Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 September or October depending on the current vaccine supply. The clinic details will be publicized on the Borough website, local TV channel 35 and the local newspapers.

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).  Do not report it to DPW - they do not handle those repairs.

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. 

NP Recreation offers programs and classes for both youth and adults.  Current season information can be found on our Community Activities page. Additional information can be found by logging into CommunityPass and choosing a current season such as Youth Summer or Adult Fall.

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.

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. 

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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).

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.

Read more about train station parking and permits.

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.

According to New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), Affordable Housing is defined as housing with “a sales price or rent which meets the criteria for low income or moderate income housing.” 

Affordable housing is filled with active and contributive members of the community, such as: entry-level  police officers, firefighters, and other first responders; nurses; trades professionals; service industry workers; teachers; working families; single parents; young professionals and recent college graduates; etc.

As a direct result of two landmark New Jersey Supreme Court cases regarding exclusionary zoning, Mount Laurel I (1975) and Mount Laurel II (1983), every municipality in the state of New Jersey is required to plan, zone for, and provide a realistic opportunity for the development of a fair share of their region’s affordable housing need.

If a municipality does not prepare a HEFSP in accordance with New Jersey law by a specified day (specific to each Round), it is at risk of a Builder’s Remedy Lawsuit. In such cases, developers can challenge a municipality’s compliance with it’s affordable housing obligations. If the Builder’s Remedy Lawsuit is granted against, a municipality’s planning and zoning boards lose control of the zoning of the subject property and the Court decides how large, how many market rate units, and how many affordable units the developer can build.

The Fair Share Housing Center has been a key player in affordable housing, specifically in regard to monitoring municipalities’ efforts to comply with their affordable housing obligations. After COAH’s Third Round rules were invalidated in 2010, there was uncertainty in the appropriate manner in which to calculate municipal obligations throughout the State. In response to this, a multitude of municipalities throughout the state, including New Providence, opted to reach a settlement agreement with FSHC. New Providence began negotiations with the FSHC to settle the Borough’s Declaratory Judgement action and seek Court-approval for an accepted fair share obligation for the Borough; this settlement agreement was executed by the Borough and FSHC on December 13, 2016 and was subsequently approved by Court order on January 30, 2017. In 2019, the Borough reached an amended settlement agreement with FSHC, which incorporated agreements with two developers known as Linde and Beckton Dickinson; these 2019 agreements supersede the 2016 agreements.

The 2019 Settlement Agreement stipulates the following affordable housing obligations for New Providence:

•    Present Need Obligation / Rehabilitation Share: 37 Units

•    Prior Round Obligation: 135 Units

•    Prospective Need Obligation: 316 Units

o    New Providence was granted a vacant land adjustment, which resulted in the following: 264 units are considered the “Unmet Need”, and the remaining 52 of which are considered the “Realistic Development Potential.” In other words, the vacant land adjustment confirmed the Borough has enough available land to developed 52 units out of its 316-unit obligation.

The Borough’s 2019 Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (adopted July 9, 2019) outlines the means in which the Borough plans to meet its affordable housing obligations. The Borough will meet its present need obligation/rehabilitation share by participating in Union County rehabilitation programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME). The Borough plans to meet its Prior Round obligation and prospective need obligation (specifically its Realistic Development Potential) through a combination of affordable housing credits, existing and new inclusionary developments, 100% affordable developments, existing alternative living arrangements, and affordable housing overlay zones.

An affordable housing overlay zone acts as a secondary zone in a designated location to allow for additional uses under a different set of standards. New developments or renovated properties within such overlay zones can elect to either follow the underlying zoning regulations or the overlay zoning regulations. New Providence currently has three overlay zones, all of which were established in 2019:

•    The AHO Affordable Housing Overlay establishes a mandatory 20% affordable set-aside with a density of 9.5-17 units per acre. This applies to: Block 210, Lots 21, 22, and 23; Block 221, Lot 2.01; and Block 340, Lots 4, 6, and 8.

•    The AH-ARO Affordable Housing Age-Restricted Overlay establishes a mandatory 20% affordable set-aside with a density of 14 units per acre. This applies to Block 221, Lot 5.

•    The PACO Planned Adult Community Overlay establishes a mandatory 20% affordable set-aside with a density of 13.8 units per acre.

Similar to other development in the Borough, all proposed affordable housing developments are subject to the Borough’s zoning and development regulations. Further, all multi-family or mixed-use developments are required to undergo site plan review and receive approval through the Planning Board. The standards of the overlay zone have been designed to align with the standards of the underlying zones.

New Providence continues to implement the 2019 Amended HEFSP, which effectuates the 2019 settlement agreements and the Court’s Judgement of Compliance and Repose. As long as the Borough continues to do so, it will have immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits through the end of the Third Round. The Borough will begin preparing for the Fourth Round, which will begin on July 1, 2025.

A revaluation is a program undertaken by a municipality to appraise all real property by a state certified revaluation firm within its borders according to its "full and fair value* at the same point in time.

The goal of a revaluation program is to spread the tax burden equitably throughout a municipality. Real property must be assessed at the same value standard to ensure that every property owner is paying his or her fair share of the property tax. For example, two properties having essentially the same market value should be paying essentially the same amount in property taxes.

Full and fair value is the price at which the tax assessor believes a property would sell at a fair and bona fide sale by a private contract on October 1 of the pretax year. The sale must be between a willing buyer and a willing seller where the buyer is not obligated to buy and the seller is not obligated to sell. New Jersey courts have held "full and fair value’, "true value* and “market value" to be the same.

A revaluation program seeks to spread the tax burden equitably within a municipality. Real property must be assessed at the same standard of value to ensure that every property owner is paying his or her fair share of the property tax. A revaluation is warranted when properties in a taxing district are being assessed substantially below or above true market value. In recent years the Union County Board of Taxation advised the borough to prepare for a revaluation since we are statistically in need. 

Both the interior and exterior of each property are usually physically inspected, and building dimensions are noted during this process. In addition, recent sales of properties are studied and may be adjusted to estimate the value of property that has not been sold.  In short, all information believed to have an influence on value will be gathered, reviewed and analyzed in order to make a proper determination of each property's full and fair value.

A prospective buyer would not be expected to purchase a property without first making a careful inspection. Similarly, an individual ordering an appraisal expects that a thorough inspection will be made before a market value estimate of the property is rendered. Equitable reassessment depends on the cooperation of taxpayers. Property owners have a stake in the outcome of the reassessment program. Interior inspections, especially, require that residents cooperate with the property inspectors. Any assistance a taxpayer can provide will aid int eh total data collection process.  If there is information you believe should be considered inteh valuation, pleasae inform the data collector. The validity of the market vale estimate depends on the collection of accurate data. Remember the people making the inspections are not necessarily responsible for developing the market value estimate. Their job at time of inspection is to collect pertinent information to be used in valuation process.

The Revaluation firm is required to mail each taxpayer a notice of advising him/her of the new appraised value once completed.

New property assessments resulting from the Revaluation -TBD

If you are dissatisfied with your assessment, you can file a formal appeal.  Further details TBD

Under State law, the actual tax on a property cannot be appealed. However, an aggrieved property owner can file an appeal regarding the assessment of value. The tax rate and a tax assessment are two distinctly different things, which sometimes are confused. The tax rate is determined by the dollar amount needed to operate the Borough, our School District, and Union County, while the tax assessment provides the value upon which to apportion the taxes. Taxpayers can appeal a tax assessment, but not a tax rate.

TBD