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1. What are prior approvals and how do they affect me getting a construction permit?

Prior Approvals are approvals from agencies outside the Building Department. For example the Planning and Zoning Departments, Health Departments, State Agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection, Healthcare and Educational Plan Review or Elevator Safety Unit. In order to issue a Construction Permit, these prior approvals must be in place.

2. What are the most common reasons a permit is denied or delayed?

By far the number one reason a construction permit is denied or delayed is that it is submitted incomplete. For example you file a permit for a bathroom renovation but omit filing an electrical or plumbing permit for that work. Despite having code compliant plans and a building permit filed we cannot issue permits for that which we haven't received a complete application. Moral to the story, make sure your application is 100% complete, those that are get processed the fastest.

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1. Will I need a lawyer?

The court staff cannot offer advice. Depending on the offense, the Judge will advise you.

2. What is a plea agreement?

A plea agreement is a way to settle a case without a trial. Plea agreements are negotiated with the Prosecutor and the involved Police Officer. All plea agreements must be approved by the Judge.

3. Do you provide an interpreter?

A Spanish interpreter is always available during court sessions. If you need another language, please inform the court prior to your appearance and it will be arranged.

4. What do I do if I do not have my complaint or summons number?

Be prepared to give the court staff member your driver’s license number so that they may assist you.

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1. How do I complete the online Firearms Application?

Firearms Purchases 

In order to obtain a firearm, you must meet eligibility requirements and comply with the statutes which govern firearms purchases in the State of New Jersey.  https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/firearms-faqs.shtml

All firearms applications for residents of Red Bank are handled through the Police Department’s Records Bureau. If you need guidance with the application process or have questions, please call 732-530-2712.

Firearms Application Process and Requirements 

The process involves making application for a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and along the way, requires you to submit to a background investigation by both state and federal agencies, supply references, be fingerprinted, and consent to a mental health records check.

There are two types of purchase permits in New Jersey—the Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and the Permit to Purchase a Handgun.

Applicants should anticipate the process taking approximately 30-60 days once all necessary documents are received. Incomplete or missing information may delay the process, as will the failure of your references to respond in a timely manner.

Please begin the process by first make sure your address is in the Borough of Red Bank.  Your zip code of 07701 is only for mail delivery and many addresses are in Middletown Township, Shrewsbury Borough, or Fair Haven Borough.  You can only make a FARS application to Red Bank if you physically live in Red Bank Borough.

Next Visit the NJSP website https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/Fars and enter the ORI# for Red Bank Borough: NJ0134000

Complete the online application.  You will need the email addresses of 2 reputable references.

You will be receiving automated email updates throughout this new process.

Once your application is complete, a department representative will contact you when the process is complete. Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them the reference questions to be answered.

The online application is applicant driven.  Please ensure that you have entered the best phone numbers for yourself and references as well as the best email addresses for yourself and references.

If you are obtaining a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card or Permit to Purchase Handgun for the first time, you must also submit the following: 

Under 2C:58-3 (c) (11) and (d), the wording of the statute has been amended:

In order to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, the applicant shall demonstrate that, within four years prior to the date of the application, the applicant satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the superintendent in the lawful and safe handling and storage of firearms. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate completion of a course of instruction only once prior to obtaining either a firearms purchaser identification card or the applicant's first permit to purchase a handgun.

If you are seeking a Permit to Carry a Handgun: 

A permit to carry is required for any handgun—concealed or not—and it must be renewed every 2 years.

Only one permit needs to be obtained for all such handguns. Although a written qualification must be within six (6) months of application and include Instructors Name and Certification, make, model, caliber and serial numbers of each handgun you intend to carry.

To Begin the application please complete the following steps.

1.    REQUIRED – NJ FID Card (New Jersey Firearms ID Card) – If you do not have a New Jersey FID card go to the following site to begin the process, https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/FARS

2.   REQUIRED – Ownership of a handgun – If you have an FID card but do not have a handgun go to the following site to begin the process, https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/FARS

3.   REQUIRED - When starting the process for a Permit to Carry application, contact a range or firearms training center where you can schedule a training course in gun safety and a handgun qualification. Upon completion, you will receive documents certifying that you completed the training. You will submit those documents along with your application to your local police department.

NOTE: The required Written Firearms Qualification, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:54-2.4(B), can be obtained at most firearms ranges throughout the State of New Jersey. A list of shooting ranges for RPO Qualification can be obtained at:

 https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/shooting-ranges.shtml

4.   REQUIRED APPLICATION– Complete the NJ Permit to Carry Application, and submit it with your qualifications, certifications, and documents to your local police department. The application can be obtained at: NJ PERMIT TO CARRY APPLICATION

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING AT TIME OF APPLICATION: 

A. Driver’s License and Birth Certificate OR Driver’s License and Passport OR Driver’s License and Naturalization Paperwork/Green Card

B. Three (3) State of New Jersey Applications For Permit To Carry A Handgun, form SP642. Must be double sided and notarized. SP642

C. Four (4) color passport size photographs.

D. Consent for Mental Health Search, form SP066. SP066

E. Written proof of ownership and qualification with the handgun(s) you intend on carrying.

       1. Proof of ownership can be a purchase receipt or purchase permit, or a notarized letter of ownership listing make, model, and serial number of    handgun(s).

        2. Written qualification must be within six (6) months of application and include Instructors Name and Certification, make, model, caliber and serial number of handgun(s) you intend to carry.

F. Money Order in the amount of $50.00 payable to; “Treasurer, State of New Jersey”

5. REQUIRED – Fingerprinting – all applicants (initial and renewal) for permit to carry a handgun must be fingerprinted. Instructions for fingerprinting will be provided at the time of application

** A NEW JERSEY PERMIT TO CARRY IS VALID FOR TWO (2) YEARS FROM TIME OF APPROVAL.

** IF ANY OF THE PRECEDING IS NOT COMPLETE OR INCORRECT THE APPLICATION WILL BE RETURNED AND YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-APPLY.

Application Forms 

To view these forms, you will need the freely available Adobe Reader software installed on your computer, version 4 or higher.

These are “fillable forms” and may be filled out on your computer. Please note that a fillable form isn’t the same as electronic filing and it is not possible to electronically submit a form—you must print it out after entering the information.

• Consent for Mental Health Records Search (SP-66)   
• Application for Permit to Carry a Handgun (SP-642) 

2. Is my accident report ready?

Accident reports are usually completed within 3 business days, but every accident is different and can require more time to complete. You can call 732-530-2712 with the accident case number that was provided to you at the time of the accident or check with LexisNexis

3. How can I get an ABC server card?

ABC or Alcoholic Beverage Server Cards are issued Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Records Bureau. You must first obtain a case number and a form to be fingerprinted by MorphoTrust, this can be done by the records bureau. After fingerprints are taken and the response received by the records bureau, you need to come in to the records bureau with a completed ABC server card application and twenty five ($25.00) in cash. The ABC card expires January 15th of each year. You must renew prior to that date . Any application after the 15th of January will be considered a new application and will result in having to get fingerprinted again. No exceptions. ABC server card application

4. Do you have a credit card machine?

The police department does not have the ability to complete transactions with a credit or debit card? You may pay with cash.

5. How do I get a dumpster permit?

Dumpster permits can be obtained through the Records Bureau Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm after approval by the Traffic Safety Bureau.

6. How do I get a taxi license?

The application for a taxi license is available at the police department records bureau Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or Taxi License Police Forms

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1. How do you calculate allowable increase for units under rent control?

First, calculate the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Look up the CPI index 4 months and 16 months prior to the end date of the lease.

CPI tables can be found at http://www.bls.gov/cpi/ on the right hand side, under Regional Resources. Select NYC as the MSA.

The percent increase is calculated as follows:
- CPI of 4 months ago - CPI of 16 months ago
- CPI of 16 months ago

If this is negative, there is no increase.

Second, calculate allowable increase
- Multiply current rent by the percent increase calculated above, then add to current rent. Round to nearest dollar.

Example: Lease ends December 31st, so CPI table is used to look up the CPI for August (4 months prior) and August of the previous year (16 months prior). Let's say the CPI 4 months prior was 250.058 and 16 months prior was 241.569. The calculation for allowable increase would be:
- (250.058 - 241.569) / 241.569 equals 0.035.

If the current rent was $1,000, the allowable increase would be $35, so the new rent would be $1,035.

Note: This example uses actual data taken from August 2011 and August 2010.

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1. What is the proper way to care for my trees?

For information on tree care please see the Arbor Day Foundation site.

2. What is a "mulch volcano" and why is it dangerous?

Mulch piled up into a cone around the trunk kills trees by encouraging decaying fungi, killing the tissue of the inner bark, and harboring animals that gnaw on the bark. Please view the attached document for information on proper mulching techniques. Guide to Mulch

3. May I plant my own tree in front of my house on the borough right-of-way?

Procedure for requesting to plant a tree in the right of way

1. Send the request to the STC at stc@redbanknj.org or fill out the request form.

2. STC will inspect the location to make sure it is an appropriate planting location

3. If it is determined that it is an appropriate planting location, STC will refer you to the List of STC Recommended Species for you to choose the tree species taking into consideration whether there are wires overhead or not

4. The following is required for planting the selected tree species

a. The tree should be planted by a known landscape company or nursery

b. The tree should be 3.-3.5" caliper in size at the time of planting.

c. The tree should be staked

d. The landscape company/nursery should guarantee the tree for 2 years

e. Planting should be either in the spring or fall depending on the tree species selected

5. Inform STC as soon as the tree has been planted

6. STC will inspect the tree. If it passes inspection, STC will install a gator/water bag on the tree.

7. Please fill the gator bag once a week until the tree has established itself, about a year or so.

4. May I attach a flyer to a tree?

No. You may not attach a flyer to any Borough tree.

5. I'd like to plant a tree in my yard. Do you have a recommendation?

The Arbor Day Foundation has a good on-line guide for putting the right tree in the right place. See the link below. Arbor Day tree planting guide

6. I love trees. How can I help?

• Attend STC meetings to learn about local activities.
• Plant trees in your own yard.
• Support funding for tree planting and care.
• Make a donation to the Red Bank Shade Tree Trust Fund.
• Become a "tree steward" for your neighborhood.
• Contact the Shade Tree Committee about volunteer opportunities.
• Report any tree problems to the Department of Public Utilities.
• Learn and educate others about the Benefits of Trees.

7. How do I know if a tree is a borough tree?

Borough trees are those planted on the borough right-of-way. Typically, the borough right-of-way includes the road, the planting strip between the curb and the sidewalk, the sidewalk itself, and often extends a few feet into your front lawn. Trees in the public parks are also borough trees. If you are not sure whether a tree belongs to you or the borough, please contact the Shade Tree Committee.

8. Can I have a tree planted in someone's honor/memory?

Please contact the Shade Tree Committee, so we can certainly discuss your request with you.

9. Can I request a tree to be planted in a right of way?

Procedure for requesting to plant a tree in the right of way

1. Send the request to the STC at stc@redbanknj.org or fill out the request form.
2. STC will inspect the location to make sure it is an appropriate planting location
3. If it is determined that it is an appropriate planting location, STC will refer you to the List of STC Recommended Species for you to choose the tree species taking into consideration whether there are wires overhead or not
4. The following is required for planting the selected tree species
   1. The tree should be planted by a known landscape company or nursery
   2. The tree should be 3.-3.5" caliper in size at the time of planting.
   3. The tree should be staked
   4. The landscape company/nursery should guarantee the tree for 2 years
   5. Planting should be either in the spring or fall depending on the tree species selected
5. Inform STC as soon as the tree has been planted
6. STC will inspect the tree. If it passes inspection, STC will install a gator/water bag on the tree.
7. Please fill the gator bag once a week until the tree has established itself, about a year or so.

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1. When are taxes due?

Taxes are due on the first day of February, May, August and November.

2. When will I receive a new tax bill?

Tax bills are mailed in July. Each bill contains four (4) tear off stubs for the 3rd and 4th quarters of the current year, and the 1st and 2nd quarters of the next year. Original bills are mailed to those who pay their own taxes, and to banks and mortgage companies. Property owners who pay their taxes through their mortgage company receive advice copies of the tax bill. This advice copy can be used to make tax payments if a mortgage has been paid off by the property owner. Please read both the front and back of the bill.

3. Where do I send my tax/utility payment?

Mail payment to:

Borough of Red Bank-Tax Collector 

90 Monmouth Street 

Red Bank, NJ 07701

4. Is there a grace period for paying taxes?

Yes, the Borough allows ten (10) calendar days. If the tenth day falls on a holiday or weekend, the grace period is extended to the next business day. During August only, the grace period may be extended beyond the 10th of August. You will be notified on the face of the tax bill of the last day to pay August taxes.

5. How can I make payment?

Taxes can be paid with cash, personal or certified checks, and money orders. You may bring in your payment or mail the payment. If you are mailing, please allow at least 3-5 days. Postmarks are not accepted.

If you use your bank’s on-line payment feature, be aware that a check is produced by your institution and mailed to us. Give allow 7-10 days for this process.

Once the tax sale process has begun, only cash, certified checks, or money orders will be accepted.

If you require a receipt, please send the entire bill back with your payment, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Your bill will be receipted and returned to you.

Online payments will be accepted for tax and utility using your checking /savings accounts, debit cards or credit cards. The fees associated with using this feature do not go to the Borough; they are paid to the site provider. If you are listed for tax sale, you may not use this system after the 50th day preceding the tax sale date. (NJSA 5:30-9.2)

6. How can I make a payment online?

Please use the following link to pay online. Here you will be able to print a form to apply for direct withdrawal. Red Bank Tax/Utility Account Payments

7. What is the interest rate on late payments?

NJSA 54:4-67 states that if payment is not received by the end of business hours on the 10th day of the grace period, interest is to be charged. Interest is 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 of delinquency; balances in excess of $1,500.00 have an interest rate of 18% per annum. This 18% rate remains in place until the taxes are brought current. Interest is charged from the 1st of the month that the payment is due, or the date of last payment. In addition, if the total balance (tax and interest) exceeds $10,000.00 on December 31, a 6% penalty shall be added to the amount due. Under this statute, the collector must have physical possession of the payment; no postmarks are accepted.

8. I need to change my address or mortgage information. What should I do?

All requests to change a mailing address or mortgage provider must be in writing. Please call and ask for the form, or download the form from our website using the link provided below. If you are escrowing for taxes with a mortgage company, we need an Initial Authorization form from the mortgage company. This form, when signed by you, authorizes us to send your tax bill to the mortgage company. If you have paid off your mortgage, and are now making payments directly to the Borough, we need a signed, written notice to stop sending the original bills to the mortgage company.

Mailing Address Change

9. What is a tax sale? Can I buy property at the tax sale?

Delinquent prior year taxes, utility charges and other municipal charges will be sold to the highest bidder in the form of liens. The Borough holds an annual tax sale for those properties delinquent for the prior year. The State requires that any property listed for tax sale be publicly published and posted in the Borough. The costs of publication and sale are added to the amount to be sold. Upon the sale of these liens, the purchasers (Lien Holders) may pay current year delinquencies, and add those balances to the lien. Lien Holders must wait two years before they can begin to foreclose a property. The property owner may redeem the lien at any time prior to foreclosure, through the Office of the Tax Collector.

10. How do I pay off a lien?

You must request in writing to the Collector a statement of redemption.

AT NO TIME SHOULD YOU APPROACH THE LIEN HOLDER.

The request must include the date that you anticipate making payment and a statement of your legal interest in the property. You may be required to provide proof of identity - NJ Tax Sale Law only allows ‘interested parties’ the right to redeem.
For the purpose of lien redemptions, accepted forms of payment are cash, certified check, or money order. The Collector will notify the Lien Holder that payment has been received, and request the lien certificate from the holder. This certificate will be forwarded to you.