Paterson, NJ Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Tree spacing
- 25-40 feet apart
- Minimum trunk size
- 3-inch caliper at breast height
- Clearance from lights/intersections
- 25 feet minimum
- Placement
- planters (commercial) or 2-ft strip (residential)
Summary
Paterson's Land Development Ordinance spaces new street trees 25 to 40 feet apart, sets a minimum trunk size, and dictates planter versus planting-strip placement depending on the district.
Street trees shall be placed between 25 and 40 feet apart and not closer than 25 feet from any existing or proposed streetlight or street intersection. Trees shall be nursery grown stock of not less than 3 inches in caliper at breast height (dbh), with branches commencing not less than 7 feet above grade when planted and staked in an approved manner. Species that provide shading and aesthetic benefit, conform to prevailing street tree patterns in the City and take branching pattern and hardiness into consideration, are recommended. In higher-density areas with high pedestrian traffic and a preponderance of on-street parking such as commercial zones, street trees shall be planted in planters. In lower density such as in residential neighborhoods, street trees shall be placed within a 2foot wide planting strip located between the sidewalk and the curb.
D. Street Name Signs. Appropriate street name signs shall be installed at all street intersections.
E. Street Lights. Appropriate streetlights shall be installed where designated by the Planning Board.
121 City of Paterson, Land Development Ordinance Development Requirements and Design Standards
�400-2.4 Landscape Design
Full Breakdown
Article IV's streetscape design standards require street trees to be spaced 25 to 40 feet apart and at least 25 feet from any streetlight or intersection. Trees must be nursery-grown stock at least 3 inches in caliper at breast height, with branching starting no lower than 7 feet above grade, planted and staked to approved standards. Dense commercial areas get trees planted in planters; lower-density residential blocks get a 2-foot planting strip between sidewalk and curb. Article IV was drafted from the 2006 code and the ordinance flags it as unverified for current accuracy: confirm with the Paterson City Clerk before relying on a specific figure.
Violations & Fines
New development that installs street trees closer together, undersized, or in the wrong planting format for the district can be rejected by the Planning Board at site plan review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart must street trees be planted in Paterson?
Are these standards still current?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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