Do you need a permit?
It depends on the tree
Lakewood requires a tree removal permit for any tree of 10 inches DBH or more, but there is a broad exception for ordinary homeowners: any tree on a lot of one acre or less with a single-family dwelling already built and a certificate of occupancy issued is exempt. Trees under 10 inches DBH are exempt everywhere. On larger lots, and on lots being developed, the permit and the replacement schedule apply.
Size threshold
"It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or cause to remove trees with a DBH of 10 inches or more without first having obtained a tree removal permit." "TREE shall mean any deciduous or coniferous species which has a DBH of 10 inches or greater."
What's protected in Lakewood
- Specimen trees, as listed in Section 18-803 H.2 of the Unified Development Ordinance
- Historic trees, designated by the governing body by resolution because of age, type, size or historic association
How to apply in Lakewood
- 1
Check whether you are exempt. The most common exemption is a tract of one acre or less on which a single-family dwelling has been erected and a certificate of occupancy issued.
- 2
File a written tree removal permit application at the Inspection Department office and pay the $10 application fee, plus $25 if an on-site inspection is required.
- 3
Include the applicant name and address, the property owner name and address, the lot and block, and the shape and dimensions of the lot including all easements. For a single-family residence the plan may be a simple tree location sketch. For any other property a licensed land surveyor must prepare a survey showing tree locations.
- 4
Wait for the Code Enforcement Officer or Tree Specialist to inspect the trees and property.
- 5
The Code Enforcement Officer approves or denies within 20 business days after the application is declared complete, in writing, with the basis for any denial.
- 6
If denied, you may appeal to the Township Committee by filing written notice within 10 days.
Fees, penalties, and the ordinance
- Fee
- Application fee of $10 for each new or existing lot, plus a $25 inspection fee on all applications requiring on-site verification.
- Ordinance
- Code of the Township of Lakewood, Chapter 19, Protection of Trees (Ord. No. 2010-95), read together with Section 18-803 H of the Lakewood Unified Development Ordinance
Worth knowing
- Exemptions in § 19-3c include: any tree under 10 inches DBH; any tree on a tract of one acre or less with a single-family dwelling erected and a CO issued; dead, diseased or dangerous trees; any tree in a public right-of-way; any tree in a drainage or utility easement; any tree within 10 feet of the proposed foundation lines of a building for which a building permit has been issued; any tree in the proposed placement of a driveway or sidewalk incidental to construction of a principal building; commercial nurseries, tree farms, garden centers, Christmas tree plantations and orchards; and property under a filed forest management or Soil Conservation District plan.
- Replacement schedule under § 19-8.1: greater than 10 up to 16 inches, 1 replacement tree of 2 to 2.5 inch caliper or $200; greater than 16 up to 23 inches, 2 trees or $400; greater than 23 up to 30 inches, 4 trees or $600; greater than 30 inches, 5 trees or $800. The total replacement fee is capped at $2,000 per acre of clearing.
- A permit is void if the removal is not completed within a reasonable time, not to exceed 36 months from approval.
- The permit rules apply to tree removal companies too. It is unlawful for a company to remove a tree for you unless a valid permit is in effect and displayed on site.
- In an emergency such as a hurricane, windstorm, ice storm or flood, or for dead or diseased trees that are a hazard, the Code Enforcement Officer may waive the requirements.
What we could not confirm
We would rather tell you what we don't know than guess. Call the office below to confirm these before you cut.
- — The penalty amounts. Section 19-16 is titled "Violations and Penalties" but the text did not render in the published code we could read.
- — A direct phone extension for the Inspection Department. The number above is the main township line.
- — Whether Lakewood has separately adopted an NJDEP model tree removal and replacement ordinance under its MS4 stormwater permit.