Administration
How do I apply for a Borough staff position?
The Borough of Princeton advertises open staff positions both on the Website & in the local newspapers as well as in Borough Hall.
How do I file for a noise permit?
Noise permits can be filed in the Administrator’s office. Noise permit applications can be accessed in the Forms, Fees, Permits and License Section or by calling the Borough Administrators Office at (609) 497-7622.
How many staff members does the Borough employ?
The Administration heads a staff of 145 employees.
I drove over a pothole in the Borough and it damaged my vehicle; will the Borough cover theses expenses?
These types of claims are called Tort Claims [N.J.S.A. 59:8 et seq.] which shall be served upon the Municipal Clerk by personal service or certified mail; a general description of the injury, damage or loss incurred insofar as it may be known at the time of presentation of the claim; the name or names of the public entity, employee or employees causing the injury, damage or loss, if known; and the amount claimed as of the date of presentation of the claim, including the estimated amount of any prospective injury, damage or loss, insofar as it may be known at the time of the presentation of the claim, together with the basis of computation of the amount of claim; the action must be filed by the claimant or by a person acting on his, her, or its behalf. shall be presented on the claim form. Claim forms are available by contacting Administration at 609-497-7622
I fell on a Borough sidewalk and incurred medical expenses that I paid; will the Borough cover these expenses?
These types of claims are called Tort Claims [N.J.S.A. 59:8 et seq.]
which shall be served upon the Municipal Clerk by personal service or certified mail; a general description of the injury, damage or loss incurred insofar as it may be known at the time of presentation of the claim; the name or names of the public entity, employee or employees causing the injury, damage or loss, if known; and the amount claimed as of the date of presentation of the claim, including the estimated amount of any prospective injury, damage or loss, insofar as it may be known at the time of the presentation of the claim, together with the basis of computation of the amount of claim; the action must be filed by the claimant or by a person acting on his, her, or its behalf.
shall be presented on the claim form. Claim forms are available by contacting Administration at 609-497-7622.
May I have permission to film or photograph (still shoot) in the public right of way?
Requests for permission to film or still shoot in the public right of way must be submitted in writing to the Borough Administrator. Contact the Office of the Administrator or Office of the Borough Clerk.
Who appoints the Administrator?
Mayor and Borough Council appoint The Administrator.
Who carries out Councils plans and directives?
The Administrator carries out Borough Councils’ plans, negotiates contracts makes reports and recommendations concerning the nature and location of municipal improvements.
Who is responsible for purchasing?
The Administrator acts as the purchasing agent, as its contracting agent for bids / quotations as required by law and in accordance with provisions of State statutes and sound purchasing practices.
Who reports to Administration?
All Borough employees report to the Administrator either directly or through a Management Team member.
Affordable Housing
Are there rental or purchase opportunities in Princeton that I can afford?
Open PDF file ( 45.62KB) . . .
The Princeton region offers various low and moderate housing opportunites. Please access the attached PDF for full information.
Borough Clerk
Can I apply for a U.S. Passport at Borough Hall?
The Borough Clerk's office serves as a Passport Acceptance Agency. Applications are accepted between the hours of 10:00AM and 2:00PM Monday through Friday. Fees for Normal Processing Age 16 & over:
$75 to: “US Dept Of State” and $25 to “Borough of Princeton” - Under Age 16 $60 to: “US Dept of State” and $25 to “Borough Of Princeton” Fees for Two Way Expedited Service for Age 16 & over
$151.25 to: “US Dept Of State” and $37 to “Borough of Princeton” Under Age 16 $136.25 to: “US Dept of State” $37 to “Borough Of Princeton”
Please contact the Borough Clerks Office at (609) 924-3118 or visit http://www.travel.state.gov for details and all requirements.
How can I receive a copy of a public record such as a fire report, meeting minutes, ordinance?
A request for access to or for a copy of a Government Record shall be submitted to the Borough Clerk who is the Custodian of Records. Some records are immediately available. There is no fee involved in simply inspecting a document during normal business hours. Except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, the fee assessed for the duplication of a printed record shall be: first page to tenth page, $0.75 per page; eleventh page to twentieth page, $0.50 per page; all pages over twenty, $0.25 per page; for a police accident report there is an additional fee when the request is not made in person of $5.00 for the first 3 pages and $1.00 for each additional page, as provided by N.J.S.A. 39:4-131. A RECORDS REQUEST FORM is available in the Clerks Office or on our website under FORMS, FEES, PERMITS.
For further information regarding access to public records visit NJ OPRA CENTRAL at http://www.nj.gov/opra
My organization would like to hold a raffle in the Borough. Where can I apply?
Raffle license applications must be filed in quadruplicate in the Office of the Borough Clerk and approved by the Borough Governing Body. Any organization applying must have an identificaton number/registration certificate issued by the State of New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission. For additional information please contact the Office of the Borough clerk at (609) 924-3118 or the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission at (973) 648-2710 or visit the LGCCC wesite at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/lgccc.htm
Where can I register to vote?
You may register in person at the Office of the Borough Clerk or download a mail-in registration form from the NJ Division of Elections at http://www.nj.gov/lps/elections/electionshome.html
Finance & Tax Department
Are tax maps available in the Tax Department?
The Borough Tax Map is available in the Office of the Borough Engineer.
Can I report sewer rent charges on my income tax?
No, only the actual tax payment should be reported.
Can you tell me the owner of (said) property in Princeton – the zip code is 08540?
Not always, the zip code 08540 includes several municipalities with a Princeton mailing address including the Borough of Princeton and the Townships of West Windsor, Plainsboro, Lawrence, Hopewell, Montgomery, Franklin, South Brunswick and Princeton.
I can’t find my tax bill, can I have a copy & how much will it cost?
There is no charge for copies of tax bills.
I feel my taxes are too high. What can I do?
You can speak to the Borough Tax Assessor who determines the assessment on your property. You should also check if your sewer rent amount (which is included in your tax bill)is high. If so, contact NJ American Water (formally Elizabethtown) and request a print-out of the last two years water consumption. We will assist via review to determine if there is any unusual activity. We do recommend remote water meters to make sure there are accurate readings and not estimated ones. Estimated readings can make sewer rent low one year and exceptionally high the next. If there is a legitimate problem or error, we will adjust your tax bill to reflect the change.
I’m over sixty-five years old, can I get a break on my taxes?
There is a Senior Citizen Deduction for $250, however, there are income limitations. There are also several other tax relief programs run by the State of NJ, such as Property Tax Reimbursement Program 1-888-225-1312 and Homestead (Fair) Rebate 1-888-238-1233 programs. Check our Links section for State of New Jersey Homepage.
Is there an Improvement Assessment on my property?
Contact the Borough Municipal Clerk’s office for assessment search. The Tax Department bills and collects for the assessment after it has been confirmed.
Is this where I pay my Improvement Assessment bill?
Once we bill for an Improvement Assessment, the tax payer can pay the entire bill interest free or pay in annual payments for ten years with interest. Inquiries on assessment amounts should be directed to the Engineering Department.
When are tax payments due?
Bills are mailed in July. Payments are due February 1st, May 1st, August 1st & November 1st. If payment is delinquent, call the Tax Collectors Office at (609) 497-7625 to determine the amount of interest due with your tax payment.
Will you notify me when the next payment is due?
No, the tax bills are mailed once a year (usually in July) with four (4) stubs (due dates are on each stub). It is the property owner’s responsibility to remember the due dates
Fire Safety & Housing Inspection
Are registrations required on fire alarm systems?
Yes, fire alarm systems must be registered yearly.
Do rental housing units require registration?
Yes, all residental rental units must be registered with the Bureau of Fire Safety and Housing Inspection.
Must sprinkler / alarm systems be inspected?
Yes, by Construction Department on installation and by private contractor annually there after. Yearly inspection and service reports are required to be sent to the Bureau of Fire Safety and Housing Inspection.
When are fire safety permits required?
For welding, application of torch roof, the use of tents or canopies and similar operations.
When are housing inspections required?
Every 2-2 ½ years in residential rental properties, according to the Princeton Borough Housing Code.
When are smoke detector, carbon monoxide and kitchen fire extinguisher certificates required?
Required at resale of owner occupied or tenant change in rental dwellings.
When are the fire safety inspections performed?
All businesses and other uses except owner-occupied dwellings are required to be inspected annually.
Where do I direct my landlord / tenant questions?
Call the Rental Housing Coordinator at (609) 497-7646.
Where do I direct my rent control questions?
The Borough does not have rent control however questions regarding rent increases should be directed to the Rental Housing Coordinator at 497-7646.
Who must have a fire safety inspection?
All stores, businesses and offices, non-profit, educational and multiple family dwellings.
Health Department
Can I get a record if I was born in another State?
No, only Vital records for birth, deaths and marriages that occurred in Princeton Borough of Township are filed in our office. The person would have to contact the local municipality where the birth, death or marriage occurred or the State Department of Health.
Can I have a vital statistic record delivery sent overnight?
We do not overnight, however, if the requester wishes to make arrangements with Fed-Ex or other overnight carrier for pick up, we will ensure that the record is prepared and ready.
Can I make corrections on any Vital Statistic record?
Yes, a correction can be processed by our office and submitted for approval to the State Department of Vital Statistics. Changes usually take approximately 6 – 8 weeks and cost $50.00
How can I obtain a certified copy of a Vital Statistic record and how long does it take to expedite?
Can obtain in person in about 10 minutes in person or by mail in 1 – 2 weeks after receipt of request.
What is the cost?
$25.00.
Mayor
I am interested in serving on a Board or Commission of the Borough. How can I let you know I am interested and available?
The Borough welcomes your participation on various Boards and Committees. Please let us know your interests by submitting a VOLUNTEER INTEREST form available on our website under FORMS, FEES, PERMITS. Or simply call the Office of the Borough Clerk (609)924-3118 who will forward a form to you.
I am planning to marry, is the Mayor available to officate?
The Mayor, if available, performs wedding and civil union ceremonies.
Please see the WEDDING CHECKLIST form on our website under FORMS, FEES, PERMITS section or call the Mayors Office at (609) 497-7617
Sewer Operating Committee
Can I have a garbage disposal?
The SOC operates and maintains the sanitary sewer collection system. A primary function in this effort is to clean various sewer mains and the sewage pumping stations. If washed down the sink, food waste, fats, oils and greases tend to stick to the inside of pipes in the older and flatter sections of the system. These wastes can build up and block the entire pipe causing malfunctions of equipment, which leads to blockage and backup or an overflow from the sewer system into the environment. The SOC encourages residents to dispose of grease, food scraps, and other solids in the trash. THE SOC DISCOURAGES THE USE OF MECHANICAL GARBAGE GRINDERS AND WILL NOT PERMIT INSTALLATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THESE UNITS IN AREAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF THEIR USE. PER BOTH BOROUGH CODE SEC 34-20 AND TOWNSHIP CODE SEC 18-8 THE PRINCETON SEWER OPERATING COMMITTEE DOES NOT PERMIT THE INSTALLATION OF GARBAGE DISPOSALS.
Can my landscaper / handyman / builder, etc. take things to River Road for me?
The PSOC facility is for Borough and Township residents only using non-commercial vehicles registered to their Princeton address. Commercial vehicles are not allowed. No trailers are allowed.
How do I get rid of an air conditioner or refrigerator?
Appliances that contain freon (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and de-humidifiers) are accepted at River Road on Saturdays and Mondays. There is a special permit $30 fee required for each appliance. The PSOC Office also has a list of recycling facilities registered in Mercer County that will accept these items.
How do I hook up to the sewer?
Call the PSOC office at (609) 497-7639. Someone in the office should be able to tell you if a particular property has access to the public sanitary sewer system. They will then explain the technical requirements, such as submittal of plans, fees, permitting, etc.
How do I use the landfill?
Borough and Township residents must register their vehicles with the Princeton Sewer Operating Committee (PSOC) office to obtain a sticker for their vehicle. They then purchase a coupon that entitles them one trip to River Road on a Saturday or Monday between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.
I have questions about my sewer bill. What should I do?
The sewer fees are based on water consumption and calculated in both the Princeton Borough and Princeton Township Tax Departments.
I’m selling my house. What do I need to do?
If the property is connected to the public sanitary sewer system a Sump Pump / Roof Drain Certification form must be filled out, notarized and returned with $20 processing fee prior to closing on the property. If a resident cannot or is not comfortable describing where a sump pump drains to on their property, the PSOC will schedule a site inspection. Fee for this service is $50. If a property is not connected to the public sanitary sewer system, a form letter will be generated in the PSOC office that can be presented as part of their required documents at closing.
My sewer is backed up. What should I do?
Homeowners in both Princeton Borough and Princeton Township are responsible for their private sewer laterals from the house to the connection at the sanitary sewer main (even if it is in the middle of the street). The PSOC will send someone to check the public sanitary main. If the wastewater is flowing, it will then be suggested that the homeowner engage a plumber to clear the private lateral. It is often suggested that the homeowner have the lateral televised and they can be certain what the problem is and the exact location of the problem. A sewer connection permit is required for all dig-up repairs.
The Building Department told me that you have to review my plans. Is this true?
The PSOC reviews all development plans for new construction in which there are bedroom additions, and / or secondary residences being added in order to determine the potential increase in water usage. A one-time connection fee is calculated and is required to be paid prior to issuance of any building permits in both Princeton Borough and Princeton Township. Regarding retail development, any change of use in retail spaces should be reviewed by the PSOC to determine any potential increase in water consumption. Development Guidelines are available in the PSOC Office. Please provide a copy of the proposed floor plan for the development, as well as a plan of the existing uses or a copy of the Tax Assessors Property Sheet.
What is a grease interceptor and who needs one?
All eating establishments in both Princeton Borough and Princeton Township are required to install grease traps. Ordinances in both Princetons require that these traps be cleaned a minimum of once per month and cleaning logs must be kept and updated as required by Ordinance. Both PSOC Inspectors and Regional Health Department Inspectors conduct periodic inspections.
Tax Assessor
If I were thinking of selling my home, what information would be helpful?
The sales information is an important guide for a particular neighborhoods value.
What can I do if I think my assessment is incorrect?
The Assessor can review your assessed value to assure that it is correct.
What do I do if I am unsure about appealing my assessed value?
Call the Tax Assessor or make an appointment to have your assessment reviewed.
What is my assessment based on?
Your assessment is determined by the value of your lot, square footage, construction, condition and all pertinent information to arrive at an appraised value.
What types of deductions are available?
NJ Saver Rebate, Homestead Rebate, Property Tax Reimbursement, Property Tax Deduction / Credit, Senior Citizens Annual Property Deduction and Veterans’ Deductions.
When is the information about a particular sale available?
It is available as soon as the County of Mercer receives the recorded deed information.
When must tax appeals be filed by?
April first of the current year.
When was the last revaluation?
1996.
Where are sales books kept on Borough Properties?
They are kept in the reception area of the Tax Department in alphabetically listed binders.
Where can I get these forms or to see if I qualify?
Call the Tax Assessor’s Office at (609) 497-7607.
Where do I get a form to file my appeal?
The forms and informational pamphlets are available in the Tax Department.
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