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Stanhope introduces tree removal-replacement ordinance with DBH-based replacement rates
Summary
Ordinance 2026-13, introduced June 9, sets tree-removal application requirements, DBH thresholds and replacement ratios, allows alternatives and exemptions, and establishes enforcement and penalties; public hearing set for June 23.
Mayor Wronko introduced Ordinance 2026-13 on June 9 to add Chapter 131, Tree Removal‑Replacement. The draft defines regulated trees and activities, requires a Tree Removal Application for street trees with a DBH of 2.5 inches or more (non‑street trees threshold 6 inches DBH), and establishes replacement requirements scaled to the DBH of removed trees. Replacement alternatives include on‑site planting in approved locations or a $100 per-tree fee to be deposited into a tree-planting fund if replanting on site is infeasible.
The ordinance provides exemptions (e.g., tree farms, hazard trees) and requires monitoring and replacement for two years after planting. During introduction Councilman Smith asked whether the 2.5 measurement was inches or feet and Administrator McNeilly confirmed that the unit is inches. The ordinance was introduced for public hearing on June 23.
