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Long Hill adopts comprehensive tree-protection ordinance, creates replacement and trust-fund requirements
Summary
The Township Committee adopted Ordinance 584-26, a new Tree Removal and Protection Ordinance that restricts clearing, requires permits for most tree removals, requires replacement plantings or contributions to a tree trust fund, and establishes enforcement procedures and penalties.
Long Hill Township’s governing body adopted a comprehensive Tree Removal and Protection Ordinance (Ordinance 584-26) at its May 27 meeting, expanding local controls on tree cutting, requiring permits for most removals and creating a mechanism for replacement plantings or payments into a municipal Tree Trust Fund.
The ordinance, approved on second reading without public comment, creates a new Chapter XXIII in the township code that defines protected trees, sets permit rules for both development and non-development tree removals, and requires replacement trees based on the diameter of trees removed. It designates the public works manager (or designee) as the Tree Conservation Officer (TCO) to administer permits and inspections, and gives the Shade Tree Commission an advisory role in development reviews.
Why it matters: Township leaders said the ordinance is intended to preserve the community’s tree canopy, reduce erosion and stormwater impacts, and protect the township’s semi-rural character. The replacement schedule ties required new trees to the diameter of removed trees (for example, one 2"–2½" replacement for trees under 10" DBH, progressively more for larger trees), and the ordinance allows up to 75% of required replacements to be satisfied by a contribution to a Tree Trust Fund. The fund must be used for public plantings, maintenance and related consultant work; up to 20% of the fund may be used for consultant costs.
Key details: The ordinance restricts wholesale clearing of undeveloped wooded lots without a permit, exempts certain limited removals for small residential lots and emergency removals, and requires protective measures on construction sites (fencing, limits on stockpiles within drip lines, restrictions on grade changes near trunks). It identifies procedures and time frames for TCO review, inspection and appeals to the Shade Tree Commission and Township Committee. Violations carry fines (minimum $100) and may trigger stop-work orders, mandatory replanting or payments into the Tree Trust Fund; 50% of monetary penalties are allocated to the fund.
The committee approved the ordinance by roll call vote; Committeewoman Fettes, Committeeman Verlezza, Deputy Mayor Dorsi and Mayor Piserchia voted yes; Committeeman Liberato was absent. The ordinance takes effect after final publication and sets rules that will apply to pending and future development applications.
The committee directed the TCO and Shade Tree Commission to implement guidance on tree protection fencing and replacement planting schedules and to pursue outreach to homeowners about the new requirements.
