Princeton Council Approves Change To Tree Ordinance

Princeton, NJ -- Princeton Council said the loss of trees to build new homes was the reason behind revising the town’s tree ordinance prior to the approval with a 5-1 vote during Monday night’s meeting, the Princeton Packet reports.

The ordinance calls for stiffer penalties for illegally cutting down trees in the town.

Additionally, the proposed ordinance calls for anyone who gets a permit to cut down a tree to plant replacement trees equal to the size of the one they cut down, or pay the town $1,600, which would go into the Princeton Shade Tree Trust Reserve.

Princeton was using a 1-to-1 replacement model, but the new ordinance calls for more replacement trees based on the size of the tree cut down.

For example, cutting down a tree that is 39 inches in diameter would call for the planting of four replacement trees, either on the person’s private property or in a public place.

Residents must also apply for a $40 permit before cutting down a tree, according to the report.

Residents said the ordinance adds a financial burden, especially for senior citizens, and is punitive, according to the report.

Patrick Simon was the lone member of council to vote against the ordinance, in part because there is no exception for someone who wants to install solar panels on their homes or installing a wheelchair access ramp.