• Question 1: Will this be a private event (like a wedding, birthday party, retirement party, or get together with some friends in the backyard)? If yes, you don't need a Social Affair permit. If no, please move to question 2. 
• Question 2: Will You Be Serving Alcohol? If yes, move to question 3. If no, then you would not need it.
• Question 3: Will you be selling alcohol, or selling tickets to a event that serves or gives alcohol?  If yes, move to question 4. If no to both questions, then you would not need it.
• Question 4: Are you a non-profit? If yes, you will need to go to the State's ABC website, POSSE, and do an application for a Social Affair permit at least 21 days prior to the event date. If no, you cannot receive a Social Affair permit and cannot sell alcohol at your event!  

$100 for Civic, Religious and Educational Organizations

$150 for any other non-profit organization

TO OBTAIN AN AD INTERIM PERMIT, A LICENSEE IS REQUIRED TO HAVE:

1. Filed a renewal application (through POSSE or paper template renewal) and paid the $200 state renewal filing fee
2. Paid the $2400 municipal filing fee
3.  Submitted an Ad interim permit application through the Division’s online licensing system (POSSE). Permit application fee - $75, plus daily fee of $5 per day (payable by e-check or credit card)
4. A renewal clearance certificate from the Division of Taxation - Full clearance or interim “temporary” clearance
   • If the licensee has received an interim “temporary” tax clearance certificate, it MUST be uploaded to the online permit application.

Once the licensee has submitted the application it will automatically be transmitted to the municipal clerk or ABC Board Secretary for endorsement in POSSE.

Once endorsed, it will be automatically transmitted to ABC for review and issuance.  Once issued, the licensee will receive an email notification that the permit has been issued and a copy of the permit. It must be displayed at the licensed premises.

Ad Intermit permit applications must be submitted through the POSSE ABC Online Licensing System. Under no circumstances will the Division accept a paper application for an Ad Interim Permit. 

Unfortunately, as of July 5th, 2022, you are unable to change your email address and the POSSE Admin cannot/will not either. You will have to create a new user account on POSSE (LINK). During the account registration process, you will be asked for an access code.  You must have the access code in order to be linked to the account at the time of registration.  

If you register an account without the access code, you must follow the procedure below to be linked. Please be advised that POSSE Admin does not provide access codes.

If you have already registered a new user account without the access code, you must fulfill & notarize this attached Affidavit (LINK) & submit a request to posseadmin@lps.state.nj.us to be linked to the account.  The email ID & the name with which that email ID is associated listed on the form MUST have an active account in the POSSE system & the name on the account must be listed in the affidavit; if the name listed does not match the name in the account to be linked, the request cannot be processed.  The SUBJECT of the e‐mail must state “Affidavit of Representation”.  Any e‐mails sent that do not use the correct subject may be lost within other subject matter and create a delay in the assignment.

1. Have it be a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) event, with no cork fee or any means for the event host to make money off of alcohol; or
2. Hire a caterer who will have a cash bar setup where they get any and all money from liquor sales. 

Active & Pocket Licenses

1. Tax Clearance from the State Division of Taxation
   • In order for the State to issue the clearance certificate, you must have a valid corporate charter and:
     • Be current on State tax filings; and
     • Payments; or
     • Be current on your approved Deferred Payment Plan.
2. $200 payable to the State of New Jersey through the POSSE system
3. Complete the renewal application online.  
   1. Fees paid to the Township of Maplewood by cash (exact change), check, or money order. Debit and Credit Cards, starting 2024, are accepted but our vendor does charge a transaction fee. Fees below are how much each renewal cost if not done by credit or debit card.
      1. For Club Licenses: $150 
      2. Plenary retail consumption license: $2,400
      3. Plenary retail distribution license: $1938
      4. Seasonal retail distribution license: $1237.50

Pocket Licenses Only

You may need to file a 12.39 relief form through POSSE for holding an inactive license, which costs $100 per term you are requesting relief.

Late Fees

The Township of Maplewood does not charge late fees. However, the State has deterrent procedures, which include additional forms to fill out and fees. 

The State website (POSSE) is where you will renew your license yearly, put in for an extension of premise application, and more. Click here to go to their website page featuring all the permits offered.

You can also click here to login into your POSSE account. 

Yes. A new feature has been added to this contract. Individual residents can voluntarily 'OPT-UP' to a high-quality PJM Class-I based 100% renewable energy product, at a slightly higher price of $0.13437/kWh, or approximately $6 a month on average more than the default baseline 40% renewable energy product under the SEA program. While modestly higher than the PSE&G rate, the price for this 100% renewable product compares favorably to similar products available in the marketplace. This 'OPT-UP' is entirely voluntary but, if you wish to do so, you must 'OPT-UP' by March 7, 2021.

Please note, while residents will always retain the right to opt-out of the SEA program at any time without fees, residents interested in the 100% renewable option must 'OPT-UP' within the initial 30-day window that ends March 7, 2021. To 'OPT-UP' call the supplier, Energy Harbor, at: (866) 636-3749.

In addition to providing electricity with increased renewable content, the SEA Program includes an energy efficiency program. This program helps residents in all the participating municipalities reduce the carbon footprint of their homes. Residents will learn about the funding options available for making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, including those offered by PSE&G and New Jersey's Clean Energy Program. Residents will also be assisted in selecting the energy efficiency measures that are cost effective and impactful. The goal of the program is to help residents understand the sustainable options available to them and feel confident moving forward with making energy efficient upgrades to their homes.

No. Residential customers who are initially included in the program have the right to 'opt-out,' during the initial, pre-enrollment 30-day 'opt-out' period, or at any time after enrollment.

However, it is advantageous for all residents to join and remain in the program, as this gives the community the 'strength in numbers' to negotiate the best price for consumers. All residents would receive information about the program and be given the opportunity to opt-out.

As described above, the SEA Supplier is required to provide all participating Maplewood residents an additional 16.5% renewable energy content above and beyond the level of renewable energy content required by the State of New Jersey's Renewable Portfolio Standard ('RPS') ' that currently translates to a renewable energy content of about 40%. As well, individual residents are provided the ability to voluntarily 'OPT-UP' to a 100% renewable energy content product, at a modest price premium of $0.00741/kWh above the baseline SEA contract price.

This renewable energy content is provided through the purchase and retirement of renewable energy certificates ('RECs') by the SEA supplier. Specifically, the current State-required 23.5% content consists of about 5.1% in-state solar, about 15.9% Class I renewable (primarily wind power but also landfill gas-to-energy and small hydro) located within the regional power grid, and 2.5% Class II renewable (waste-to-energy) located within the regional power grid. Suppliers meet this State-mandated content through the purchase of RECs.

In addition, the SEA requires that its supplier procure an additional 16.5% renewable energy above and beyond the RPS requirements, for all participating residents, through the purchase of additional Class I RECs (primarily wind power) from renewable projects in the regional power grid. For those individual residents that voluntarily 'OPT-UP' to the 100% product, the SEA also requires that its supplier procure all of the additional renewable energy above and beyond the RPS requirements for these OPT-UP residents through the purchase of additional Class I RECs (primarily wind power) from renewable projects in the regional power grid. As such, all of the enhanced renewable energy content, for either the baseline SEA product or the 'OPT-UP' product, is sourced from renewable energy projects located either in New Jersey or within the regional power grid.

The municipalities of the SEA, with the assistance of Gabel Associates, issued a public, competitive bidding process in Fall 2019 following strict competitive contracting laws in an effort to select a Third Party Supplier ('TPS') of electricity with power supply with higher renewable energy content than available from PSE&G via Basic Generation Service ('BGS') supply, and a price below the average PSE&G tariff price (or BGS tariff price) for power supply. A contract award was made in November 2020 to the low bidder, Energy Harbor, for power supply that has about 40% renewable energy content (nearly double the renewable energy content of PSE&G Basic Generation Service supply) at a price below the current average PSE&G tariff price for power supply.

All eligible residents (all residential customers of PSE&G in the Township except for those that already have their own TPS contract or that have a solar electric generating system on their property that supplies power to their home) are automatically included in the SEA program and will be sent a notice in the mail in early February 2021. This notice, known as the Opt-Out Notice, provides all the details of the program as well as the various ways to opt-out of the program, including the awarded TPS's toll free telephone number, email address, and a postage-paid opt-out card.

Customers have 30 days to review the Opt-Out Notice and decide whether they wish to opt-out of the program. After that 30 day opt-out period concludes on March 7, 2021, those residents who do not opt-out of the program will be enrolled by the winning supplier (Energy Harbor).

Even after an electric account is enrolled, residents remain free to opt-out of the program at any time during the contract. Participation in the SEA Program is 100% optional. There are not any fees or penalties if you decide to opt-out.

As noted above customers that have their own, independent TPS contracts are not initially included but are given the option to join the SEA program.

Again, the SEA program only impacts the electricity supply portion of your bill. PSE&G remains the power delivery company, and there is no impact on your relationship with PSE&G. PSE&G still reads your meter, provides the monthly bill, and is responsible for maintaining the reliability of the distribution grid. In addition, if you have a 'Worry-Free' appliance repair contract with PSE&G, that contract will be unaffected and will remain in effect, and any related charges will still appear on your monthly PSE&G bill.

Power outages are not under the control of the third-party supplier. The delivery system is still under PSE&G's control, and there is no difference in delivery services whether you purchase the power supply from a third-party supplier or from PSE&G under its tariff. In the event of an outage, you would still contact PSE&G at 1 (800) 436-7734 (PSEG).

The power grid is a complex operation, with high voltage transmission lines and power plants of all types, shapes and sizes. The regional power grid for this part of the country is the PJM Interconnection ('PJM'). PSE&G's distribution system is interconnected at various points with PJM's high-voltage transmission system, and electricity flows from the PJM grid to PSE&G's delivery system and, ultimately, to individual customers via local substations, wires, transformers, service drops and meters.

Electricity produced at hundreds of individual power plants throughout the region is injected into the high-voltage power grid, is intermingled, and flows to the PSE&G delivery system and to customers according to the laws of physics. As such, unless individual customers are physically connected via a direct line to a particular power plant, there is not a physical means of assuring that electricity produced by a specific facility, like a renewable energy project, is flowing to a particular customer or group of customers.

New Jersey, as well as a majority of states in the PJM power grid, including DE, MD, PA, OH, MI, IL and NC, and the District of Columbia, have adopted mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standards ('RPS') that establish a floor amount of renewable energy ('RE') that each supplier, whether utility or third-party supplier, must have in their supply portfolio. Under New Jersey law, Renewable Energy Certificates ('RECs') are the actual environmental attribute associated with energy produced by a renewable facility.

Since the actual electricity produced by a renewable energy facility is no different than energy produced from more traditional types of power plants like nuclear, coal, or natural gas-fired power plants, etc., a system has been created whereby renewable energy facilities essentially produce two commodities: 1) energy and 2) RECs. These commodities can be sold together or separately. New Jersey and other state Renewable Portfolio Standards rely upon purchase and retirement RECs by suppliers as the means for suppliers to achieve compliance with the RPS standards. This is shown in the graphic below.

RECs are part of a market-based system that provides a source of revenue for existing renewable energy projects and is intended to provide a market signal for the development of new renewable energy projects. The RPS requirements established by NJ and other states create a demand for RECs. When individual states increase their RPS requirements for all suppliers, this increases demand for RECs. When individual customers, or an entire municipality or group of municipalities such as Maplewood and the other SEA member towns require an enhanced renewable product (above and beyond the State-required amount) via the procurement and retirement of RECs by the supplier, this creates additional demand for RECs, helping create a price signal in the marketplace to incentivize the development of new wind projects in the region.

Customers with solar-power generating systems installed on their home or property, especially those that are larger in size, typically result in solar production in some months exceeding your monthly electric consumption. In such cases, the monthly utility bill is usually very low.

For these customers, the savings attributable to Energy Aggregation programs would be very minimal on average. It is for this reason that solar customers will be removed from the SEA program.

However, if you believe based upon a review of your past bills that your solar system is NOT producing excess energy that is being 'banked' on your PSE&G bill, you may consider opting-in to the SEA program. You are encouraged to contact the selected supplier or PSE&G for further information.

Government Energy Aggregation is a State program, otherwise referred to as Community Energy Aggregation or simply a 'residential energy aggregation program,' that allows a municipality to conduct a 'bulk purchase' of energy supply on behalf of its residents, with the goal of achieving prices that are lower than the average utility price. New Jersey regulations allow municipalities to take this approach to procure energy savings, and to also seek power supply with increased renewable energy content, on your behalf. New Jersey regulations also allow multiple municipalities to join together through a joint purchasing initiative to obtain greater purchasing power in this endeavor.

The Township of Maplewood and the other member municipalities of the SEA retained Gabel Associates as the program Energy Consultant, (at no cost to the Township), to assist with the implementation of the procurement process for a Third-Party Supplier to provide power supply to its residents.

It is important to note that Sustainable Jersey, an organization whose purpose is to promote sustainability and sustainable practices by local government entities in New Jersey, has endorsed the reliance upon the purchase and retirement of RECs as a means of providing enhanced renewable energy content for government energy aggregation programs, recognizing that, while perhaps imperfect, it is currently the most feasible mechanism available to allow municipalities to push the renewable energy market through energy aggregation programs. The required inclusion of 16.5% additional PJM Class I RECs in the SEA program enhanced renewable product conforms exactly to the Sustainable Jersey-endorsed product and supports the development of new wind power projects in the region.

Energy Harbor is a retail electric power supplier licensed by the NJ Board of Public Utilities, and currently serves approximately 700,000 residential customers nationwide, with approximately half of those being served as part of residential energy aggregation programs similar to the SEA.

Energy Harbor can be contacted as follows:

Energy Harbor, LLC (BPU License # ESL-0246)
168 East Market Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
1 (866) 636-3749
firstchoice@energyharbor.com

Gabel Associates is a State-registered Energy Consultant that has been retained by the municipalities of the SEA to administer and implement the SEA program. The firm has helped pioneer energy procurement in New Jersey and has been supporting large scale energy aggregations (like this one) for over 20 years. Gabel Associates was also a key participant in the development of the State's rules under which these programs are run.

Gabel Associates is a well-respected Energy Consultant that has been in business in New Jersey for over 25 years, with its offices located in Highland Park, New Jersey. Gabel Associates was the first energy consulting firm in the State to have successfully implemented a residential energy aggregation program of this nature in New Jersey. The firm has now successfully completed residential energy aggregation programs for numerous municipalities in the State, many of which are in their second, third, fourth or even fifth iterations. These programs have also implemented in over 50 municipalities statewide and have saved millions of dollars for New Jersey residents.

Gabel Associates can be reached through its website at www.gabelassociates.com/GEA or via email.

The State requires the 'opt-out' model for community energy aggregation. The program is configured this way to ensure that a sufficient number of households will participate to obtain a meaningful bid, and to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of having everyone affirmatively sign up for the program. Starting with a large pool of eligible customers provides for an opportunity that attracts suppliers to bid, which creates robust competition for your business and also allows suppliers to reflect bulk purchasing discounts in their price bids.

The aggregation rules incorporate consumer protections and recognize the logistical challenges of a residential procurement program, while at the same time providing a structure that will attract bidders.

When the retail choice program was originally enacted in NJ in 1999, the rules required that government aggregators be required to obtain a so-called 'wet signature' from each residential customer demonstrating the customer's affirmative consent to join. After several years, it was recognized that this 'opt in' approach put such a burden on programs that none got off the ground, and the model set forth in NJ law was changed to 'opt-out' for residential customers. Unlike business customers, residential customers represent large numbers and (relatively) small usage/margins for each account. In order for an aggregation of residential customers to work, it is necessary to get large volumes with the lowest transaction costs as possible. This results in the opt-out approach, which gives suppliers a firmer basis for the load they are bidding on, but still provides residential customers with the ability to opt out.

No, you will always receive one bill from your utility. The only thing that changes in the SEA program is the cost of the electricity provided, and the renewable energy content of the power supply.

Electric bills are comprised of two main components: power supply and distribution. It is important to emphasize that this program would cover only the power supply portion of the electric bill. Under New Jersey's retail choice regulations, you may purchase power supply from either the electric utility company under its Basic Generation Service ('BGS') tariff rates, or you may purchase your power supply from a Third-Party Supplier ("TPS"). The SEA program seeks to provide savings on the power supply portion of your bill.

Importantly, the delivery and distribution of electricity under this program will remain the same, through the regulated utility (i.e. PSE&G) that serves your home. The utility continues to handle your account, addressing any outages and maintaining service.

Your PSE&G bill has two categories of charges: delivery service and supply service. If you participate in the SEA program, your bill will consist of PSE&G charges for delivery service and Energy Harbor charges for supply service.

The Township requires that the awarded SEA program supplier provide budget billing for their power supply charges to those customers that currently have such arrangements with PSE&G. PSE&G will continue to bill a levelized amount each month for delivery service, and the awarded supplier will also bill a levelized amount each month (through the PSE&G bill) for power supply. You may experience a 'true-up' on your bill from PSE&G prior to enrollment and then again at the end of the program. Also, the monthly budget amount initially established by Energy Harbor may be adjusted up or down during the contract term to reflect changes in your actual usage as compared to historical usage levels, and there will be a final true-up on your last bill with Energy Harbor at the end of the SEA program contract in September 2021 to assure that you only pay for what you use over the entire contract term, no more and no less. You can also reach out to Energy Harbor at 1 (866) -636-3749 or firstchoice@energyharbor.com at any time after the contract starts should you wish to check on your equal payment plan true-up balance.

If you do not currently have budget billing with PSE&G but wish to receive an Equal Payment Plan from the awarded supplier for their power supply charges, you will be able to contact the awarded SEA program supplier and request that they establish this service for you.

Budget billing with PSE&G's distribution portion of the bill and the awarded third-party supplier's supply portion of the bill can be complicated. If you are to experience trouble with your budget billing, you may contact PSE&G, the winning supplier, or Gabel Associates for assistance.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded program, administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs, to assist low-income households with paying their heating bills (whether electric, gas, oil, etc.). There should be no impact of participation in the SEA program on customers' eligibility. Lifeline or Universal Service programs are state-funded through State taxes and societal benefits charges, again with eligibility based upon several factors tied to income. Bill credits of up to $225 are provided to assist eligible customers with electric and gas utility bills. The SEA will provide consolidated billing through the utility; as such the bill credits would be unaffected.

Yes. Residents who have their own third-party supply contract and who therefore would not be included in the initial eligibility pool, but would like to join the SEA, would have the opportunity to do so. Residents who move into their home after the start of the program and who therefore would not be included in the initial eligibility pool, but would like to join the SEA, would also have the opportunity to opt-in to the program.

For customers with their own Third-Party Supply contracts: If you currently have your own third-party supply contract but were considering terminating that contract and joining the SEA program, it would be very important to first read your existing contracts very carefully, as there may be penalties for terminating the contract prematurely. Some third-party suppliers have automatic "roll over" provisions which renew your contract without affirmative consent or action from you. Please be sure to read your current agreement and if, after comparing your current deal to the SEA program you decided to join the Township's program, you would simply need to alert your third-party supplier that you wish to terminate service at the end of your contract term, and then contact the awarded SEA supplier directly to opt-in to the SEA program.

Please note that, if you have an existing contract with a supplier not affiliated with the SEA program, neither the Energy Consultant nor the Township would be responsible for informing your existing supplier or terminating your agreement with them. However, if you have any difficulty with them, please let us know and we would try to help you resolve issues.

No, you do not need to be a resident to be a member of the pool; there are specific rates for non-residents.

Please present your pool membership card at the pool to obtain guest passes:

Maplewood Community Pool
187 Boyden Ave.
Maplewood, NJ 07040

The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After the invoice is processed, the vendor receives a Purchase Order. A purchase order is a binding contract between the Township of Maplewood and the vendor. The purchase order indicates what goods/services were purchased, the quantity, the cost, the vendor, etc.

Once you are ready to do business with the Township, submit a copy of your W9 and New Jersey Business Registration Certificate.

Payments are approved as part of the Bills List during meetings of the Maplewood Township Committee on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. The Township pays all vendors as soon as practicably possible. Depending on the purchase, payment can take up to 30 days to finish processing.

If you have any further questions on doing business with the Township of Maplewood, please contact Sonia Alves-Viveiros, Assistant Township Administrator or (973) 762-8120 ext. 2003.

Apply for a vote-by-mail ballot (English application | Spanish application). The County Clerk must receive your completed application no less than seven days before the election by mail or by 3 p.m. the day before the election in person.

You can view the Essex County Secure Ballot Drop Box Locations here, mail in your ballot, or give it to a member of the Essex County Board of Elections at 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. Dr, Martin Luther King Justice Building Room 145 Newark, NJ 07102. You would not give your ballot to the Maplewood Clerk's Office.

The State gives you the ability to track your ballot by signing up for a "My Voter Record" account.

There are also numerous early voting sites in Essex County that are open to any registered voter in Essex County. Maplewood currently does not have a early voting location. Please visit the Essex County Board of Elections early voting page or the State Election Page for locations, dates, and hours.

To request removal of a deceased next of kin

Please provide our office with a copy of the deceased voter's death certificate. You may send a request for removal, with a legible death certificate, via email, regular mail, or expedited mail. Please make sure you make a legible written request, including your name, email address, and phone number, and attach the above-mentioned copy of the deceased voter's death certificate. 

Send all requests to: 
Office of the Superintendent of Elections/Commissioner of Registration 
495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 
Justice Building, Room 103 
Newark, New Jersey 07102 
TEL: (973) 621-5061 // EMAIL: info@elections.essexcountynj.org 

To request removal of your own voter profile for any reason: 

You may come in to our office at the above-mentioned address and request removal of your voter profile by presenting us with your last New Jersey address, and one of the following forms of identification to verify your identity: a social security card, a driver's license, non-driver's identification card from the OMV, a copy of current and valid photo identification card, current utility bill, sample ballot, bank statement, government check or pay check, any other government document that shows your name and current address. 
You may also provide us with a written request for removal via email, regular mail, or expedited mail. Written requests for removal must contain: 

1. A written request for removal, containing your:

a. date of birth,

b. last NJ address,

c. an "original" (or "wet")* signature, and

d. a copy of the front and back of one of the above pieces of identification.

2. All letters and copies of identification must be legible and clear. All pictures and signatures must be discernible.

3. We process these requests within a reasonable time of receipt of your complete and accurate written request with identification. We confirm deletion once complete. Incomplete submissions will not be processed.

*An "original" or "wet" signature is a signature fixed to a piece of paper by a writing implement, like a pen. It cannot be a picture taken with a camera/phone.

In the State of New Jersey, you can request a Mail-In Ballot (also known as a Absentee Ballot) without having to provide a reason.

Unfortunately, while you can register to vote online, requesting for the next election, or all elections, to vote by mail requires you to do a paper application as of 2024. To complete the process, you would either:

1. Use the Voter Registration Application (https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-voter-registration/68-voter-registration-english-essex.pdf) and check off on box 1 that you want to vote by mail, or;

2. Use the dedicated Application For Vote By Mail Ballot (https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-vote-by-mail/vote-by-mail-english-essex.pdf).

Please note, the Voter Registration Application doesn't require you to add postage, but the Application for Vote By Mail Ballot does. 

It is STRONGLY recommended, after you send in your application to create or access your "My Voter Record" account at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/auth/sign-in.

The reason for this is, alongside being able to see if your status has changed to receive Mail-In Ballots, you can also see when the County Clerk sent out your Mail-In Ballot, when they received it back, and more. For example, you can also find other information like upcoming election dates for your district, and also your voting history. Note, it won't say who you voted for, just that you voted and where. 

New Jersey has closed primaries. In order to vote in a primary, you have to become affiliated with either the Democrats or Republicans.

Mail In Ballots

To vote by mail, you have to register as a voter for a specific political party at least 55 days before the primary election.

Voting In Person

You would walk into your assigned polling station and request either a Republican or Democratic ballot, and then vote. But, when you vote, you are registering and affiliating with a political party.

For the Democratic Primary only, the primary ballot will change from the party line system to one boxed by who is running for office. An example of the change is below.

Image from NJ.com

Military personnel & dependent may vote by Military Absentee Ballot if:

You are in the Military Service.
You are a spouse or dependent on someone in the military.
You are a patient in a VA Hospital.
You are a civilian attached to the armed services.

Please visit the State's website for further information, to register to vote, or begin the mail-in ballot application process.

You can register by mail (English Application | Spanish Application) or online on the State's website.

An application can also be obtained from the Township Clerk, Board of Elections, or Essex County Clerk.

• A United States citizen
• At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18
• A resident of the county for 30 days before the election
• A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States.

1. At the City Clerk's Office (Township Hall, 574 Valley Street, Maplewood NJ) via Paper Application (English Application | Spanish Application)
2. At the Essex County Board of Elections (495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Dr. Martin Luther King Justice Building, Room 145, Newark, NJ 07102) via Paper Application (English Application | Spanish Application)
3. At any Motor Vehicle Office or Welfare Office via Paper Application (English Application | Spanish Application)
4. Online Through The New Jersey Division of Elections

1. You can search on the New Jersey Division of Elections Web Site.
2. The sample ballot you receive from the County Clerk's Office will tell you where to vote.
3. You may contact the City Clerk's Office who will search the State's website on your behalf.

• Voter registration in New Jersey is permanent except when a voter has moved from the County in which they are registered.
• A voter who moves within the same election district remains registered and may be allowed to vote for two years.
• If a voter moves within the County within 29 days preceding the election, they may vote at their newly designated polling place by means of a Provisional Ballot.
• To see if you are a registered voter in the State of New Jersey, check the New Jersey voter registration database.
• If a sample ballot is returned as undeliverable or indicates the voter has moved out of county/state, that voter is put into an “Inactive” status and is sent a confirmation notice informing them that they have until the second federal general election after the date of the notice to update their voting record or appear to vote and complete the necessary form or they will be removed from the voting rolls. Inactive voters do not get sample ballots and are not eligible to receive a vote by mail ballot until they are put back into an Active status.

Please view the department's signage policy for more information about requesting sign installation.

Please refer to the department's policy on stop signs.

Please view the department's street lighting policy for more information on requesting street light installations.

Please view the department's traffic calming policy for more information about requesting traffic calming.

First, please note that a handicap parking spot in front of your home, if approved, would not be exclusive to you, but anyone with a handicap parking placard. 

Secondly, you would need to send a e-mail to the engineering office assistant, and CC the Township Engineer and Assistant Township Engineer. The current staff members can be found here: https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/government/engineering

In your e-mail you will inform them of the situation and including documentation regarding the handicap person. 

After this is received, it'll be put on the agenda of the Engineering, Public Works, and Planning Committee that happens once a month. Following that, it would need to pass two meetings of the Township Committee.

The Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties provides treatment of our wastewater flows here in Maplewood. During wet weather, they experience high rates of flow into the treatment plant in Elizabeth. There are ways we can reduce the wet weather flows, and the joint meeting has prepared a brochure to help inform and give tips on how we can all help.

Brochure - Keeping Sewer Rates Low Through Proper Connections

Yes. For more information please call the Administrative Assistant at the Fire Department at (973) 762-6500 ext. 10.

Yes, the Fire Department can inspect a home for possible hazards, as well as help you work on an evacuation plan. For more information, please call the Fire Department Deputy Chiefs' office at (973) 762-6500 ext. 17.

You can pick up a copy of a fire report the next day following an incident by going to Fire Headquarters. The Administrative Assistant can help you during business hours, or you may ask to speak to the Tour Commander on holidays or weekends. It is recommended that you call in advance, so that we may have the report ready for you when you arrive.

To schedule an inspection, please call the Administrative Assistant at the Fire Department at (973) 762-6500 ext. 10.

Instructions on the Placement of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Along with useful information in these instructions, you will find a diagram of where to locate these items.

Seniors and recipients of public assistance are exempt, no ID is required.

The merchant collects the fee at the point of sale. The fee must appear on the receipt for the purchase.

Yes, the ordinance does not exempt gift bags.

If food is in direct contact with a paper bag, there is no charge for the paper bag.

Bags given to the customer at the point of sale, product bags used move items to the check-out area are not check-out bags.

A retail establishment providing compostable check-out bags will need to comply with the guidelines for compostable check-out bags as set forth in the ordinance:

Compostable plastic bags shall meet current American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) D6400 Standard Specifications for composability and be labeled: (1) With the Biodegradable Product Institute (“BPI”) logo as meeting the ASTM standard for composability and (2) With the word “Compostable” on the bag in lettering that is readily and easily identifiable.

A retail establishment providing compostable bags shall operate an at-store recycling program so that customers may return the compostable bags. Such program shall, at a minimum, include at least one accessible and highly visible compostable bag collection box and signs at each register informing customers that compostable bags should be returned to the store and not placed in household recycling or compost piles.

A retail establishment providing compostable bags shall provide the Director of the Department of Community Development with a signed agreement with an authorized compostable recycling facility to accept the compostable bags collected at the retail establishment.

Products where dampness is an issue are exempted from the plastic bag prohibition.

Contact the Director of Community Development for a temporary exemption. They can be reached at 973-762-8120 ext. 3400.

September 1st, 2019

The fee is kept by the store to offset the cost of the paper bags.

The Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission requires supplies are bought from a licensed dealer. 

A list of licensed dealers can be found on their website.

First, you'd need to be a "Qualified Organization" which is defined as by the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission:

 "Qualified organization" means a bona fide organization or association of veterans, religious congregation, religious organization, charitable organization, educational organization, fraternal organization, civic and service club, officially recognized volunteer fire company, officially recognized first aid squad, and officially recognized rescue squads, and senior citizens association or club.

If you qualify, you can apply online at the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission website or do their paper application.

Per the Legalized Games of Chance Commission Page as of 1/9/2023 (Click the link to see the full list, the list below is based on what most applicants request):

• Bingo: $20 to the Municipality and $20 to the State for each occasion any game or games of bingo are to be conducted.

• On Premises 50-50 Draw Raffle: $20 to the Municipality and $20 to the State for each day on which a drawing(s) is to be conducted. However, if the anticipated prizes are expected to be less than $400.00, there is no license fee. 

• Off Premises 50-50 Raffle: $20 to the Municipality and $20 to the State for each day on which a drawing(s) is to be conducted. An additional $20 to both parties is required if the awarded prizes exceed $1,000.  In the event the awarded prize exceeds $1,000, then an additional fee of $20.00 for each $1,000 or part thereof in value of the awarded prize(s) in excess of $1,000 shall be sent to the Municipality and Legalized Games of Chance Commission.

• Off Premises Merchandise Draw Raffle: $20 to the Municipality and $20 to the State per value of the merchandise, based on an additional $20 to the State and Municipality per $1,000 in merchandise value.

• On Premises Merchandise Draw Raffle: $20 to the Municipality and $20 to the State if the merchandise has a total value over $400.00. If it is less, then there is no license fee.

How Payment Is Handled If Raffle Is Expected To Go Over $1000: If the merchandise totals in value to $900.00, you would only pay $20. However, if the value is $1001, then you would pay $40 to the State, and $40 to the Municipality. If the merchandise was $2000, then it would be $60 to the State, and $60 to the Municipality.

What Is The Payment If There Are Multiple Dates: If you are having a game on May 5th and May 20th, you will pay $40 to the State and $40 to the Municipality. 
*If the games are all the same type, you can put them on the same application. So, if they are both a On Premises 50-50 Raffle, you could put May 5th and May 20th on the same application.

 Below is a summarized version of the Legalized Games Of Chance Control Commission's Instructions:

1. Get registered with the State to become authorized to do games throughout the State of New Jersey.
2. Bring your application, your green State registration card, and any required fees to the Clerk's office.
3. Members conducting the game will have a soft-background check done on them (they'll do a basic check of your name in their system) by the Police Department.
4. Once the Police Department approves, your application will be sent to the State who have 14 calendar days to issue a denial
   • Please note, there are times when a denial can come after day 14, and if a denial is issued, you would have to rectify any issues, even if you were issued a license
5. If the State doesn't issue a denial, the applicant should contact the Township about when they plan to pick up the license
6. Once the game is over, the applicant would send a report of operations to the State (the Municipality doesn't need a copy)

• Click Here for a bingo license application.
• Click Here for a raffle license application.

If you are doing what is known as a "Off-Premise" event, aka you are selling tickets before the event, you will need a sample ticket. You can use the Off Premise 50/50 Raffle example provided by the state, or Off Premise Draw Raffle Awarding Merchandise. 

Please note, if you are doing a bingo game at a location your organization doesn't own, a "Bingo Statement of Landlord" is required with your application.

The following are the restrictions of Maplewood:

1. You can only put real estate signs/advertisements on the property to be sold.
2. Feather flags/banners aren’t allowed.

Please note, you do not need a permit.

The process to get permission to have a can drive is as follows:

1. Get permission from the business or organization you are going to have a can drive in front of
2. Send to the Township Clerk (either in person or via Lfritzen@maplewoodnj.gov) the name of your group or organization, the date of the can drive, location, what it is for, and also a letter of approval from the business from step one.

While Maplewood Township doesn't provide a service regarding mosquitos, the County does. 

You can call 973-239-3366 extension 2480 and their office hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Their website is linked here.

You would go to: https://www.affordablehomesnewjersey.com/all-opportunities/municipalities/?mid=a1Fo0000000Oq8QEAS

You can find the limits of increases here (LINK).

The noise ordinance is here.

To Summarize Main Points:

1. Radios, TVs, phonographs, live music that are audible at a distance from 100 feet from a building, structure or vehicle should be limited between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
2. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets which annoys or disturbs the quiet shall be limited between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
3. Construction, unless the work is being performed by or for the Township, County, or State, is limited to 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday.
4. Home maintenance, lawn care, vehicle maintenance, or similar services may begin work starting 7:30 AM weekdays and Saturdays starting at 8:00 AM, with work having to be complete by 8:00 PM. No work shall take place before 11:00 AM on Sunday and must cease by 6:00 PM. 

Please view information from the New Jersey Judiciary to learn How To Expunge Criminal Record.

Please visit the Administrative Office of the Courts website to learn How to File a Municipal Appeal.

In Person

• Credit Card /Debit Card: American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discovery (Apple Pay and Google Pay is not Accepted)
• Cash
• Money Order

View Municipal Court Payment Alternatives. If you are on an existing Time Payment and are unable to pay, you can go before a Judge on one of our Court Sessions to get your Time Payment revised. Our Court Sessions are as follows:

• Maplewood: 1st and 3rd Mondays and 2nd and 4th Thursdays
• South Orange: Mondays and Tuesdays

Court Sessions are Subject to Change. For more information, please contact the court, or see our Court Calendar.

Please view the New Jersey Judiciary website for information on rules governing practice in the municipal courts.

We are located on 1618 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood. Between our building and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Building is a Parking Lot that offers Free Parking for our Customers.

Directions to the Municipal Court Building

If you are having a visitor or visitors, or you need to park on the street overnight for a few nights, alert the police department by calling the non-emergency line at (973) 762-3400. 

The are two discounts for parking and the first is for those who have hybrid or electric vehicles. For the Combo and Commuter passes, they receive a 25% discount after confirmation of the vehicle being hybrid or electric via the applicant's vehicle registration. 

The second discount is that, starting July 1st, the Combo, Commuter, and Overnight Parking fees are halved. 

Please note: All year long parking passes/permits expire on December 31st.

The simple answer is maybe, depending on how the card issuing bank has the card categorized and what kind of payment types they can use it for.

The more complicated answer leans more towards the answer being no, as most HSA and similar programs want the vendor to be exclusively within a specific category like parking, health, utility, and etc. The Township of Maplewood generally doesn't fit that criteria due to being a government entity, thus the transaction could be denied. 

Yes. For those who get commuter parking or combo passes, you will no longer need a sticker.

In fact, as of 2024, the only physical thing the Township is issuing is Jitney Passes now.

So, if you get a Commuter Parking permit, the Woodland Lot, Merchant Parking permit, and the others offered, your proof of purchase will be your receipt and approval letter.

First, please note that a handicap parking spot in front of your home, if approved, would not be exclusive to you, but anyone with a handicap parking placard. 

Secondly, you would need to send a e-mail to the engineering office assistant, and CC the Township Engineer and Assistant Township Engineer. The current staff members can be found here: https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/government/engineering

In your e-mail you will inform them of the situation and including documentation regarding the handicap person. 

After this is received, it'll be put on the agenda of the Engineering, Public Works, and Planning Committee that happens once a month. Following that, it would need to pass two meetings of the Township Committee.

When you get a parking ticket, at the bottom of the ticket should be a method to dispute the ticket. Use your confirmation e-mail as proof that you paid for your parking pass. 

The information you input is used for the database used by the Parking Attendant and it is the responsibility of the applicant to check for accuracy. If any changes need to be made to the license plate, make sure to promptly alert the Clerk's Office to make changes. 

If you are having a visitor or visitors, or you need to park on the street overnight for a few nights, alert the police department by calling the non-emergency line at (973) 762-3400. 

Due to the home having a driveway, even if it can not fit your car, you will not qualify for overnight parking. This includes renters who have to share the driveway with other tenants, and/or the property owner. 

As for where you can park if you have this issue? You can look into paying for parking at the Prospect Street, Yale Street, Highland Parking, or Woodland 24 Hour Parking lots. Also, you can speak with private businesses in the area to see if they'll work with you.

The majority of the parking surrounding the Maplewood Train Station are either short term parking lots, for people to visit businesses downtown, or are exclusive to Maplewood residents who have bought a permit.

For non-residents, your options would be using the two NJ Transit lots shown in this image (https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/home/showpublishedimage/1150/638085091497970000). Note: these lots are not large and are daily lots that operate on being first come/ first served, so arriving early is recommended. 

As for alternatives, while you cannot buy a Jitney Pass, as that too is exclusive to Maplewood residents, you can ride at the cost of $3 per ride. The Jitney operates from 6 AM to 9 AM, and 6 PM to 9 PM.

Another option would be taking the 70 bus to Millburn and catching the train there. 

Combo

Combo parking is a discounted combination of getting a Jitney Pass and paying for Commuter parking.

Jitney Pass

The Department of Public Works manages the Township Jitney Service and it runs from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, except municipal holidays. For further information, check out the "Jitney Bus Services" page.

Commuter

For those who pay for commuter parking, they have preferential parking on the streets in this document from 6 AM to 9 AM. 

Overnight Parking

The Township of Maplewood does not allow parking on a public road between 2 AM To 6 AM.

If the home has a driveway, it DOES NOT QUALLIFY for an overnight parking permit. 

NOTE: Also, in cases where the applicant has more vehicles than can fit in their driveway or their landlord doesn't provide sufficient parking, the applicant still WOULD NOT qualify. 

Please refer to Chapter 257 Section 24.

Your options would be either the Township lots on Prospect Street, Yale Street, or the Woodland (noted below) or speaking to a private business owner and making arrangements with them. 

Merchant Parking

Merchant parking are for business owners and their employees, until 6 PM.

NOTE: There are limitations regarding how many each individual business can be issued (Click here to see limitations)

Prospect Street & Yale Street

The Prospect and Yale Street lots are for individuals who don't qualify for overnight parking and need to park their vehicles.

There are two lots, off of Springfield Avenue, which can be used for parking. Please note this picture for location reference.

Highland Parking and Woodland 24 Hour Parking

These are two connected lots are for individuals who don't qualify for overnight parking and need to park their vehicles.

However, please note there can be events at the Woodland which can lead to you having to move your vehicle and the Highland Parking lot limits parking to 3 hours between 9AM to 6PM Monday through Saturday.

The Police Department will post information regarding where to park if either lot is unavailable. For reference, the parking location is noted in this image.

Residential Parking

If a citizen lives near a school, they would need this parking pass. To see if your home qualifies, please click here.

Villa Terrace Parking

Parking is exclusively to people who live on that street. 

While both permits are strictly for residents, the Highland Parking lot is cheaper at $50, per car, per month, but is strictly for parking between 6PM and 9AM Monday through Saturday, with all parking being free on Sunday. However, if you need to park between 9AM and 6PM, you would need the Woodland 24 Hour Parking, which is more expensive at $100, per car, per month.

In the Township of Maplewood, only homes without driveways can get a overnight parking pass. If your home has a driveway, even if you are a renter and the owner doesn't provide you access, the Township will not provide a parking pass as per the latest overnight parking ordinance, #2877-17.

The Township does provide multiple lots which allow for overnight parking. There is the Highland Parking Lot and Woodland Parking Lot in the downtown area, as well as the lot at the corner of Prospect Street and Hilton avenue, and the lot at Yale Street and Springfield Avenue.

 You can park in the yellow spot marked on this map and where signage notes merchants can park. 

A list of where you can park outside the location marked on the map can be found here (link).

 Please read the signs on the streets as regulations vary per location.

• Baker Street: #34
• Beach Street: #17, 18, 19,20,21,22,23, 24
• Burnett Street: #2, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18
• Crowell Place: All Homes
• Dunnell Road: #256
• Edgewood Place: All Homes
• Elmwood Avenue: All Homes
• Franklin Place: All Homes
• Harvard Avenue: All Homes
• Keningston: All Homes
• Lenox Place: #1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30
• Lincoln Place: All Homes
• Maple Avenue: #50,54,58,62,64,66, 70
• Maplewood Avenue: #76, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 88, 89, 92, 93, 95, 96, 99, 100, 102,104,107,108,110,111,112,115,116,117,120,121, 122,123,126,127,128,130,131,134, 136,137,138,139,140, 180
• Maryland Road: All Homes
• Nort Terrace: All Homes
• North Crescent: All Homes
• Oakland Road: #3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 24, 28, 30, 34, 36, 37,39,41,42,44,46,47,48,50,52
• Oakview Avenue: #8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 45, 47
• Park Road (Upper): All Homes
• Prospect Street: All Homes
• Ridgewood Road: #612
• Salter: All Homes
• South Crescent: All Homes
• Villa Terrace: All Homes
• Winthrop Place: #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20
• Woodside Road: All Homes
• Woodland Road: All Homes

If you need to have a township tree pruned, removed, or planted please call (973) 762-1175.

Household waste removal, that isn't recycling, isn't handled by the Department of Public Works. You would need to contact a third party, such as Waste Management or Waste Industries.

Waste Management's contact number: 877-669-6062

Waste Industries' contact number: 908-436-1966

All residential curbside recycling will be collected on every Monday or Tuesday depending on which section of town you are located in.

Sections 1, 2, and 3 are collected on Monday.

Sections 4, 5, and 6 are collected on Tuesday.

Please remember to put your recyclables in reusable containers, or clear plastic recycling bags. All other plastic bags will not be accepted.

The Township of Maplewood operates a recycling depot located at 359 Boyden Ave. The facility is open to Maplewood residents only Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The facility is for residential usage only, commercial usage is not allowed.

You can purchase them from retailers or online via a third party. The Township does not provide or sell bins.

The maximum recommended size is 64 gallons. 

The Township Committee approves bills for payment at its regularly scheduled meeting, those are the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The second meeting of August is sometimes canceled. Once approved, it takes the Finance Department a couple of days to print and mail the check. Bills to be paid are listed on a "Bills List" and this list is posted on the Township's website.

The Township has 60 days from the opening of sealed bids until it is required to make an award or reject all bids. This can be extended by mutual agreement of the Township and the bidders. Typically, the department who issued the bid will review the three lowest bidders, call references, check the insurance and other requirements and will make a recommendation in writing to the Township Committee (TC). The TC is required to make the award by resolution. In most cases, this process takes less than one month.

In order to become a vendor with the township you must have a Federal Tax ID number or a Social Security number. You will also need a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) which is easily obtainable from the New Jersey State website.

Under the Local Public Contract Law and the Township's purchasing policy any purchase up to $6,000 is considered a small purchase and can be done without additional quotes. From $6,000 to $40,000 is considered the quote threshold and the Township must obtain "more than one" quote for the goods or services. Typically the Township tries to get three quotes. Any purchase or contract exceeding $17,500 must be approved by resolution of the Township Committee.

A purchase order and a voucher is the same thing. When a department wants to purchase something they use our finance system and encumber funds from their budget accounts. This ensures that the funds are taken from the available balance and not over expended. The encumbrance process leads to the issuance of a Purchase Order or PO. The vendor receive the PO and it is a contract which states that if the vendor supplies the good or service, the Township is obligated to pay that vendor the amount encumbered for that service.

A bid threshold is an amount of a one-time purchase of an aggregate amount for purchases of a similar kind in a 12 month period for which you must go out to bid. For Maplewood that amount is anything costing $40,000 or more.

Verification Needed for Pool Membership Discount

All Applications Due: May 27, 2022
All information must be current.

• School Verification for Children Ages 6-17
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Free/ Reduced Lunch Status (if applicable)
• Photo ID

Fill out the Pool Pal Application Form and return to:

Maplewood Recreation Department
574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ, 07040

The Maplewood Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs offers a variety of programs and activities for community residents. Some funds are available each year to assist those residents who can demonstrate financial need and/or hardship. Completion of an application does not automatically assure an award. Awards depend on availability of funds and are awarded on a first come, first served basis. All information will remain confidential.

To apply:

1. Please review the Eligibility Guidelines and Application Procedure
2. Next, fill out the  Recreation Assistance Fund Application. You may print or mail your completed application.
   1. If mailing your application, please address it to: Maplewood Recreation Department at 574 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040
   2. If emailing your application, please send it to: recinfo@maplewoodnj.gov

Applicants will receive notification or an update of their status within one week of initial application. For any questions, please contact the Recreation Department at (973) 762-8120.

Donations are always appreciated!

The Maplewood Recreation & Cultural Affairs Assistance Program is an opportunity to help your neighbors who would not otherwise be able to afford to enroll their children in our programming. Click the highlighted link to donate online or you may mail/ drop off a check to 574 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040 to the Attn of the Recreation Department.

The Township does not maintain divorce decrees. You would need to request those records either from the county you divorced in, or from the State.

To get copy of court records from the State, you can click here.

Certified Copy Of A Vital Record

If you are looking for a certified copy of a vital record, such as a birth, death, marriage or civil union certificate, you can do the online application and we can mail your vital record upon receiving payment.

Application For Marriage, Remarriage, Civil Union and Reaffirmation of Civil Union

The Registrar only meets with applicants between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM, during days Town Hall is open.

To request an appointment, complete the online application.

If neither you or your spouse are residents of New Jersey, you would follow the same process as a Maplewood resident by applying via our online form (link).

Take Note

You should schedule additional time to finish the application process. Once you finish the online form, the registrar will have to meet with you, in person, see government issued ID from you and your future spouse, and you would need to bring a witness over 18 - all of whom will have to sign documents. From there, New Jersey has a 72 hour hold between completing the application and being issued a marriage license. 

Our registrar has limited hours, of which you can see their current hours on the Registrar Page (link), so check their schedule and plan accordingly. 

Part 1: The Application

Where To Go

You can apply for a marriage license (a license that gives you the authority to marry) at the municipality in which one spouse lives. So if one lives in Maplewood and the other in Newark, they can apply in Maplewood or Newark with the municipality's Registrar.

The Application & What To Bring

Once you choose a municipality to get married in, based on the address of either spouse, you will check whether or not the Registrar requires appointments. In the Township of Maplewood, you are required to make an appointment online to meet with the Registrar during normal business hours.

What To Bring

Both spouses, and their witness over 18, are required to bring a State or Federally issued photo ID. This witness should know both parties, as they are signing a legal document. 

Note: At least one person getting married has to have their ID say they live in the municipality they are applying in.

The Application

The application for Maplewood, NJ is here - each town has a similar, but specific application.

Defining each option:

1. Marriage: Is for anyone over the age of 18
2. Re-marriage/ Reaffirmation of Civil Union: Recognizes a previous marriage or union after it has been dissolved
3. Civil Union: Is for same-sex couples over 18 only

Things To Look Out For

• Make sure for #1 you put the name on your birth certificate
• For Domestic status, we need the full date, month, day, and year, and place, if your status is anything but single.
• Blanks aren't allowed and will be rejected. So, for example, if you don't know your birth parents' names or where they were born, you would put a dash through it.
• You do not have to fill out the bottom portion of page 1, regarding when the ceremony is to be performed, when filing the application. You will need to before getting the license to marry.
• For Witnesses: Read number 3 read carefully. Remember, marriage is considered a legal contract and all information on this application is part of the legal document.

Cost

It costs $28.00.

The Waiting Period

Once you submit your application, the Registrar will hold your license to get married for 72 hours (3 calendar days - holidays and weekends count). 

Part 2: Getting Married

Issuances & Paperwork

After 72 hours have passed, you can request your marriage license from the Registrar by appointment. The issuing Registrar will give you four copies of your marriage license, in which they’ll only fill out the bottom part.

Either spouse, or a representative, can pick up the license.

Justice Of The Peace

If one of the spouses are a Maplewood resident, the Township judge can marry the couple. This is done only on Thursdays, starting at 10:30 AM and done by appointment. 

You can call: (973) 762-2839 to make an appointment.

Expiration

Your marriage application is held for six months automatically, and a couple can request an additional six-month hold before they are required to reapply all over again.

Your marriage license, once picked up, is valid for only 30 calendar days. After day 30, it expires, and you have to start the whole process again.

Things To Look Out For

1. When choosing an officiant, ensure they have the legal authority to marry someone. The issuing Registrar is not required to provide you a list or review the officiant.
2. It is recommended to have one copy of the marriage license done by the officiant, review it, and if everything looks right, then repeat it for the other three copies.
   1. NOTE: You can only make a mistake on one copy before the issuing Registrar has to be involved. At this point, you can get a reissued marriage license if you are within 30 days. However, it is at the discretion of the Registrar whether or not it will be labeled a duplicate or treated as an original.
   2. If all four copies are filled out, and there is an error, you will have to do an amendment, so make sure there are no errors beyond the copy you can keep for yourself. Amendments can take months to be approved by the State after being sent off by the local Registrar.

Returning The Marriage License

Page 1 and Page 2 are given to the Registrar of the Municipality you got married in. So, if the Registrar of Maplewood issued you your marriage license, but you got married in Union, the Registrar in Union should get Page 1 and Page 2 of your marriage license.

Page 3 is for the newly weds to keep and Page 4 belongs to the officiant.

Part 3: Getting A Certified Copy Of Your Marriage Certificate

Note: Your marriage application, marriage license, and marriage certificate are three different things. You DO NOT automatically get your marriage certificate after handing in your marriage license and if it is mailed or interofficed, the Registrar won't notify you once it is received. You would have to request your marriage certificate from the Registrar who works in the Municipality you were married in.

In the Township of Maplewood, you will have to do the online form and make an appointment if you are requesting to come in person to pick it up.

Requesting Your Marriage Certificate (or Certificate of Marriage)

1. You must complete an application for a “Certified copy of a vital record.”
2. The cost varies per town, but in Maplewood, it is $15 for the first copy, and each additional copy is $5.
3. Either spouse can pick up the certificate, and all they would need to show is the same ID they used for the application part of the process.
4. As with applying for a marriage license, and picking one up, check with the Registrar whether an appointment is needed - In Maplewood, this is necessary.

FAQS

What about Domestic Partnerships?

Domestic partnerships are not licensed, have no gender requirements, and are only available for those 62 or older. You also wouldn't use the Marriage application. What you would present is an affidavit of domestic partnership that notes the name, ages, and mailing addresses of both parties, alongside a statement that, at the time the affidavit is signed, both parties meet the requirements of the Act and wish to enter into a domestic partnership with each other. In order to file such an affidavit, neither person can have been a partner in a domestic partnership that was terminated less than 180 days prior to the filing of the current Affidavit of Domestic Partnership, except that this prohibition does not apply if one of the partners died.

How Do I Get My Name Changed?

You would have that done by the Social Security Administration. Information on the process can be found here.

Genealogical Records, mainly used for family history research, are: 

• Birth, death and marriage records for people who are deceased 
   
  AND where

• the birth occurred more than 80 years ago until 1921
• the marriage occurred more than 50 years ago until 1931
• the death occurred more than 40 years ago until 1931

and are requested from the State here.

Non-Genealogical records are records either before the dates above or the people named on the record are still alive. 

These records can be requested from the township.

The Maplewood Municipal Building is not available for filming inside the building. We have copyrighted murals in our main hall and exclude them from photos or filming.

Yes. Bagsters can be used in the Township of Maplewood. 

However, if you don't place the bagster on your lawn due to overhead wires, among other obstacles, and place it on the street, it will be treated like a dumpster. So you would have to follow the entire procedures and requirements for a dumpster.

If you put the dumpster in the driveway, you do not need a dumpster permit.

However, if you put it on the public street, you are required to fill out a dumpster permit and have a Certificate of Insurance which names the Township as an additional insured for no less than $300,000.

The cost is $50.00 for each 7 day period the dumpster will be on a public road.

You can find the information you are looking for via Maplewoodnj.gov/ecode.

1. You may obtain a Notary Public application from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.
2. Following approval from the State, you must contact the Essex County Clerk (NOT THE TOWNSHIP CLERK) to take your oath of office.

All matters involving tickets, violations and court appearances are handled by the Municipal Court, not the Township Clerk.

You may contact the Court at (973) 762-2839.

Title searches need to be done through the Essex County Register of Deeds and Mortgages Office, not through the township. 

They are located at:

465 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Hall of Records-Room 130
Newark, NJ 07102

Their hours are: 

Monday to Friday
8:30am to 4:30pm
Last transaction 4:15pm

Their Email:

info@essexregister.com

Telephone Number:

973-621-4960

Website:

http://www.essexregister.com/

No. If you live on a road which has notable traffic, like Boyden Avenue, you will not be able to put a dumpster on the street in front of your home.

However, you can put it on a side street if you can obtain permission from the homeowner to put it in front of their home. That letter or agreement would need to be uploaded with your application, when you do it online.

If you are having a visitor or visitors, or you need to park on the street overnight for a few nights, alert the police department by calling the non-emergency line at (973) 762-3400. 

The Township of Maplewood is no longer accepting Retailer or Manufacturer Cannabis licenses. We only have the following licenses available:

• One (1) Class 1 Cultivator License
• One (1) Class 3 Wholesaler License
• One (1) Class 4 Distributor License 
• Five (5) Class 6 Delivery Licenses

An OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request is used to receive access to government records. 

All requests for copies of official public records must be made in accordance with the State of New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.). 

A request for access to a government record must be in writing and hand-delivered, mailed, transmitted electronically, or otherwise conveyed to the appropriate custodian. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.g. The time frame to fulfill a request for access to government records under OPRA does not begin until the request form or equivalent written request has been delivered to the appropriate records custodian. After the day of receipt, the department records custodian has seven business days to respond. So if the request was received on Friday, day 1 would be Monday. However, if Monday was President's Day, for example, then day 1 would be Tuesday. 

Sending a records request to the wrong officer or employee may result in a delay of the fulfillment of the request.  In the Township of Maplewood, the Township Clerk is the official Records Custodian.  

Requestors must be as specific as possible when requesting records. A valid request identifies a specific type of record, address, Block/Lot of property (properties), parties to the correspondence, dates/date range, and subject matter. Requests for information or requests that ask questions are NOT valid OPRA requests.

Only submit requests by one method.  You do not need to hand-deliver, mail, email, and fax the completed form. Please be advised that records provided via e-mail and facsimile are free of charge.

You can file a OPRA Request electronically here.

Banner Specifications

Banners must be no longer than 20 feet in length and 30 inches in height.

Also, they need to have metal grommets spaced no more than 18 inches apart along the entire top of the banner. Also, the banner must have metal grommets in all 4 corners

Lastly, there must be wind slits, every 2 feet of banner length. 

Location

Currently, the only available location is near the corner of Indiana Street and Springfield Avenue. 

For reference, here is a picture from Google Maps.

Application

Fee: $25

Certificate of Insurance naming the Township of Maplewood as an additional insured in an amount not less than $300,000.00

The Information Requested Here: Link to Application

Further Questions

Contact a member of the Clerk's Office.

You can apply for a marriage license at:

Clerk's Office
574 Valley St.
Maplewood Township, NJ 07040

The Township of Maplewood doesn't maintain a list of foreclosed homes. However, the Essex County Sheriff's Office does maintain a listing at https://salesweb.civilview.com/Sales/SalesSearch.

Please note, as listed on their site: 

The Essex County Sheriffs Office does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. For all listings click the search tab. To limit search fill in details and click search tab. The data on this site is refreshed every 30 minutes between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday - Friday.

As of 5/14/2024 

Maplewood Township Committee

Committeeperson Dean Dafis
(347) 613-3403
ddafis@maplewoodnj.gov

Committeeperson Deborah Engel
dengel@maplewoodnj.gov

Mayor Nancy Adams
(973) 762-8120 ext. 2105
nadams@maplewoodnj.gov

Deputy Mayor Jamaine Cripe
(973) 762-8120 ext. 2106
jcripe@maplewoodnj.gov

Committeeperson Victor De Luca
(973) 762-8120 ext. 2108
vdeluca@maplewoodnj.gov

State

Governor Phil Murphy

Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625-0001

New Jersey Senate President, Nicholas Scutari
67 Walnut Ave.
Clark, NJ 07066
Phone: (732) 827-7480
Fax: (732) 215-4785

New Jersey State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin
569 Rahway Ave.
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Phone: (732) 855-7441
Fax: (732) 855-7558

District 28 Assemblymembers

Senator Renee C. Burgess
660 Stuyvesant Ave.
Irvington, NJ 07111
Phone: (862) 231-6577
Fax: (862) 955-3966

Assemblywoman Garnet R. Hall
511 Valley St.
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Phone: (973) 762-1886

Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker
1079 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07112
Phone: (973) 926-4320
Fax: (973) 926-5736

Federal

Senator Cory Booker
One Gateway Center
23rd Floor
Newark, NJ 07102

Senator Robert Menendez
210 Hudson Street
Harborside 3, Suite 1000
Jersey City, NJ 07311

Congressional District 11

Mikie Sherrill

You can find the information you are looking for via Maplewoodnj.gov/ecode.

1. In-Person
2. Via Our Youtube Page
3. Channel 24 on FIOS and Channel 35 on Comcast

To see when future Township Committee meetings are, check out the Township's Calendar.

Prospective members must be Maplewood residents and submit an application form, setting forth why they would like to serve on the Board and what particular skills they can bring to the Board.

Prospective members may be nominated by an advisory committee charter organization (the Community Coalition on Race, SOMA Action, or SOMA Justice: Addressing Race and Inequality in South Orange and Maplewood) or self-nominated.  Applicants nominated by a charter organization must include a statement of support from that organization; self-nominated applicants should consider submitting a brief statement of support from another Maplewood resident.