Ridgewood requires a permit from the Division of Engineering to remove any qualified tree of eight inches diameter at breast height or greater on private property under Chapter 260.
Under Chapter 260 of the Ridgewood Village Code, no person, property owner, or hired firm may cut or remove any existing qualified tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of eight inches or greater on private lands without first obtaining a permit from the Village. Applications are submitted to the Division of Engineering of the Department of Public Works at Village Hall before any removal occurs. A qualified tree is defined as any non-invasive species tree at the eight-inch DBH threshold. Exemptions exist for trees that are dead, dying, diseased, damaged, hazards to structures or human safety, or that have suffered compromised growth, as confirmed by a Qualified Tree Expert or the Village Arborist. Trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the Parks/Shade Tree department at 201-670-5565.
Removing a qualified tree without a permit can result in fines, mandatory replacement plantings, or required payments into the Tree Fund. Violations are typically enforced through Village Hall and the Department of Public Works.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle tree removal permits.
See how Ridgewood's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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