Do you need a permit?
Yes — a permit is required
Newark requires a removal permit for every tree removal, including trees on your own property, and the permit is issued by the Department of Public Works. The city states plainly that "for all tree removals whether on private or public property, a removal permit is needed," and that there is no permit fee for trees the city does not own. Pruning a private tree needs no permit.
Fees, penalties, and the ordinance
- Fee
- No fee for trees on private property. The city states: "For trees not owned by the City on private properties, there will be no permit fee." For City-owned trees the permit cost is based on the assessed value of the tree.
- Penalties
- Chapter 27:1 violations carry a fine of up to $500, or imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
- Ordinance
- Revised General Ordinances of Newark, Title XXVII, Chapter 27:1, Trees and Shrubbery, § 27:1-5 (amended 8-2-2023 by Ord. No. 6PSF-C)
Worth knowing
- The code text at § 27:1-5.c is written permissively: "Any person desiring to remove, destroy or cut down any tree located on private property may apply to the Department of Public Works to obtain a written permit for such work to be performed and pay the required fee." The city's own public guidance treats the permit as mandatory for all removals, so apply.
- Pruning a tree on private property does not require a permit, but Newark requires residents to hire only companies licensed by the State of New Jersey.
- Anyone doing tree work in Newark should have a DPW permit on site at the time of the work. Unpermitted removal is reported to Code Enforcement.
- For questions about a tree on private property, Newark directs residents to Code Enforcement at 973-733-6471. The Office of Sustainability, Resilience and Community Transformation can be reached at 973-877-9587.
- Allow at least 10 business days for the city to complete its assessment before scheduled work.
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.
- — Any diameter or species threshold. Chapter 27:1 sets no DBH cutoff, and we found no published threshold in a City of Newark source.
- — Replacement or mitigation planting requirements after an approved private-property removal.
- — The exact fee the ordinance says the Department of Public Works may set, which conflicts with the city's "no permit fee" statement for private trees.