Tree Removal Permits: Toms River, Brick, Jackson & More

Published October 19, 2026 · Ocean County Tree Service

Short answer: It depends on the town. Toms River requires a permit for most removals on private lots ($75, waived for dead trees) and Jackson regulates removal under Chapter 405 ($10 + $25 inspection). Brick and Berkeley exempt typical single-family lots (up to 1 and 2 acres), Manchester only regulates clearing over 225 sq ft, and Lakewood requires a township permit under its tree-protection rules.

The six-town permit table

Town	Permit for a typical house lot?	Fee as listed	Key exemptions	Ordinance
Toms River	Yes, before removing a standing tree	$75 (waived for dead tree)	Fee waived for dead trees	Toms River Township FAQ
Brick	No, on lots ≤1 acre with an existing single-family home	n/a for exempt lots	Small developed residential lots	Brick Code Ch. 453
Jackson	Yes, removal regulated	$10 application + $25 inspection	Replacement or Tree Escrow may apply	Jackson Code Ch. 405; Jackson permit application
Lakewood	Yes, township permit required	Confirm with township	Picking up already-fallen limbs needs no permit	Lakewood Code § 18-803H
Manchester	Only if clearing >225 sq ft of trees	$75	Dead/diseased trees; trees within 10 ft of a structure	Manchester Code Ch. 403
Berkeley	No, on lots ≤2 acres with a single-family home	n/a for exempt lots	Dead or dangerous trees; right-of-way trees still need a permit	Berkeley Code Ch. 23

Our summary of each published ordinance or township page as of October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the zoning or engineering office before work starts. Not legal advice.

Why the rules keep changing

New Jersey's stormwater permit for towns required municipalities to adopt tree removal and replacement rules, and the state published a NJDEP model tree ordinance that many towns copied: permits for street trees 2.5 inches and up and other trees 6 inches and up (measured at breast height), with replacement trees or a fee. That's why shore towns like Ship Bottom, Beach Haven and Stafford now have rules that didn't exist a few years ago, while older ordinances in Brick and Berkeley still exempt small residential lots.

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Pinelands towns have a second layer

Jackson, Manchester, Berkeley and other western Ocean County towns sit partly in the Pinelands, where clearing for development is regulated by the Pinelands Commission on top of local rules (Pinelands municipalities list). Removing a single yard tree is normally a local matter, but clearing a lot is not. See Pinelands clearing rules.

Practical steps before you cut

Find the trunk: if it's between the sidewalk and curb, it may be a street tree, which almost every town regulates.
Photograph dead, leaning or storm-damaged trees before removal; hazard trees are exempt or fee-waived in most towns.
Ask your tree company who files the permit and whether the fee is in the quote.
Check your HOA; many Jackson and Manchester adult communities have their own approval step.

Other towns: our full Ocean County permit guide covers Lacey, Barnegat, Stafford, Point Pleasant and more. Need the work done? See tree removal or dead tree removal.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Toms River?

Yes, for most removals. Toms River Township says a permit is required before removing a standing tree on a private lot, alive or dead. The listed fee is $75, waived for a dead tree.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Brick Township?

Usually not for a typical house lot. Brick's Chapter 453 exempts lots of one acre or less with an existing single-family home; larger lots and development need a permit.

Does Berkeley Township require a tree removal permit?

Not for most homeowners. Berkeley's Chapter 23 exempts lots of two acres or less with a single-family home and dead or dangerous trees, but trees in the road right-of-way need a permit.

Do I need a permit in Manchester Township?

Only for larger clearing. Manchester's Chapter 403 requires a $75 permit before clearing more than 225 square feet of trees, and exempts dead or diseased trees and trees within 10 feet of an existing structure.

What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?

Towns can issue fines and require replacement trees or a payment into a tree fund. Ask your tree company whether it pulls the permit, and keep photos of dead or hazard trees before removal.

Cost and permit guides

Sources are linked in the text and can change. This is general information, not legal, insurance or professional advice. Free referral service, not a tree company. Your request goes to one independent local tree company, which may pay us for the referral.