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Harvey Cedars introduces new tree-removal, police and sign ordinances at first reading
Summary
The borough introduced Ordinance 2024-23 to regulate tree removal/replacement and invasive plants, Ordinance 2024-24 on fire department background checks, and Ordinance 2024-25 to prohibit political/promotional signs on public property; first readings passed and final adoption is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2024.
Harvey Cedars, N.J. — At its Aug. 5 meeting the Board of Commissioners introduced three local ordinances that will return for final action in a later meeting.
Ordinance 2024-23 (first reading) would amend Chapter 21 (property maintenance) and Chapter 3 (police regulations). Its stated purpose is to adopt state-required tree removal and replacement regulations, tighten dead-tree rules, prohibit planting of certain invasive plants and revise notice and penalty provisions. The ordinance establishes a Tree Removal and Replacement chapter with definitions, DBH (diameter at breast height) thresholds for street and non-street trees, a replacement schedule (for example, replanting one 1.5-inch-caliper tree for a removed street tree in the 2.5"–12.99" DBH range), a $40 application fee for most categories and a $500 per-tree fee when the borough determines replacement cannot occur on the property.
Ordinance 2024-24 would amend Chapter 2 (Administration) as it pertains to fire department membership and allows the Harvey Cedars Police Department to perform background checks upon election to membership.
Ordinance 2024-25 would amend Chapter 13 (Zoning) to make it unlawful to post political campaign or promotional signs on public property, defined to include streets, sidewalks, parks, medians and public poles. The mayor and commissioners noted the ordinance addresses public right-of-way aesthetics and maintenance.
All three measures were taken up on first reading; motions to adopt first readings were moved and seconded and carried. The public notice in the record states final passage and adoption will be considered at the board’s Aug. 19 meeting at Borough Hall, 7606 Long Beach Blvd.
Key details from Ordinance 2024-23: - New Chapter §21-13 (Tree Removal and Replacement) sets thresholds for applications (street trees DBH ≥2.5", non-street trees DBH ≥6"). - Replacement standards require replacement trees be planted within 12 months and monitored for two years; some exemptions apply (e.g., tree farms, NJDEP-approved projects, hazard trees). - §21-13.6 sets violations and penalties including a $500 payment per tree into a dedicated tree fund and separate general penalty provisions in §3-9.
What happens next: these are first readings. The record shows public notice for final passage on Aug. 19; residents will have an additional opportunity to comment at that meeting.
