Ridgewood council to introduce revised tree‑protection ordinance; enforcement and staffing to be addressed in budget

The Ridgewood Village Council moved this week to advance a rewritten tree‑protection ordinance that would tighten controls on tree removals and add verification steps for removals.

Council members and Shade Tree volunteers described a multi‑year drafting process that sought to balance stronger protection for large shade trees with practical allowances for homeowners who face hazardous or imminently failing trees. The revision adds language allowing a licensed tree expert to evaluate removal requests and requires that the village arborist or a designated designee verify such evaluations before a permit is issued.

Council members emphasized enforcement as the outstanding issue. The Shade Tree Commission and councilmembers said the ordinance needs real enforcement capacity—candidates included a budgeted enforcement position sometimes described informally as a "tree sheriff"—but they acknowledged that staffing and enforcement policies will require separate budget action. The council agreed to introduce the revised ordinance at the next meeting and circulate a clean copy in advance so the Shade Tree Commission and the public can review.

Why it matters: The ordinance governs when private and public trees may be removed, the standards for replacement plantings and the penalties for unlawful removals. Residents said they want clearer rules and predictable enforcement; council members said the code must be enforceable in practice and linked to a realistic staffing plan.

What’s next: Council members agreed to introduce the ordinance at the forthcoming meeting and to solicit last‑minute feedback from Shade Tree before introduction. Any change to penalties and enforcement mechanisms will be considered separately and likely discussed during the budget process.