Glen Rock Updates Tree Ordinance to Regulate the Removal of Trees on Private Property

All property owners in Glen Rock should be advised that, on October 23, 2024, the Glen Rock Borough Council passed an ordinance that regulates the removal of trees on private property. The new section, 208-10, relates to the removal and replacement of trees on private property.

Section 208-10 applies to any private property in Glen Rock, except for development, demolition, or construction projects, in which case the provisions of section 208-9 apply.

Anyone planning to remove a tree having a 6 inch diameter trunk or greater at a height of 4 ½ feet ( see details in ordinance) must now secure a permit from the Building Department before removal can be performed. The ordinance also requires that replacement tree(s) are required to be planted or the property owner must pay a fee of $750 for each replacement tree to the Glen Rock Tree Trust. The Tree Trust monies are used to supplement public tree replacement in Glen Rock. Permits will be available from the Building Department located in Borough Hall.

This new ordinance brings Glen Rock into alignment with the recent New Jersey MS4 stormwater requirements, the New Jersey Global Warming Response Act, the Glen Rock state-approved Community Forestry Management Plan of which one of the goals is to reverse the tree deficit as well as the Glen Rock Master Plan.

For more information please contact the building department. Copies of the ordinance are available in the building department, at the clerk’s office and on the Glen Rock Shade Tree Advisory Committee website.