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Clerks

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1. What are hours for Vital Statistics?

8:30 am - 3:45 pm.

2. How do I apply for a Marriage License?

The requirements to apply for a Marriage License:
- You must know when, where, and by whom you will be getting married BEFORE you apply for the marriage license
- At least one party must be a Howell resident
- If both parties reside out of state but are having their ceremony in Howell, they would apply in Howell
- Couple must come together to Clerk's Office and BRING ONE WITNESS who is 18 years old or older
- Couple must provide two forms of ID: preferably one photo ID and one proof of residency
- Please provide a copy of divorce papers if applicable
- The marriage application fee is $28.00
- Apply at the Clerk's Office Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. No appointment necessary.
- IMPORTANT: There is a mandatory 72 hour waiting period from the time of application until the time of the marriage ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
- Please call 732-938-4500 x2155 or 2150 with questions

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Code Enforcement / Housing

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1. How do I file complaint?

Complaints can be filed online by following this link.  Complaints may also be filed in person at Township offices or phoned in. Please call 732-938-4500 ext. 2335.

2. Are complaints anonymous?

Per State law, all complaints remain anonymous. Code enforcement will not reveal the complainant’s information even if we know who filed the complaint.

3. What is the difference between a Notice of Violation (NOV) and a Summons?

• A notice of violation is a letter issued to the property owner explaining a perceived violation of Township ordinance(s). This letter’s intent is to inform the owner of the violation(s) and outlines the steps that need to be taken to abate the violation and the timeline in which it needs to be abated by. The property owner or recipient of this letter may contact the issuing inspector to discuss abatement or any other concerns. You should not disregard this letter if you feel it was issued in error.
• A summons is a legal document notifying you of your required appearance in a court of law. A summons is issued once an inspector reinspects a property and notes that the violation(s) have not been abated. A court date is assigned at the bottom of the summons. If found guilty in court, a fine may be assessed and the recipient of the summons must still abate the violations. Township fines range from $100 - $2000 per day that a violation exists and is not abated depending on the violation.

4. What do I do if I receive a violation notice?

The notice will explain the violation and what needs to be done to correct the violation along with a time frame to do it in. If you are still unsure what to do or feel that it was issued in error, the inspector’s information is at the end of the letter. Please contact the inspector directly.

5. What do I do if I receive a summons?

Once a summons is issued, the matter will likely be resolved in court. A court appearance may be required. A court date is assigned at the time of the summons’ issuance and can be found at the bottom of the summons. If you cannot make the court date please call the court at the number located at the back of the summons to reschedule.

6. I want to rent out a home I own. What do I need to do?

The township requires two applications, a Landlord Registration and a Rental Certificate Application. Each requires a fee of $100. Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, or online. Applications may be found here. If the home has either a well or septic or both, prior approval from the Monmouth County Board of Health is required prior to Code Enforcement scheduling an inspection. The Board of Health number is 732-431-7456.

7. How often do I need to file these applications?

The Landlord Registration is required to be filed yearly and is not pro-rated. The license expires December 31st every year. Landlords must renew the registration by January 31^st each year. Rental Certificates must be applied for prior to a new tenant moving in. This certificate is valid only for the tenant it is issued for.

8. What does an inspector look for during a rental inspection?

The inspector checks for compliance with the New Jersey State Housing Code as adopted by ordinance. A checklist is provided here. This checklist is not meant to be all encompassing but will provide a good idea to what the inspector is looking for.

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Construction Code

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1. Does a residential burglar alarm system require a permit?

Yes, systems similar to Brinks or Slomins do require a permit.

2. Do I have to remove my oil tank, when I convert from oil to gas?

Yes, a tank removal permit is required simultaneously with a furnace / boiler permit.

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Court

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1. Does the violation carry points?

For information about points you must contact the Department of Motor Vehicles.

2. Do you accept credit cards for payment?

Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards.

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Did You Know? Howell Township Facts

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1. Municipal Taxes

The municipality collects your property taxes but is responsible for only for 17 cents of the dollar to operate residential services. The Board of Education receives 72 % on the dollar, County tax collects of the dollar , Fire Tax collect of the dollar and Open Space gets of the dollar. On the average tax bill for a Howell resident is. that means $ is what you pay to the municipal to support services such as Police, DPW, Senior Services and every Department within the Administration.

2. Road Maintenance

The Township has and maintains over 550 miles of roads.

3. Land Preservation

The Township[ has preserved a total of 913.486 acres of open space. 369.560 acres is preserved for recreation and 543.936 is preserved for farmland.

4. Census report

Howell Township is 62 square miles and is the largest municipality in size within Monmouth County. The current bureau of census has 53,000 people residing in Howell Township.

5. Leaf and Brush Pickup

It takes our DPW crews approximately 8 weeks to do an average leaf and brush pickup.

6. Electronic Waste

Since instituting electronic recycling program in 2014, the township has collected 502,000 pounds or 251 tons of electronic waste

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Engineering

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1. Do I need a permit to expand my driveway?

A permit is not required to repave or resurface an existing driveway.

2. How are streets selected each year for overlay (resurfacing)?

A survey of all Howell streets was done and all streets were rated. Using this rating system, streets are selected based on funding available for each year.

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Finance

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1. When are bills paid?

Accounts payable are paid as close to the 15th and end of the month as practicable. Developer’s escrow payments are made at the end of the month.

2. What documents are needed for payment?

We must have a signed purchase order and an original bill. Statements are not acceptable. Department heads must sign off on the purchase order before it is processed for payment, so make sure you submit your paperwork at least one week before a payment date.

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Howell Fire Bureau

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1. What is the cost for a certificate of smoke, carbon, and fire extinguisher compliance for a resale of a single family home?

Effective October 2, 2017, the fee for a Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector and Fire Extinguisher Compliance Certificate shall be as follows:

Requests received more than ten (10) business days prior to the change of occupancy are $50.00, requests received between four (4) to ten (10) days prior to the change of occupancy are $90.00 and requests received less than four (4) days prior to the change of occupancy are $161.00.

2. What size fire extinguisher is required for the certificate of smoke, carbon and fire extinguisher compliance?

A minimum rating of 2A-10B:C and no more than 10 pounds.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for a position?

Please email a copy of your cover letter, resume and reference to Human Resources for any open positions listed on the website to howelljobs@twp.howell.nj.us

2. How do I find out about open positions within the township?

Any positions that are available will be located on this website under our Employment Postings. 

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Land Use

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1. Application Requirements

Please follow the link below for information.

Link to information

2. Does a fence replacement require a permit and what standards apply to fencing?

Yes, an application to the Land Use Office is required along with a survey reflecting the location of the fencing. Fencing within a front yard is permitted with a maximum height of 4’ and it must be 50% open (i.e. picket fencing).  Fencing in your side or rear yard is permitted to a maximum height of 6’ and can be solid/stockade.  For properties on corner lots please see Question #10.

For properties with swimming pools, a building permit is also needed.  Please contact the Building Department for additional requirements on fencing which is acting as a pool barrier.

3. Is a permit required for paver patio, concrete patio, sheds or retaining walls?

Yes, an application to the Land Use Office is required along with the survey reflecting the location of the improvement, depending on the extent of the improvement, the approval of both the Engineering and the Building Division may be required.

4. What is the required setback for a pool and how do I determine it?

There is a minimum 10 foot setback required from the side and rear property lines of all pools, above ground and in ground alike. For an in ground pool the 10 foot is measured from any concrete around the pool to the property line. An above ground pool the 10 foot is measured from the coping around the pool to the property line. Also any pool accessories including decks, filters, or heaters must also be kept out of the 10 foot setback.

5. What activities on residential properties require a permit?

Any development, construction, installation on a property that involves a permanent (and some non-permanent) feature on a site.  This includes fences, sheds, retaining walls, swimming pools, patios and decks.

Any improvement to an existing structure that increases or changes the footprint, height or location. 

Any change of use of property or any portion of a property. 

6. What is the setback for decks and patios?

For a deck: On a lot less than 15,000 SF the rear yard setback is 10’.  On a lot greater than 15,000 SF the rear yard setback is 15’.  The side yard setbacks are equal to the setback for the home.

For a patio:  All types of patios including paver, concrete, stamped concrete, etc. have setbacks of 10’ to rear and side property lines.  A few exceptions exist in some active adult/55+ communities.  Please contact the Land Use Department if you have questions regarding this. 

Walkways must have a 5’ setback to the side property line.  If your property has less than 10’ of side yard between your house and the property line, please contact the Land Use Department to discuss alternative options to the 5’ setback.

7. What activities on commercial properties require a permit?

Any improvement on a commercial property requires site plan approval through the Planning or Zoning Board.  If the improvement is minor in nature and meets the requirements of a Conditionally Exempt Site Plan, a streamlined approval process may be possible.  Please refer to Chapter 188-110 of the Ordinance for the Conditionally Exempt Site Plan criteria.

8. What zone is my property in?

The Township Zoning Map can be found here: Zoning Map
Other Township Maps can be found at: Township Maps

9. What uses are permitted in my zone?

Residential and Non-residential Use Schedule: Permitted Use Tables 

10. What are the setbacks of my zone?

Residential and Non-residential Bulk Standards: Bulk Standards Table II

Agricultural Zones Bulk Standards:  Bulk Standards Table III

11. If my house is on a corner lot can I place my fence or shed in the side yard near the street?

Both property lines along the street have a front yard setback.  Please contact the Land Use Department or refer to Question Number 8 for what the front yard setback is for your zone. Accessory structures including sheds, pole barns, pools, hot tubs, pergolas, etc. are not permitted within the front yard setback. 

Fencing is permitted in the front yard setback.  A fence that is 4’ tall and 50% open (such as picket fencing) is permitted along the property line whether it is in the side of your house or the front. 

Fencing that is up to 6’ tall which can be solid is permitted in the side yard with a 50% discount on the front yard setback (see Question 8).  Under no circumstances is 6’ tall fencing permitted in front of the house.

Please contact the Land Use Department for further assistance.

12. What is the setback for an accessory structure (shed, pole barn)?

• Permitted for use as personal storage only (no commercial use permitted)
• “Small sheds” (120 SF in size or less and 8’ in height or less): 0’ setback.  Permitted to have two sheds of this kind. 
• Sheds greater than 120 SF or greater than 8’ in height
•                     On lots 10,000 SF or less = 5’ setback
•                     On lots greater than 10,000 SF = height of the shed determines the setback (12’ tall = 12’ setback, 15’ tall = 15’ setback, etc.)
• ALL Pole barns, garages and sheds greater than 10’ in height = height of the structure determines the setback (12’ tall = 12’ setback, 15’ tall = 15’ setback, etc.)#11 What is the setback for decks, patios and walkways?

13. What is the setback for a retaining wall?

5 feet and there cannot be any grading within 5 feet of the property line.

14. Can I run my business from my home?

Residential properties in residential zones do not permit a business to be run on the property.  Chapter 188-64 of the Ordinance lists permitted home office uses.  All other offices are not permitted.  Storing equipment or materials for a business is also not permitted (i.e. using your shed to store materials for your HVAC company).

15. How do I calculate impervious and building coverage?

Impervious cover includes all improvements covering the soil on a property.  This includes anything under a roof (sheds), foundations (houses), patios, decks, driveways and sidewalks.  Gravel, stone, paver patios and permeable paver patios all count at 100% impervious coverage. 

Building coverage is the area of a lot covered by a structure with a roof. 

16. Do I need a permit for tree removal?

Residential lots less than 1 acre do not need a permit although it is recommended to ensure the tree is not located in an easement or wetland.  Residential lots greater than 1 acre need a permit.

17. Where can I find information about permitted signs on a commercial property?

Chapter 256 of the Ordinance contains all of the requirements for signage.

18. Can I have a trailer on my property?

On a residential property trailers are not permitted.  Portable storage containers (PODs) are permitted for 60 days on commercial and residential properties.  A Portable storage container is defined as 10’W x 20’L and 10’H.  Only two PODs can be on a property at one time.  A POD must be permitted by this office prior to being placed on a property.

Trailers are permitted on commercial properties only in special cases per Chapter 307.  

19. What is the cost of a permit?

• Please refer to Chapter 139 for a total list of all fees.
• Fences = $50
• Signs = $2 per square foot
• Portable storage containers = $85
• All other Land Use Permits (patios, decks, swimming pools) = $85
• Other fees apply for engineering and building department (if necessary)

20. How do I get a copy of my survey or permit documents?

The Township does NOT perform surveys nor do we have a survey of every property in town.  We keep copies of surveys that are given to us as part of a permit application, but this means we do not have a survey of every property in town.  Additionally, the surveys we do have copies of may be very outdated.

If you wish to receive a copy of a survey or any other permit document from our Department you must fill out an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request through the Township Clerk’s office.  This can be done in person at the Municipal Building or online at:
Online OPRA Submittal
Fill Out and Print OPRA Form

21. How is height measured for sheds and other structures:

For traditional roofs height is measured as an average between the peak of the roof and the height of the eaves.  To measure this, measure the height from the ground to the peak of the roof and measure the height from the ground to the eaves (bottom of the roof).  The average of these two numbers is the height. 

For flat roofs the height is measured from grade to the peak.

For mansard roofs the height is measured to the deckline.

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Library

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1. What are the benefits of being a library member?

As a library member you can borrow books, DVDs, CDs, large print books, audio books, EBooks, and circulating magazines. You can also use library computers for Internet access. Cardholders can use most of the library's online electronic resources 24/7 from any location where they have an Internet connection.

2. How do I join the library?

Howell residents can visit the library to complete a registration form for a free library card. Please bring a valid proof of residency. Parents or legal guardians must register children under 17 years of age.

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Main

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

3. Where can I find more information on the State of NJ regarding my Property Taxes

Follow the link below to an informative webpage concerning the State of NJ and your Property Taxes. http://www.njslom.org/SG-Property_Taxes.html

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Planning & Zoning

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1. Do I need an attorney to represent me at a board hearing?

If you are an individual homeowner you do not need an attorney to represent you in front of a board. If you are a business than an attorney is required.

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Public Works

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1. Where can I report a streetlight outage?

If you notice a street light or public area light is out please complete a request at JCP&L’s website. Report Streetlight Outage

2. How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup?

Contact the office by email at dpwemail@twp.howell.nj.us or at (732) 938-4500 ext. 2450.

3. Who picks up my household trash?

Each resident is responsible to contract with a private hauler. Recycling Directory

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Purchasing

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1. What is public purchasing?

Public purchasing is a management tool for acquiring goods and services, but it also involves planning, meeting all statutory requirements and ensuring fair and open competition.

2. What is a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA)?

A qualified purchasing agent is the individual who has the authority, responsibility, and accountability for the purchasing activity of the township and who has completed appropriate training and has purchasing experience.

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Recycling

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1. What if my curbside recycling is scheduled on a holiday?

It will be collected the Saturday following the holiday. For more information, consult the curbside recycling schedule. Curbside Recycling Schedule

2. What do I do with unwanted latex paint?

Latex paint can be placed in the trash once the paint is dry. Dirt, cat litter, or a store bought accelerant can speed the drying process.

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Senior Services

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1. Who is eligible to participate in Senior Center activities?

Howell Township residents age 60 and greater, who are capable of managing independently.

2. Are services offered to people who cannot get out of their homes?

Yes. Meals on Wheels and home visits by our New Jersey licensed social worker are available.

3. Is there a cost for services?

Membership is free. Requested donation for lunch is $3.00. Donations are requested for special events.

4. How do I join the Senior Center?

Registration in person Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Call (732) 938-4500 ext. 2550 for more information.

5. How do I access transportation services?

Call our transportation coordinator at (732) 938-4500 ext. 2551.

6. How may I contact the social worker?

Call (732) 938-4500 ext. 2553.

7. Do you have a newsletter?

Our newsletter comes out monthly and includes information on upcoming events as well as pertinent information affecting seniors and their well-being.

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Sewer

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1. Can I connect to the sewer?

Please call the office so we can determine if you are in the sewer service area.

2. Where can we get the forms to apply for connection to water and sewer?

We have forms available in our office.

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Tax Assessor

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1. What is the deadline for filing a tax assessment appeal?

File by 4:30 January 15th of the tax year unless there has just been a current reassessment / revaluation completed.

2. When is the deadline for filing farm assessment application?

They must be filed by August 1 of the pretax year.

3. What is the internet link for the Tax Board Portal (for electronic filing of Income and Expense)

https://taxboardportal.co.monmouth.nj.us/TaxBoardPortal/Home/Login

4. What is a “Notice of Assessment”?

The “Notice of Assessment” you are receiving is simply a notice to inform the property owner of the amount for which the property has been assessed for the upcoming tax year. In addition to the current assessment, the notice must reflect the property location, the property owner’s name and mailing address, and the amount of tax BILLED (not paid) for that property during the prior year. The law requires that notices be sent to all property owners after the Tax List is published in November.

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Tax Collection

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1. Who do I make the check out to?

Township of Howell

2. Where are you located?

4567 Route 9 North, Howell NJ