is dead, diseased, broken or decayed, or constitutes a menace to the safety of the public.

Section 379-5 adds an unsafe-tree pathway. When the Police Department, Fire Department or Building Department declares a tree unsafe, the owner can remove the tree or trim the affected areas before getting a permit, but must immediately file the appropriate permit application. Section 379-6 covers roots: when the Town orders an owner to fix a raised, cracked or damaged sidewalk, the owner must contact the Building Department so a representative can inspect the tree or root causing the damage. The owner trims the root if at all possible, with as little damage to the root system as possible and during a period when the root system is dormant. Tree removal is allowed only if absolutely necessary and the root system cannot be cut back.

A refused permit applicant can appeal to the Board of Commissioners under § 379-10, on not less than five days' written notice, with a hearing fixed within 30 days.