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Jersey City council adopts upgraded tree protections amid broad public support
Summary
The council unanimously adopted an amended tree ordinance to strengthen protections for street and private trees, align local rules with state stormwater guidance, and require permits for many private-tree removals.
The Jersey City Municipal Council on April 9 adopted an amended tree ordinance (city ordinance 25-033) intended to strengthen protections for both street trees and trees on private property, and to align local rules with state stormwater-management guidance.
The ordinance passed unanimously, 9-0. Dozens of speakers from neighborhood groups, the Hudson County Tree Allies and the Shade Tree Committee supported the changes at the public hearing, urging greater protections for mature and “legacy” trees and clearer rules for replacement and species selection. Several speakers said mature trees provide disproportionate stormwater retention and cooling benefits.
Key changes discussed at the hearing include a permit requirement for the removal of many private trees, advance neighbor notification for proposed removals, a stronger written preference that redesign or other mitigation be used before removal of public right-of-way trees, required use of the city approved tree species list for sidewalk trees, and clearer standards for root-zone protection and acceptable fill materials.
Supporters, including founding Hudson County Tree Allies members and Shade Tree Committee members, told the council the revisions bring Jersey City closer to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection stormwater-management practices and will reduce late-stage conflicts that leave forestry staff appearing as the “bad actor” after plans are already approved. Multiple residents said they had seen city trees removed late in projects when forestry staff were brought in only at final stages.
Council members from across the chamber thanked the Shade Tree Committee, forestry staff and community advocates for the year-long process of revision. On final consideration, the council voted 9-0 to adopt the ordinance; several members spoke in favor of follow-up amendments and continued community consultation.
Ending: The ordinance takes effect according to ordinance schedule and the city will begin implementation steps, including updating the city’s approved species list and publishing permitting guidance for private removals.
