FAQs
- What Is An OPRA Request, and How Do I File A OPRA Request?
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OPRA (Open Public Records Act) requests are used by the public to gain access to government records. Often requests are for information on a home someone is buying, but can also be for a variety of other reasons, with some limitations by State statute.
Building Permits
If looking for building permit history, and whether there are open and closed building permits, use our SDL portal to look up information. This is often easier and faster than completing an OPRA request.
Here is an example of the information SDL provides.
Follow these quick and simple steps:
1. Click on “use our SDL portal to look up information” link above.
2. Sign up with a user ID and password, or login if you already have an ID and password.
3. If you know the permit number, enter it in the field marked “Check a Status” and click on the green “Go” button.
4. If you do not know the permit number, click on “Full Permit Search” and search by permit number, control number, project number, owner, address, etc.
There is NO CHARGE for this service.
If you have any questions about Building Permits, please contact the Building Department at (732) 827-2087.
OPRA Request Form
To request government records, you can e-mail, fax, mail, hand-deliver, or submit a request by using the form below.
- How Do I Apply For A Marriage License Or Obtain A Copy Of One?
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Vital records such as birth and death certificates and marriage licenses may be obtained from the Office of Vital Statistics.
- How Do I Apply For A Death Certificate Or Obtain A Copy Of One?
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Vital records such as birth and death certificates and marriage licenses may be obtained from the Office of Vital Statistics.
- How Do I Become A Notary Public?
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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 Union County Clerk (NOT THE CITY CLERK) to take your oath of office.
- Does Rahway Allow For Cannabis Businesses?
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Please refer to Ch. 420, 421-64.1 and Ch. 422 of the Municipal Code for information on cannabis businesses in the City of Rahway.
The City is only accepting applications for cannabis cultivation, warehousing, wholesaling and distribution only and is not accepting any new applications for Class 5 retail cannabis licenses at this time.
City of Rahway Cannabis Application
Please email the Department of Engineering & Land Use for additional questions on cannabis businesses in Rahway.
- How Do I Get A Copy of My Deed?
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Property deeds may be obtained from the Union County Clerk's office.
- When are the elections?
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The Primary Election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June. The General Election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
- What time are the polls open?
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Primary and General Election 6 am to 8 pm
- What are the guidelines to register to vote?
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- You must be 18 years of age by the election.
- You must be a Citizen of the United States
- You must reside in the State of New Jersey and the City of Rahway at least 30 days prior to the election.
- To be eligible to vote in the next election, when must I register?
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You must register any time prior to the 20th day before any election to be eligible to vote in that and subsequent elections.
- Where do I register?
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- At the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall Plaza, Rahway.
- At the Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207
- At any Motor Vehicle Office or Welfare Office.
- Online Through The New Jersey Division of Elections
- If I cannot register in person, how can I register?
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You can register by mail. An application can be obtained from the City Clerk, Board of Elections, or Union County Clerk by viewing the Application.
- Who Can I Contact To Ask Questions About Having A Food Truck In Rahway?
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Questions Regarding The Process
Applications are submitted to the City Clerk's office. They are then submitted to the Police department for background check. Once cleared, your vehicle must be inspected by the Health department, and if you have a propane tank, inspected by the Fire department. The Clerk's office will call you when your license is ready for pick-up.
- Police: 732-827-2200 | Records@cityofrahway.com
- Health: 732-827-2018 | Health@cityofrahway.com
- Fire: 732-827-2155 | FirePrevention@cityofrahway.comn
- City Clerk: 732-827-2100 | CityClerkDepartment@cityofrahway.com
Who Should I Contact Regarding Having My Food Truck At A City of Rahway Event?
Please contact the Department of Recreation and Senior Services at 732-669-3600.
- How Do I Apply For An Annual or Special Event Food Truck License?
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For Annual Food Truck Licenses
NOTICE: THERE ARE NO MORE ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK LICENSES AVAILABLE FOR 2024.
Please fill out this form and drop it off at the City Clerk Department. Make sure every item on the checklist is completed before submission to the City Clerk or your incomplete application will be returned to you.
Have your truck inspected by the Health Department: Health Department Inspection Form (PDF)
If using a propane tank, have the tank inspected by the Fire Department: Fire Safety Permit (PDF)
For Special Event Food Truck Licenses
Please come in person to the Clerk's office to fill out the appropriate forms. Make sure every item on the application is completed before submission to the City Clerk or your incomplete application will be returned to you.
Have your truck inspected by the Health Department: Health Department Inspection Form (PDF)
If using a propane tank, have the tank inspected by the Fire Department: Fire Safety Permit (PDF)
- What Is The Difference Between A Food Truck and Peddler's License?
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A Food Truck is expected to sell food either by being be parked in one of the designated locations set forth by the City's Code or by moving throughout the City. A Peddler's License is for those selling wares that are not food - like balloons or other trinkets.
- How Many Food Trucks Are Allowed In The City Of Rahway?
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Annual Licenses
- 5 food truck permits associated with brick and mortar businesses within the City of Rahway;
- 5 food truck permits that are NOT associated with any brick and mortar business within the City of Rahway; and
- 5 ice cream truck permits.
Special Events
There is no limit on Special Event food truck permits, but be advised that the event planners may limit the amount of trucks which may participate in their events.
- Where Can Food Trucks Park & What Hours Can They Operate?
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Hours
Parking on public streets is limited to the hours of:
Tues-Sat: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sun-Mon: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. .
Food and drinks may only be sold on public streets between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The final hour should be used to clean up within 30 feet of your location prior to departure.
General Limitations
- No location within 200 feet of the property of any elementary, middle, or high school, whether public or private;
- No location within 100 feet of any residence building
- No location within 500 feet of any restaurant or eating and drinking establishment.
Streets Allowed
- New Brunswick Avenue: Between E Inman Avenue and E Hazelwood Avenue
- East Hazelwood Avenue: Between Witherspoon Street and Hart Street
- E Inman Avenue: Between Elizabeth Street and Leesville Avenue
- Regina Avenue: Between New Brunswick Avenue and Holly Place
- St. Georges Avenue, subject to distance requirements from residences and restaurants and eating establishments, and all State requirements.
Private Commercial Properties
Food vehicles may only occupy private commercial properties in the I-L Light Industrial and I-H Heavy Industrial Zones with the express permission of the property owner. Hours of operation shall be limited to the same hours of operation of the private commercial property on which the food vehicle has permission to be located. In the event that a private property in the aforementioned zones is within 100 feet of a residential use or zone, food vehicles shall not be permitted between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
All food trucks located on private property shall be required to obtain a Zoning Permit from the City. All food trucks located on private property count towards the maximum permitted number of licenses. In no case shall a food vendor be located within 500 feet of a brick and mortar eating establishment or 100 ft of a residential property.
- Are Food Trucks Which Pay For An Annual License Subject To Special Event License Fees?
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Food trucks with a valid annual License from the City of Rahway are not required to complete a Special Event License.