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1. What Is An OPRA Request, and How Do I File A OPRA Request?

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.

• OPRA Online Submittal Form

2. How Do I Apply For A Marriage License Or Obtain A Copy Of One?

Vital records such as birth and death certificates and marriage licenses may be obtained from the Office of Vital Statistics.

3. How Do I Apply For A Death Certificate Or Obtain A Copy Of One?

Vital records such as birth and death certificates and marriage licenses may be obtained from the Office of Vital Statistics.

4. How Do I Become A Notary Public?

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.

5. Does Rahway Allow For Cannabis Businesses?

Please refer to Ordinance 24-21 and Ordinance 14-22 for information regarding which classes of Cannabis businesses are permitted in the City of Rahway. 

Link to application.

Please email the Department of Administration if you wish to speak to someone about the application process or about having a Cannabis Business in Rahway. 

6. How Do I Get A Copy of My Deed?

Property deeds may be obtained from the Union County Clerk's office.

7. How can I obtain a copy of my property survey?

Property surveys are the responsibility of the homeowner and not the City. Property surveys are not issued, nor are they maintained, by the City of Rahway. If you wish to obtain a survey of your property, you must hire a licensed surveyor to perform the service.

8. Does Rahway Have Rent Control?

The City of Rahway does not have a rent control ordinance. 

The State Department of Community Affairs does provide some guidance on rent increases however in this guide.

For further questions, it is recommended to speak to the Union County Ombudsman at (908) 787-1650 extension 21028 as Landlord/Tenant court is handled through the county and not the municipality. 

9. Can I obtain a photo ID card from the City?

The City of Rahway and the County of Union do not issue official government identification cards.

If you need to obtain an non-driver ID card, you may do so via the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

10. How Can I Get A Handicap Parking Spot In Front Of My Home?

1. A valid license plate or placard from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is required.
2. Submit a copy of your NJ Driver's License, Vehicle Registration, Handicap Parking Placard, and an authorization letter from your physician or prescription to the City Clerk's Office, along with a completed online form.
3. Following approval from the Rahway Police Department Traffic Bureau, the request must be approved via ordinance by the Rahway City Council. The designation of the parking space becomes official 20 days after adoption of the ordinance.
4. After the 20 day period has elapsed, the Traffic Bureau will install the necessary signs.
5. Please note that the on-street handicapped parking space is available to any motorist with a valid handicapped plate or placard, not just the resident who may live at that location.

In all, the process can take 8 to 12 weeks from the time requested, depending on the factors above.

11. Are There Any Limitations On Parties, Use Of Lawn Equipment, and/or Maintenance Equipment?

Please refer to our Noise Ordinance which notes the hours in the City of Rahway that private individuals and commercial entities are limited to regarding hosting a party, use of various kinds of maintenance or lawn equipment, as well as general activities which produce noise that is above certain decibels. 

12. How do obtain information on bids?

Bids are handled by our QPA (Qualified Purchasing Agent) and through the Engineering department.

QPA Contact Information: 732-827-2020

Engineering Contact Information: 732-827-2176 or Engineering@cityofrahway.com

13. Does The City of Rahway Allow Short Term Rentals?

The City of Rahway has no local ordinance regulating Short Term Rentals such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc.

14. Do I Need A Permit For A Party Bus?

If you plan to have a stationary party bus that cannot fit in your driveway, without blocking the sidewalk or extending into the street, then you would need to submit a "Street Closure Application" which you can fill out here. 

Please note: The City Council has to approve all Street Closure Applications, so the application must be submitted at least 30 Days before the event.

15. I have a question on a ticket or my court appearance

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

You may contact the Court at (732) 827-2039.

16. How do I apply for a dog license?

Dog licenses are issued by the Health Department.