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1. What services does Animal Control provide in Newton?

Animal Control reunites lost pets with their owners, rescues injured and stray animals or wildfire, and enforces local and State animal laws including the investigation of dog/cat bites and animal attacks, animal welfare checks and nuisance complaints. 

2. Where can I find a schedule of free rabies clinic?

Sussex County maintains a schedule of free rabies clinics happening throughout the County.  The schedule can be found at www.newtontownhall.com/rabies. 

3. Am I required to license my cat in Newton?

All dogs and cats (even "indoor cats"), are required by Chapter 57-10 of the Town of Newton Code Book, to be licensed annually.  Registration forms can be found at www.newtontownhall.com/pet. 

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1. How do I get a copy of the Master Plan?

Master Plans are available for purchase in the form of a CD for $10 or a hard copy for $25 in the Community Development Office located at 39 Trinity Street, Newton, NJ 07860.

2. How can I find out specific uses for a zone in Town?

You will want to refer to the Zoning Ordinance, or Chapter 20, of the Municipal Code.

3. How can I obtain a copy of any of the adopted redevelopment plans?

Copies of adopted redevelopment plans can be obtained in the Municipal Clerk's office located at 39 Trinity Street, Newton, NJ 07860.

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1. What is the status of my permit?

Please contact the Construction Department at (973) 823-7020 ext. 9001 with your block and lot number. We will indicate what reviews have been done and what is required further.

2. I would like to purchase a home in Newton. How can I find out if there are any open permits on the property?

You can call the Building Department at (973) 823-7020 ext. 9001 with the block and lot and street address and we will check on any open permits or violations. A certificate of compliance is required prior to the sale of a property; this research is part of the process.

3. Do contractors need to be licensed with the Town?

The Town of Newton requires all contractors to be registered with the State of NJ as home improvement contractors for Building Subcode. Plumbers and Electricians must also be licensed.

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1. How can I become a member of the Newton Fire Department?

If you're interested in finding a fun and rewarding way to give something back to your community, please consider joining the Newton Fire Department. We're always looking for new members.

To learn more, please call (973) 383-4746 or visit Newton Fire Department.

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1. How can I join the First Aid Squad?

To join the First Aid Squad you must have a valid NJ driver's license, have no criminal record, and be able to serve 12 hours a week and one Saturday every six weeks. There are other requirements that must be met for each area of the First Aid Squad.

For additional information or for an application, visit First Aid Squad.

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1. Do I need approval to paint my house in the Historic District?

No. The Historic Commission has no jurisdiction over paint color for the exterior of a dwelling.

2. Do I need approval to add a deck to my dwelling?

Yes, any exterior aleterations require Historic Commission approval.

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1. What positions are currently avaliable?

We have our avaliable jobs posted on this website. Access them by clicking on the following link. Current Job Listings

2. Where do I send my application and/or resume for a job posting?

You can submit your application and/or resume through our website. Access the Employment Opportunities section by clicking on the following link. Application/Resume Submission

3. Can I apply online?

Yes! Apply for jobs in the Town of Newton municipal organization by clicking on the following link. Apply Online

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1. How do I apply for a Marriage or Civil Union License?

The Marriage or Civil Union license must be obtained from the Registrar in the NJ municipality in which either applicant resides. If both parties are not residents of NJ, the license must be obtained from the Registrar of the municipality where the ceremony is to be performed and is only good for use in that municipality.

For more, please view additional information.

2. What are the requirements to obtain a dog or cat license?

All dogs and cats must be six months of age or older and owned by residents of the Town of Newton. Applicants must provide proof of current rabies vaccination record and it must be valid through November 1 of the current licensing year.

For more information, please view Pet Licensing.

3. How do I obtain a fishing permit for Morris Lake?

You must be a Newton resident to fish at Morris Lake, located in Sparta, NJ. You must apply in person at the Municipal Clerk's office located at 39 Trinity Street, and provide proof of residency. You may obtain a permit once every two weeks and apply no more than seven days in advance. The cost for a one day fishing permit is $20 for adults and $15 for senior citizens (age 62 or older).

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1. What kind of cases does the Newton Municipal Court handle?

Newton Municipal Court handles traffic tickets, disorderly person offenses, ordinance violations, and first appearances on indecency charges. Sussex County Court handles family court matters including domestic violence and juvenile matters, civil matters, and indictable criminal charges.

2. The officer did not check "Court Appearance Required" on the ticket. I just want to pay my ticket, how do I find out how much it is?

Please call the Court at (973) 383-3521 ext. 236 for the amount of your ticket. You can also go to the New Jersey Courts website to see how much your ticket will cost. The Newton Court Code is 1915. If the fine does not show on the website it is a mandatory court appearance.

3. Is this matter within the Newton jurisdiction?

Sussex County is a very rural area and a lot of municipalities have a Newton (07860) mailing address but are not in the Town of Newton. Andover, Fredon, Hampton, and Stillwater Townships all have their own Municipal Courts. It is very important you contact the appropriate jurisdiction with any questions on the your individual matter.

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1. When does the Newton Parking Authority meet?

The Newton Parking Authority meets on the first Thursday of January, March, May, September, November and December at 8:45am in the Municipal Building located at 39 Trinity Street, Newton.

2. Where can I purchase a parking pass?

Parking Passes for the Central, Eastern, and Western Plazas are available for purchase in the Finance Office located on the ground floor of the Municipal Building Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

3. Does the Town of Newton allow overnight parking in the municipal lots?

Overnight parking is permitted in the Adams Street lot and the Central and Western Plaza lots. Persons wishing to park a vehicle overnight are permitted to do so as long as the vehicle is parked in a designated overnight parking area and by purchasing an overnight parking pass from the Finance Office on the ground floor of the Municipal Building.

4. What should I do if I have a problem with a parking meter?

Should you encounter a problem with a parking meter or lot ticket vending machine please call the Newton Police Department at (973) 383-2525. Please provide the meter number or vending machine location and the specific problem that you encounter.

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1. When is a Waiver of Site Plan required?

A waiver of site plan is required upon change of use from one business to another type of business. This will require a Waiver of Site Plan Application to be filed with the Planning Board Secretary prior to obtaining a CO or Fire Inspection.

2. How can I open a business in Newton?

Prior to occupancy of a commerical property a review by the Zoning Officer is required. In some cases Planning Board approval is required. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Office at (973) 383-3521, ext. 227 for assistance.

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1. What days is the Recycling Center open?

The Recycling Center is open every Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

2. How do I report a pothole?

You can call the Department of Public Works at (973) 383-4160 and give the location of the pothole.

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1. Where can I find information regarding organized recreational programs for my child?

Check out our Useful Links page for links to various recreational organizations. Useful Links

2. How much is the pool membership for the season?

Season Membership is not available in 2021.  

3. What are the hours of the pool?

The pool is open for general swim Monday through Sunday from Noon until 6:00 pm.

4. Where do I get a Park Use Application?

Applications are available in the Recreation Department located on the second floor of the municipal building. These applications can also be downloaded.

View Park Use Application.

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1. How can I find out what my new Block and Lot number is for my property?

Click on Conversion list of Old/New Blocks and Lots

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1. When can I expect to recieve my tax bill?

Tax bills are printed once per year in July after receiving the certified tax rate from the Sussex County Board of Taxation. Each property owner receives a tax bill, and if it applies, a copy is also sent to their mortgage or bank. More...

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1. Who owns the water and sewer service lines?

The Water and Sewer Utility owns the mains and property owners are responsible for their individual lines going to the main, as per Chapter 15 Utilities on the Town of Newton's Revised General Ordinances.

2. Who do I call if my water meter is leaking?

Call the Water/Sewer Department at (973) 383-2090 or the Police Department non-emergency number at (973) 383-2525.

3. Where does my drinking water come from?

Your Newton drinking water actually comes from Morris Lake in Sparta Township. This is a 160-acre spring-fed lake that has been the Town's water supply since the early 1900s.

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1. What is a vacant property?

Any building used or to be used as a residence which is not legally occupied or at which substantially all lawful construction operations or residential occupancy has ceased for a period of at least three months, and any commercial property that has not been legally occupied or at which substantially all lawful construction operations have ceased for a period of at least three months, and which exhibits evidence of vacancy such that a reasonable person would believe that the property is vacant. Any property that contains all building systems in working order, is being maintained on a regular basis, has not been cited by the Town for any violation of municipal ordinance within such time and is being actively marketed by its owner for sale or rental shall not be deemed vacant.

2. How do you determine if a property is "actively marketed"?

The owner of any such property in order to be exempt from the payment of a registration fee shall provide adequate proof to the Town of the bona fide active marketing of the property for sale by providing such evidence of such bona fide active marketing activities as shall be reasonably required by the Town, including but not limited to, copies of listing agreements and/or pending contracts of sale or other advertising or marketing efforts being made by the property owner directly to promote the sale of the property. Retention of a realtor is not required to actively market a property under this Chapter.  Although exempt from the payment of any registration fee, in all other respects, the property owner of any vacant property that is being actively marketed for sale in a bona fide manner shall be required to maintain the property while it is being actively marketed in a bona fide manner in accordance with this Chapter and all other ordinances of the Town of Newton.

3. What constitutes "under repair or renovation"?

The owner shall have obtained all necessary permits and approvals from the Town to repair or renovate the property and shall demonstrate proof to the Town of diligent continuous efforts by the owner to promptly complete the repair or renovation of any such property.