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Council introduces ordinance to raise unauthorized tree-removal fine to $1,000
Summary
The Bradley Beach Council reintroduced Ordinance 2026-31 to amend shade-tree rules and increase the fine for cutting a tree without an application from $200 to $1,000, citing state coastal regulations and the role of mature trees in stormwater management; the ordinance was introduced and voted on unanimously.
Bradley Beach Borough Council on Monday reintroduced an amendment to the borough's shade-tree rules that would increase the fine for cutting down a tree without a permit from $200 to $1,000.
Council President DeNoble introduced the item and invited the Shade Tree Commission liaison to summarize the change. Speaker 7, representing the commission, said the commission asked for the higher fine "from 200 to $1,000" to comply with updated state coastal regulations and to reflect the value of mature trees as local stormwater infrastructure. "Mature trees serve as a vital stormwater infrastructure against flooding and runoff," the liaison said, adding that the commission hopes the fine will never have to be issued and prefers cooperative replacement efforts.
The measure was introduced for later adoption; Speaker 2 noted that public comment will be accepted at the adoption meeting. The council voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance 2026-31.
Why it matters: borough officials and the Shade Tree Commission said the higher fine responds to state NJDEP requirements for coastal towns and is intended to help safeguard the borough's tree canopy, which officials described as a component of local stormwater management and resilience planning. The commission also highlighted recent planting work in Bradley Beach and urged homeowners to cooperate with replacement efforts.
What's next: The ordinance will be brought back at a future meeting for adoption, when the public will be invited to comment formally.
