Open space and environment
Tree permits and the ordinance review
Warren requires a permit to cut trees under Chapter 17, with a $25 fee and a general four-trees-per-acre allowance. In 2026 the Committee reviewed an amendment using the NJDEP model ordinance. No amendment was introduced or adopted in the records reviewed through October 2026.
No amendment yet
What happens next
The Township's Zoning Permits page describes the tree application and approval process. No amendment introduction is scheduled in the Committee records reviewed.
Warren Township requires a permit before trees are cut, damaged, injured or removed, except for reasonable pruning, under Chapter 17. The Township restated the rule in an October 14, 2026 notice: “Please remember to get a Tree Permit before cutting any trees, dead or alive.” An application goes to the Zoning Office with a survey showing each tree’s location, size and genus. The Zoning Permits page lists a $25 fee and says that generally four trees per acre may be cut per year with the permit; residents must wait for approval before cutting.
The Township Committee began reviewing the ordinance in 2026. On March 12, Township Administrator Mark Krane said the Engineering and Zoning offices had prepared “a comprehensive recommendation with changes” so the ordinance “can be properly enforced.” Township Attorney William Willard suggested reviewing the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection model ordinance. Krane proposed sending the draft to the Environmental Commission. On May 14, Krane said the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection model “was used” and that Commission Chairman Wayne DeFeo had submitted comments.
Krane told the Committee that tree removal on site plans is approved by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment, and that about 150 applications a year come from residents. He raised whether those approvals should rest with the Zoning Official or involve the Environmental Commission or another board, and said the ordinance also ensures replacement plans are carried out. Committeeman Blick raised inspections to confirm replanting.
No tree ordinance was introduced or adopted in the reviewed Committee records through October 2026. The Township’s list of adopted ordinances for 2026 shows numbers from 26-01 to 26-24, with no tree ordinance included. Residents discussed tree cutting or ordinance enforcement at three meetings. One resident asked about a complaint filed with the Zoning Officer; the minutes do not record any decision on this.
Timeline
- Active Resident comments on Hillcrest tree cuttingBill Gilbert of Flintlock Drive said he learned that Hillcrest tree cutting followed the approved plan and recommended future standards maintain barriers, particularly along Route 78.
- Resolved Township authorizes up to $100,000 in tree removal workResolution 2026-052 authorized up to $100,000 in trimming, pruning and removal purchase orders to Rich Tree Service, Inc. under a state contract. It passed on the consent agenda, 5–0.
- Active Township administrator discusses tree ordinance proposalTownship Administrator Mark Krane told the Committee that the Engineering and Zoning offices had prepared a recommendation to amend the tree ordinance so it could be properly enforced.
- Active Staff report on tree ordinance reviewKrane reported that the NJDEP model tree ordinance was used and that Environmental Commission Chairman Wayne DeFeo had submitted comments. He discussed whether the Zoning Official or another body should approve about 150 residential applications a year. No ordinance was introduced; the minutes do not name the resident asking about a complaint.
- Active Township reminds residents that tree permits are requiredThe Township posted a reminder that a tree permit is required before cutting any trees, dead or alive, and quoted Chapter 17's permit rule and survey requirement.