Engineering Division
Clearing Trees on Your Property

Unless you are applying for a Pool Permit, you need to obtain a Grading and Clearing Permit from the Engineering Division whenever you intend to knock trees down.  The Grading and Clearing Permit, when used for clearing trees, costs $25 per application.  If you want to remove more than nine trees that are over 9" in diameter (measured one foot above ground level), you must first apply to the Planning Board.  For every tree over 9" in diameter that you propose to remove, you must plant another tree.  Replacement trees must be ten to fourteen feet in height after planting with a minimum caliper of 2" (measured one foot above ground level).  If the homeowner cannot comply with this requirement, the Engineering Division will consider alternative sizes and types of trees on a case by case basis.  Replacement trees may be placed in any suitable location on the lot however they must be planted in a manner which will give that particular variety of tree the best chances of survival. Shade trees (usually found about four feet from the sidewalk or curb) must be replanted in their original location and have more stringent tree size and type constraints.

If you are clearing trees in conjunction with the installation of a pool, then you do not need to obtain a separate Grading and Clearing Permit as long as you clearly indicate on the survey or grading plan attached to your Pool Permit application the location of each tree you intend to remove.

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