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1. Can I do my own work?

You can do your own building, electrical and plumbing work ONLY in your owner occupied, single family, detached dwelling. All permit and inspections are required. Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Alarm contractors are required to have a State License. All Home Improvement Contractors are required to be registered with the State. Ask for proof of the required license or registration.

2. Are inspections required during the course of construction?

This information is intended for public information purposes only. It summarizes and omits some provisions. It is not intended to be construed or used as an official Development Ordinance interpretation in any legal proceedings. The State of New Jersey requires the building department to conduct the following minimum field inspections; footing, foundation, electrical rough, plumbing rough, framing, insulation, plumbing final, electrical final, fire final and building final inspections.

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1. Where can I find information about recreation registration, programs, and facilities?

Information regarding recreation programs, classes, and activities can be found on our Community Activities page.

2. How do I set up an account in CommunityPass?

If you already have a CP account from another organization or community, please use the link on www.newprov.org/recreation to access the site. You can use your existing username and password to log in and register for NP Rec programs. You do not need to create a new account.

• If you do not have an account, follow the link from the above and then choose “Create an Account.” Complete the family account form by filling in your information and clicking on “continue” until you finish your account setup. Your family CP profile is now set up. Clicking “finish” will return you to the CP homepage.

IMPORTANT Information on your Family Account Homepage: On your CP homepage, you can view registrations, pay balances, and update information by mousing over the words “My Account” in the upper left corner and following the corresponding link.

3. How do I register for a NP Rec program using CommunityPass?

To register for a class or camp, follow the link on www.newprov.org/recreation to begin. Provide your username and password and log in. On your family CP homepage you will see a listing of New Providence organizations that use CP for registration.  Non-residents may register for programs for an additional $20 fee.

1. Click on the orange box labeled “View Programs and Register” next to New Providence Recreation and choose the appropriate season (2023 Youth Summer, 2023 Tennis Reservations).
2. Verify your contact information and e-mail (click “continue” to proceed).
3. Select those family members that you are registering and click “Continue.” If the family member that you want to register is not present in the list, click the “Add New Child” or “Add New Adult” button to add additional family members. Repeat as necessary until all family members that are registering are displayed in the list. Continue as directed on the screen.
4. On the “Profile Verification” page, enter or confirm the required information for each individual you are registering. When finished, click on the “Continue” button. Please Note: You can choose more than one family member so that registration is completed in a single transaction (i.e.: register two children for camps at the same time).
5. On the next page, select the appropriate program(s) for each member of your family. When finished, click “continue”.
6. Follow the remaining steps to complete and pay for your registration. CP will calculate your cost on your “Confirmation” page. Payment can be made with a credit card (Visa, Master Card, or Discover). 

An e-mail confirmation of the transaction will be sent to the e-mail address(es) on the account. 

4. What if the class I would like to register for is full (says Waitlist)?

Each program has a maximum number to ensure instructor/participant ratios are met and that the allotted space is suitable. 

If a class/camp is full, you may put your child (or yourself) on the Waitlist (no fee is charged for going on the waitlist).  If a spot in the program becomes available:

• The first registrant on the Waitlist is "released" and an e-mail is sent to the address on the corresponding CommunityPass account.
• Two links are provided in this e-mail, one to complete the registration and one to decline the spot in the program.

Recreation requests that participants accept or decline the available spot within 48 hours (or 2 business days).  If a spot is declined, the spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

5. How do I cancel a registration?

 To cancel a registration, please call the office at (908) 464-4430.  For each cancellation, a withdrawal fee will be charged:

•  $20 for all programs EXCEPT…
•  $25 for Teen Venture Camp

 If a transfer is made (going from one program to another), no withdrawal fee is charged.

6. If a class is cancelled, how/when is a make-up class scheduled?

If a class is cancelled due to weather or instructor illness, a make-up is scheduled.  In most cases, the make-up class occurs on the next class day after session dates are completed. For example, a Saturday class runs for five weeks, ending on Saturday, May 8.  The make-up date would be Saturday, May 15.  If a class cannot be made up, a refund for that class will be provided to all registrants.

If a program or class is cancelled prior to the start of the season due to low enrollment, a full refund will be provided.

7. Can Recreation help me with my NP PAL or Community Pool registration?

Although they both use CommunityPass, NP PAL and the NP Community Pool are separate organizations from New Providence Recreation.  

Recreation staff members can view your CommunityPass account, but are unable to see registrations completed through other organizations.

NP PAL can be reached via e-mail via their website at www.nppal.org.  The NP Community Pool website is www.nppool.org, or you can call (908) 464-4141.

8. I’m part of an organization/business…can I reserve a field in town?

Requests for field usage must be made via the Facilities Usage Form,  In order to receive consideration for reserving a field, a group/business must provide proof of insurance.  

9. Can I reserve a field in town for a family gathering or child’s birthday party?

Residents are welcome to use public spaces, parks, or fields for group events or gatherings, however, the space cannot be reserved. Additionally, spaces like the Municipal Center Gym and the DeCorso Community Center, are not available for rental or private use.

10. How do I make a Tennis Court Reservation?

Tennis court reservations are available to ALL New Providence residents.  A membership permit is not required.

• Court reservations can be made via CommunityPass – each reservation will cost $2.00.
• The CommunityPass program opens each Monday for reservations on the following Saturday – Thursday (for example, on April 10, reservations became available for Saturday, April 15 – Thursday, April 20).

Click for more information regarding Tennis Court Reservations.

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1. What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a crime under the law. Domestic Violence means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts committed against a victim by an adult or an emancipated minor: assault, burglary, criminal mischief, criminal restraint, terroristic threats, criminal sexual contact, criminal trespass, false imprisonment, harassment, kidnapping, lewdness, sexual assault, stalking.

Emancipated minor means a person whole under 18 years of age but who has been married, has entered military service, has a child or is pregnant, or has been legally declared by a court or administrative agency to be emancipated.

2. What is a restraining order?

It is a Court Order which is intended to protect you from further harm from someone who has hurt you; or to keep the abuser from the scene of the violence, which may include your home, place of work, or apartment. It is a civil order, and it does not give the defendant (the abuser) a criminal record. You have a right to a temporary restraining order (TRO) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. This civil TRO prohibits your abuser from further contact or harassment. Within 10 days a hearing will be set before a judge of the Family Court in Elizabeth.

3. What does a restraining order do?

If you are a victim of domestic violence, a judge can sign an order of protection that requires the abuser to obey the law. The abuser can be ordered not to have any contact with you, in person or by phone, at home, work, or almost anywhere you ask the court to put in the order. The order against contact may also protect other people in your family. The court can order the abuser to leave the house or apartment that you and the abuser share, even if it is in the abuser's name. The judge can order the police to escort the abuser to remove personal items from the residence or shared place of business, so that the police protects you during any necessary contact. The judge has the power under the law to order anything else that will help to protect you, as long as you agree to it.

4. Who can get a restraining order?

A victim of domestic violence can obtain a Restraining Order. A "victim of domestic violence" means a person protected by the law and shall include any person who has been subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or any other person who is a present or former household member and where the victim is 18 years of age or older or who is an emancipated minor. A victim, of any age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has a child in common, or if the victim is pregnant by a man who she says will be the father of the child when the pregnancy is carried to term is also covered by this law. A victim, of any age, also includes any person who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship.

5. How do you file a restraining order?

Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm, except on a holiday, you can go to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Family Division Superior Court in Elizabeth and apply for the order. If it is after hours a holiday, or a weekend, you can go to your local police department to obtain an order. They can call a judge to get an order that starts immediately. You will be asked to speak to the judge by telephone, If English is not a language you usually speak, you may want to bring a friend with you to interpret. An interpreter should be provided for you any time you are scheduled to appear in court, but might not be available at the police station.

6. How long does the order remain in effect?

When you first get protection under the law it is only temporary. The order is called a T.R.O. for Temporary Restraining Order. You must return to court on the date indicated in the T.R.O., which will be about 10 days later. Both you and the abuser will be asked to appear in court on that date. During the 10-day period the police or Sheriff's Office will serve the abuser with a copy of the order, so the abuser will know when the hearing is. Keep a copy of the order with you and give a copy to the police in any town where you think the abuser might bother you.

7. What can you do if the order is violated?

Call the police. For some violations (having contact with you or coming to the house, for example) or if the abuser violated the order by committing a crime, (for example, stalking you, harassing you, or trespassing) the local police must sign a criminal complaint for contempt.

8. Can I file criminal charges?

You can file criminal charges against the abuser for acts of domestic violence, because they are all crimes. Criminal charges can only be filed at the local police department, and they will usually be heard at the local municipal court. For very serious crimes, the county prosecutor may take your case to state criminal court. You do not have to file criminal charges, but the law does allow you to file them if you choose, even if you also get a restraining order. You have a year after any incident to file criminal charges. The police can also file charges on their own and must do so when you show signs of injury or if a weapon was used. If the abuser is found guilty of the criminal charges, the court can impose fines, probation, or even jail as punishment.

9. What happens next?

The court will give you a copy of the order. Carry it with you at all times. If the abuser does not obey the order, CALL THE POLICE. The police have to arrest an abuser who violates any part of the order that protects you from threats or violence. You have the right to police protection. If you carry your order with you at all times, it will be easier for the police to understand your current situation. If you lose your order, or it gets destroyed, return to the court and obtain another copy.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

7. Can I get a free rabies shot for my dog or cat?

Yes, there is a free clinic every January. Call the Borough Clerk's Office at 908-665-1400 for the date.

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1. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

No. However, if you post signs around the Borough, they must be taken down immediately at the close of your garage sale. Additionally, you may not block off any municipal street or roadway to conduct your garage sale.

2. Where can I get information about train station parking permits?

Read more about train station parking and permits.

3. Do I need a permit to take down a tree?

Yes, permits are required for all trees that are taken down. The fee is $10 per tree. Contact the Building Department for a permit application. If more than three trees are being requested to be taken down, the application must be forwarded to the Borough Engineer for approval. If trees have been taken down previously on the property, they count toward the three trees.

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1. How Does the Program Apply to Me?

If you have been convicted of an alcohol or drug-related traffic or boating offense in New Jersey, you must satisfy the requirements of the intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) and the Intoxicated Driver Center (IDRC). These programs have two purposes: to make our highways and waterways safer by educating drivers and boat operators about alcohol, drugs and their relation to motor vehicle and boating safety, and to identify and treat those who need treatment for an alcohol or drug problem.

2. What program must I attend, and where is it?

If you are sentenced as a first offender, you will be detained, educated, and evaluated for at least six hours each day on two consecutive days, a total of 12 hours, in your county IDRC. If you are sentenced as a second offender and not sentenced to jail or inpatient treatment, you will be detained, educated and evaluated during a period of 48 consecutive hours in a regional facility. If you are sentenced as a third offender, the court may sentence you to jail or to an inpatient alcoholism treatment program or both. IDP will schedule you to appear at the 12-hour IDRC for follow up. You may be required to participate in additional treatment or self help. In all cases you must satisfy the program, fee and treatment requirements of IDP/IDRC before your license is restored.

3. If I don’t live in new jersey, must I still comply?

Yes. The driving privilege restoration and IDP fees ($150) still must be paid to Motor Vehicle Services. If you live within driving distance of an IDRC in New Jersey, you will be scheduled to appear there. If not you will be given an opportunity to satisfy the requirements in your home state.

4. What if I don’t participate?

If you fail to appear at the IDRC or do not satisfactorily complete a prescribed treatment or self-help program, or pay the fees on time, your license suspension will be extended or reimposed, and you may also be jailed two days for noncompliance. IDP/IDRC program completion will still be required.

5. What happens at the IDRC?

You will pay the IDRC program fee and complete a questionnaire. You will attend a series of educational sessions and discussions. You will meet with a counselor for a personal evaluative interview.

6. What does the education program do?

The education program, which is part of the 12 and 48-hour IDRC, contains information on social and problem drinking, stages of alcoholism, the family and other relationships, alcohol and drugs and their effects on driving ability, and the New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Law.

7. What happens after I have been detained and evaluated?

You may be referred to a treatment program or self help group for alcohol or drug problems. If you are referred to treatment, it will be for a minimum of 16 weeks. The IDRC may require monitored treatment or self-help group attendance for a maximum of one year. You must complete treatment as part of your sentence.

8. What about my driver’s license?

Your driving privilege will be restored when you have satisfied all court and DMV imposed suspensions and if you are in compliance with all Intoxicated Driver Resource Center requirements.

9. What is IDP/IDRC?

The Intoxicated Driving Program is a unit of the Division of Addiction Services of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The IDRCs are units of, or contractors to, the 21 counties. IDP schedules you for the 12 or 48-Hour IDRC program and notifies Motor Vehicle Services (MVS) when you have completed or failed to comply. IDP staff work with the IDRCs to insure that you are treated fairly under the law.

10. How much does it cost?

Please see summary of offenses on this page. If you are referred to a treatment program you are also responsible for those costs.

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1. Why should I try mediation?

Mediation is a structured and confidential form of negotiation that provides you with a convenient, fair, and effective way to resolve disputes without filing a formal complaint. If your case is heard in court before a judge, you do not negotiate, and you do not decide what happens to your case. The judge must make a decision in accordance with the law.

In mediation, by contrast, you have significant control over the process. A court-appointed, trained mediator assists you and the person(s) with whom you are in conflict in negotiating a solution to your problem. It is a solution that both sides consider fair and reasonable. Mediation often results in a win-win outcome. Moreover, no one ever gets a police record.

2. What are the costs?

Mediation is free. There are no court costs, and there is no payment to the mediators.

3. Who are the mediators?

Mediators are concerned members of the community who have volunteered their time and talents to provide a free, effective, and timely method for settling disputes. They are required to complete an intensive training course and to participate in ongoing educational activities. All mediators must be approved by the New Jersey Superior Court.

4. What kinds of matters are appropriate for mediation?

Mediation can be used for the less serious kinds of disputes that you may consider taking to Municipal Court. These matters include conflicts between neighbors, landlord-tenant disputes, disagreements between customers and merchants, and a wide assortment of interpersonal problems such as noise complaints and conflicts involving pet owners.

5. How does mediation work?

In order to maximize the likelihood of success, it is important that both parties cooperate with the mediator and understand some basic ground rules. Specifically, the following points are important:

Mediators do not decide who is right or wrong. They facilitate a discussion between the parties.

The parties are expected to negotiate in good faith. Both sides will be committed to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

Each side will be given an equal chance to talk, but only one person may speak at a time.

Name-calling, foul language, rowdy behavior, and threats will not be tolerated.

Only individuals directly involved in the dispute are allowed to be present at mediation sessions. Mediators are prohibited from discussing the dispute with anyone not directly involved.

Although not required for the purposes of mediation, evidence (e.g., receipts or photographs) may be submitted; and witnesses may appear so long as they contribute relevant information. Each party is responsible to arrange for the appearance of any witnesses.

Attorneys may attend mediation sessions in an advisory capacity, but they are not allowed to actively participate.

Mediation sessions are confidential. Disclosures and proposals made in an effort to resolve disputes cannot be used in any subsequent court proceeding concerning the matter.

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1. How do I commend an officer?

Citizens who feel that an officer has performed his duties in an exceptional manner, demonstrating respect, professionalism, and competence, may express their appreciation in a number of ways:

• Contact any officer or supervisor at police headquarters, at 908-665-1111
• Write a letter to the officer, his supervisor, or the Chief of Police.

You may contact the Chief of Police via a contact form or at the following address:

Chief Daniel Henn
New Providence Police Department
360 Elkwood Avenue
New Providence, NJ 07974

2. How do I make a complaint against an officer?

Complaints against an officer may be made by phone, letter, or in person. Complaints may be directed to any supervisor in the police department by visiting the police desk or by phone to 908-665-1111.

3. What happens to my complaint after it is received?

All complaints concerning officer conduct are assigned for investigation through the Internal Affairs Unit. All complaints are reviewed to determine the nature of the allegation and subsequently investigated. The complainant will be contacted during the investigation for additional information and to be kept abreast of the investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the complainant will be notified of the outcome of the investigation.

4. When must sidewalks be shoveled?

Borough Ordinance 225-5 requires that ice and snow be removed from all sidewalks within 24 hours of the completion of the snow producing event.

5. May I park in the Rail Road Parking Lots?

Quarterly or annual permits are available to New Providence residence in the Borough Clerks Office. Daily parking (metered spots) for non-permit holders is available on a limited basis in the Murray Hill Rail Road Lot. THERE IS NO METER PARKING AT THE NEW PROVIDENCE RR PARKING LOT. Permits are required and enforcement is on a daily basis.

6. How long does it take to get a firearms permit?

Background investigations are required. The length of time depends on a number of factors, including fingerprint background checks, whether you are a previous applicant, how quickly your references return the reference letters, and how quickly the mental health forms are returned from the county. All forms are available at the police desk 24/7.

7. Can I park my car on the street overnight?

Parking is prohibited on all streets and borough owned property between the hours of 2-5 am. In unusual circumstances, such as overnight guests or driveway repairs, you may call the police desk and request permission to park overnight or use this online form.

8. Can I reserve a park for a party or barbecue and serve alcohol?

Yes, parks can be reserved through the Community Activities Department or by using this online Application for Facility Usage form . Permits for beer consumption at Oakwood Park may be issued by the Chief of Police upon application.

9. What about crime prevention?

The New Providence Police Department has a crime prevention unit. Officers can assist with home security surveys and other crime prevention matters. Please call the police desk to be connected with someone who can assist.

10. Can I have a block party?

Permits are available when traffic conditions permit. Contact the police desk for an application or visit the “forms & Documents” section of the site to download the street closure form. Requests must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the event.

11. When can I be fingerprinted?

Fingerprints are available to borough residents  by appointment.  Please call 908-665-1111 and request to speak to a Detective about being fingerprinted.  When you are transferred to the automated system, select Option 2 for the Detective Bureau and then Select Option 0 for General Inquiries.

12. Can I arrange for a tour of the police department?

Tours are given to groups such as scouts, after care programs or day care centers. Please call the police desk, (908) 665-1111 to make arrangements.

13. Do I need a permit to canvass or solicit?

Yes. Persons soliciting without a permit are subject to arrest.  Please submit a Solicitors Permit.

14. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

No. However, if you post signs around the borough, they must be taken down immediately at the close of your garage sale. Additionally, you may not block off any municipal street or roadway to conduct your garage sale.

15. How early and late in the day are landscapers allowed to work?

Noise restrictions apply during the following times: Non-commercial or non-industrial power tools and landscaping and yard maintenance equipment shall not be operated between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am on weekdays, 6:00 pm and 9:00 am on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, unless such activities can meet the applicable limits set forth in the Borough noise ordinance. All motorized equipment used in these activities shall be operated with a muffler. At all other times, the limits set forth in the Borough Noise Ordinance do not apply to non-commercial or non-industrial power tools and landscaping and yard maintenance equipment. Commercial or industrial power tools and landscaping and yard maintenance equipment, excluding emergency work, shall not be operated on a residential property or within 250 feet of a residential property line when operated on commercial or industrial property, between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 am on weekdays, or between the hours of 6:00 pm and 9:00 am on Saturdays, and is prohibited on Sundays and Federal holidays, unless such activities can meet the limits set forth in the Borough’s Noise Ordinance.

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1. Does the Borough conduct Well Child Clinics for residents? What other public health services does the Borough provide?

The Borough of New Providence is affiliated with the Westfield Regional Health Department, located at 425 E. Broad Street in Westfield, NJ, office #(908) 743-1049. Well Child Clinics are conducted regularly with a scheduled appointment at the Westfield Health Department for Borough children, ages 2 months to 18 years of age. Physical Exams and state recommended immunizations are administered by a practicing Pediatrician and a nursing staff free of charge to those residents who currently are not covered by any medical benefits. The Borough also provides the services of a Public Health Nurse, located on the third floor of the Municipal Building, 360 Elkwood Avenue, New Providence, phone # (908) 743-1049. Office hours are normally Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30am-3:00pm. The Public Health Nurse provides free blood pressure screening to residents in the office, as well as visits to the home for those residents who are homebound and in need of special services, and require assistance with referrals to county or state run programs. The PHN conducts various senior citizen health programs (e.g. cardiovascular, cholesterol, glucose screening, etc.) and the yearly Senior Citizens Health Fair, held in conjunction with the New Providence Senior Citizen Center. The PHN performs school audits, investigates and reports on cases of infectious disease. There is one yearly Flu Clinic held for residents in the Borough, as well as other Flu Clinic sites within the Westfield Regional Health Department area. Information on the yearly Flu Clinics are publicized in the early Fall, usually in Septemeber or October depending on the current vaccine suppply. The clinic details will be publicized on the Borough website, local TV channel 35 and the local newspapers.

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1. How do I get a street light that is out fixed?

All residents are strongly encouraged to please report burned out street lights, or lights on all day long, by calling the customer service telephone number on your own individual electric bill or go to www.firstenergycorp.com. Report the utility pole number (Example: NP786E) found on the tag at “eye height,” and its location (Example: corner of Livingston Avenue and Fourth Street or # XYZ Springfield Avenue).

2. Can I connect my sump pump to my sewer pipe, or pump it into the washbasin?

Connection of sump pumps to the sanitary sewer is illegal. When your sump pump is connected to the sanitary sewer system, that water has to be treated because it combines with sewage. This unnecessarily increasing the flow into the treatment plant and increases the cost of treatment. All sump pumps should be piped to the street, preferably into the storm sewer, to keep treatment plant cost down.