Do you need a permit?
Yes — a permit is required
Paterson adopted a tree removal and replacement ordinance in April 2025 under its stormwater chapter. If you plan to remove a tree on your property with a diameter at breast height of 6 inches or more, or a street tree of 2.5 inches or more, you must file a tree removal application and wait for city approval before cutting. Replacement trees are required unless you fall under a resident exemption.
Size threshold
"Any person planning to remove a street tree, as defined as tree removal, with DBH of 2.5 inches or more or any non-street tree with DBH of six inches or more on their property shall submit a tree removal application to City Officials. No tree shall be removed until City Officials have reviewed and approved the removal."
What's protected in Paterson
- Street trees, meaning trees in the sidewalk, planting strip, or public right-of-way, including islands, medians and pedestrian refuges (2.5 inch DBH threshold)
How to apply in Paterson
- 1
Measure the tree at diameter at breast height, 4.5 feet above ground on the uphill side. If the trunk divides below 4.5 feet, measure at the highest point before the division.
- 2
If it is a non-street tree of 6 inches DBH or more, or a street tree of 2.5 inches or more, submit a tree removal application to the city.
- 3
If you are claiming an exemption, provide written justification, meaning photos or a statement from a New Jersey licensed tree expert (N.J.S.A. 45:15C-11) or an arborist.
- 4
Do not remove the tree until the city has reviewed and approved the removal.
- 5
Plant the required replacement trees within 12 months of removal, or on an alternative date the city specifies, and monitor them for two years, replacing any that die within 12 months.
Fees, penalties, and the ordinance
- Penalties
- Any person found in violation of Article III is subject to a fine of $500.
- Ordinance
- Code of the City of Paterson, Chapter 433, Stormwater Control, Article III, Tree Removal and Replacement (added 4-15-2025 by Ord. No. 25-014)
Worth knowing
- Replacement schedule: a tree of 2.5 inches DBH (street) or 6 inches (non-street) up to 12.99 inches requires 1 replacement tree of at least 1.5 inch caliper; 13 to 22.99 inches requires 2; 23 to 32.99 inches requires 3; 33 inches or greater requires 4.
- If the city determines replacement trees cannot be planted on your property, you either plant them in a separate city-approved area or pay $500 per tree removed into a dedicated tree planting fund.
- Resident exemption: residents who remove fewer than four trees per acre in Categories 1, 2 or 3 within a rolling five-year period are exempt from the replacement standard. The count rolls off five years after each removal.
- Hazard trees may be removed with no fee and no replacement requirement. A licensed tree expert makes all hazard tree determinations.
- Responsible pruning and maintenance is not "tree removal" under the ordinance. Excessive pruning, toxic substances, over-mulching, and improper grading or soil compaction inside the critical root radius all are.
- Appendix A lists the approved replacement species. Sweet Gum and Bradford Pear may not be used as replacement trees.
- The ordinance is enforced by the Police Department and other City Officials during ordinary enforcement duties.
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 application fee. Section 433-21A(1) says "Applicants will be subject to an application fee as per the table below," but the table that follows is the Tree Replacement Requirements Table and lists no dollar amounts. Call Public Works to ask what is actually charged.
- — Which office receives the application. The ordinance says only "City Officials" and never defines the term, and Appendix A refers to a "Township Engineer," which appears to be drafting carryover. Start with the Department of Public Works.
- — Whether Paterson has published an application form.