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Madison updates tree-protection rules to tighten permitting, appeals and replacement requirements
Summary
The Borough of Madison introduced and advanced Ordinance 10-2025 to revise the tree protection ordinance, tightening permit tracking, clarifying hazardous-tree definitions, standardizing response times and changing small-tree removal thresholds from two in 24 months to one in 12 months.
Madison council members introduced Ordinance 10-2025 on April 14, a package of changes to the borough's tree-protection code intended to clarify definitions, streamline permitting and improve enforcement. The council moved the ordinance forward by roll call after a presentation from Shade Tree Management Board chair Jean Krakovia and borough staff.
The revision rewrites parts of chapter 178 to define a licensed tree expert, add specific criteria for a ‘‘hazardous tree,’’ standardize response periods and formalize duties already performed by the municipal arborist. ‘‘We did better definitions,’’ said Jean Krakovia, chair of the Shade Tree Management Board, summarizing the work that informed the changes.
The amendment responds to experience under the 2020 ordinance and a 2022 update. Borough staff reported that from February 2020 through the end of last year the arborist processed 664 permits covering about 1,487 trees; the new language aims to reduce record-keeping burdens and disputes that emerged while applying the earlier rules. Major changes include reducing the small-tree permit exemption from two removals in 24 months to one removal in 12 months, requiring replacement trees to be planted within 12 months of permit approval, and standardizing appeal and response periods to 15 days.
The draft also clarifies when a land use board decision controls tree removal on development sites: if a land use board approves tree removal as part of its resolution, the ordinance states the removal is authorized and only a permit filing is required. The ordinance adds documentation standards for arborist site inspections and requires clearer display of active tree permits at work sites to cut down on complaint calls when contractors arrive.
Council members asked about enforcement on private property and outreach to realtors so buyers understand restrictions on tree removal. Krakovia said violations will be handled case by case; the arborist can initiate fines or legal recourse where a clear violation occurred. She also said the shade tree board plans to assemble an informational package for realtors.
The council voted to introduce Ordinance 10-2025 by roll call; the ordinance will proceed through the usual adoption steps. The Shade Tree Management Board, municipal arborist and borough attorney will continue coordinating final language and cross-references to related land-use ordinances.
The changes were presented publicly and will be available in ordinance text and the borough’s online documents ahead of final adoption.
