Frequently Asked Questions

Pet licensing is part of our municipal rabies control program. Pet licensing ensures that dogs and cats have up to date rabies immunizations, which protects your family and pets against rabies. Licensing encourages pet population control, through the low cost spay and neuter program and license discounts for spayed or neutered pets. Licensing also has the added benefit of providing an easy way of identifying lost pets so they can be quickly returned to their proper owners.

Pets are required to get a license when they are 7 months of age or older.

Licenses expire every year on June 30th. On or after July 1st, a late charge of $10 is applied. You may purchase a 3 year license if your dog or cat has been recently immunized and the immunization period is valid through April 30^th of the third year of the license.

Please provide the following information: 

• Proof of spaying or neutering.
• Proof of your pet's current rabies immunization from your veterinarian.
• State Health Department policy requires the duration of your pet's rabies immunization to be at least ten months of the license year (i.e. must not expire before April 30th). If the vaccination expires before that date, your pet must be re-vaccinated before applying for a license.
• To qualify for a $3 per year license discount enclose proof from your veterinarian that your pet has been spayed or neutered.

Renewal Fees

Dog or Cat License (1 year)

• Spayed or neutered: $12
• Non-spayed or neutered: $15

Dog or Cat License (3 year)

• Spayed or neutered: $30
• Non-spayed or neutered: $40

Late fee for renewing on or after July 1st or licensing after a notice of violation or summons for non license is $10

Learn how to request public records by visiting our Vital Records page.

The marriage/civil union license application is to be made in the New Jersey municipality in which either party resides and the license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey. More details are available on our Marriage Licenses page.

You may apply in the New Jersey municipality in which either person resides. The license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey. Additional information is available on the Civil Union page.

Pet licensing is part of our municipal rabies control program. Licensing has the added benefit of providing an easy way of identifying lost pets so they can be quickly returned to their proper owners. Learn more on the Dog & Cat Licensing page.

These links will help get you started if you want to construct or renovate a food establishment, public swimming facility, pet shop, kennel, body art facility, beauty parlor or nail salon in Paramus:

• Construction or Renovation of Food Establishment Procedures (PDF)
• Operating a Kiosk or Cart Selling Food Procedures (PDF)
• Beauty Parlor and Nail Salon Application (PDF)

If you need additional information please view our Forms, Licenses & Permits page.

Learn about Operating a Kiosk or Cart Selling Food Procedures (PDF).

Information on making a health hazard complain can be found on the Environmental Health page. 

For bites that occurred in Paramus, phone the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400 to make a report. The matter will be investigated and followed up by an Environmental Health Specialist. Additional information can be found on the Animal Bite Reports page.

The Paramus Board of Health provides a variety of preventive health services. For a list of available services please view the Clinical Services page.

No, the Borough of Paramus only allows mobile vendors, not stationary vendors.  Mobile vendors move from location to location.

No, there is someone in the office all day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and we have coverage during lunch time.

Call the Police Department, they will determine if the street is a Paramus Road, County Road or State Road and will send to the appropriate agency.

No, the code states that food handlers are to wash hands and to not have direct contact with ready to eat foods.  Food handlers need to wash hands and use tongs or tissues to transfer ready to eat foods.  Gloves are not required but can be worn, it is more  important that hands are washed as often as necessary.

Yes, the only license we cannot accept credit cards for is a dog or cat license because they are under a trust account.

72 hours

Every business operating in Paramus is required to apply for a business permit. The application can be obtained and submitted online by visiting the Forms page, in person at the Clerk’s Office, or by mail. The required fee varies based on the type of business being conducted. The fee schedule is listed by type of business on the last page of the application.

No matter the size of the business, a Business permit is required to sell goods and services to the public in the Town Of Paramus.  You can obtain this information through the Forms Page.

Yes, Borough ordinances require a resident to obtain a permit to hold a garage sale. The application can be obtained by visiting the Forms page, or done in person at the Clerk’s Office. There is a $15 fee associated with garage sales. A resident is allowed two garage sale permits per year. Each permit allows three consecutive days to hold the sale.

Yes, Borough ordinances require landscaping companies to obtain a permit from the Borough. Current registration of all vehicles must be presented at the time the application is submitted, and must have commercial license plates.

Yes, if it is not marked "Court Appearance required," and the payment amount can be found on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule.

The date shown on your summons is your payment date.

Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Commission Point Schedule.

Please refer to the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule or the back of your summons.

No, but you can pay on the New Jersey Courts website, in person, or mail in your payment to the Court.

A Spanish interpreter is always available during court sessions. If you need another language, you should notify the court staff prior to your court appearance.

The court staff cannot offer legal advice. Depending on the offense you may want to consult an attorney.

You can only apply for a Public Defender in court. The Judge will determine if you are eligible according to the offense and your income. The Public Defender fee is $200.

Be prepared to give the court staff member your driver's license number so they can assist you.

You must contact NJ Motor Vehicle Commission at (609)-292-6500 or visit their website.

Certain offenses must have fines set by the judge according to the statute.

It depends on a few different factors, but a typical court session can last anywhere between 2 and 4 hours.

No, as per the Judge’s policy, no matters can be rescheduled on the day of court.  However, you may fax us a letter requesting an adjournment which will be read by the judge in determining whether or not your matter will be rescheduled.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be issued a new court date or a bench warrant for your arrest.  If you do miss a court day, contact the court immediately.

Anyone wishing to coach any youth activity must complete the Recreation Commission's requirements. 

Please call the Bergen County Parks Commission at 201-336-7275.

No, but one of the Fire Companies located on Farview Avenue does. You can reach them by calling 201-712-0286.

Based on availability soccer, softball, and baseballs fields will be rented to groups that are not affiliated with the Paramus Recreation Department. Besides a fee, insurance listing the Borough of Paramus as well as the Paramus Recreation Commission as being additionally insured for the specific event/date will be required. View the field rental policy and fees. 

The Recreation Department does not oversee any of the baseball programs here in town. Parents needing information about T-Ball, Little League, or Babe Ruth will need to contact the Paramus Junior Baseball League at 201-444-6788.

No, but the pro at the Paramus Municipal Golf Course does. Call the golf course at 201-447-6079 for any questions concerning golf including the miniature course.

Yes, but you need to call the Paramus Pool Department at 201-265-2100, ext. 6140.

No, Paramus Recreation programs are only for those who live in Paramus. Visiting relatives and friends will not be accepted into any of the Recreation Department's programs.

The Borough maintains two tennis courts at the Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex. They are open daily from dawn to 10 p.m. except for when a Paramus Recreation programs are held. Permits are not required. First come, first serve. The tennis courts located at the High School are under the jurisdiction of the Paramus Board of Education. Questions concerning the high school courts should be directed to the Board of Education at 201-261-7800.

View a list of directions for all parks and schools where our programs take place. 

No, we offer soccer in the Fall and as well as in the Winter. Those seeking to play soccer all year round should contact Lou Hegyi of the Paramus Spartans Soccer Club. He can be reached at 201-456-0934. The Spartans are a private club and are not affiliated with the Recreation Department.

Since there is not enough interest amongst Paramus youth to support Paramus Roller Hockey Teams, we have joined forces with the Wildcats Roller Hockey Association that is based out of Westwood. All of the Wildcats practices and home games are held at Petruska Park in Paramus. 

Based on availability soccer, softball & baseballs fields will be rented to groups that are not affiliated with the Paramus Recreation Department. Besides a fee, insurance listing the Borough of Paramus as well as the Paramus Recreation Commission as being additionally insured for the specific event/date will be required.

The Recreation Department does not oversee any of the baseball programs here in town. Parents needing information about T-Ball, Little League or Babe Ruth will need to contact the Paramus Junior Baseball League at (201)444-6788.

Anyone wishing to coach any youth activity must complete the Recreation Commission's requirements.  Coaching requirements can be found here.

The answer to both of these questions is no. Paramus Recreation programs are only for those who live in Paramus. Visiting relatives and friends will not be accepted into any of the Recreation Department's programs.

Call the Bergen County Parks Commission at (201) 336-7275

The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is no fee to join the Center. The only requirements are you must be a Paramus resident age 62 or older.

The senior bus provides service door to door for food shopping and for club meetings. On Tuesdays the seniors are brought to the Center for bingo after shopping, and then home after bingo is over. The bus number is 201-649-0738 or 201-265-2100, ext. 3150.

There are over 500 newsletters mailed monthly, seating is limited, and the goal of the newsletter is to draw people in.  Therefore, our calendar reflects our regular classes.  For all the people who come to the center they find out about trips which are posted at the entrances.

As soon as we hear from the library movies we’ve requested we will let you know.

All of the Paramus residents pay taxes and preferential treatment, if any, goes to those who attend the center regularly.

9-1-1 is the universal emergency telephone number that you can dial 24-hours a day for police, fire, or emergency medical service.

Dial 9-1-1 immediately when life or property is in imminent danger. Don’t wait for someone else to make the call!

9-1-1 is a free call and can be dialed from any phone.

Your 9-1-1 call will be answered by a 9-1-1 telecommunicator who is trained in handling 9-1-1 telephone calls. The 9-1-1 telecommunicators are trained to ask questions to help determine the appropriate agencies to respond to the emergency.

In some locations, such as office buildings, it may be necessary to dial an access number (usually the digit 9) to get an outside line before you can dial 9-1-1.

Remain calm. Speak clearly. Provide the 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the following information:

1. Exactly what the problem is
2. Where the problem is
3. The phone number you are calling from
4. Your address and name, if requested

Please stay on the telephone. Answer the telecommunicator’s questions and follow any instructions you may be given.

• In an emergency, call 911.
• For EMS (emergency medical services) matters, mail may be sent to:
  Paramus Emergency Medical Services
  Borough of Paramus
  1 Jockish Square West
  Paramus, NJ 07652-2771
• Mail sent to this address will be received by our Command Staff (EMS officers)
• Voice mail may be left at 201-262-3400, ext. 5200

Before May 1995

If the incident for which you are requesting a Call Report occurred before May 1995, please send a subpoena requesting the report to:

Board of Directors
Paramus Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc.
295 E Midland Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652-5594

After April 1995

If the incident for which you are requesting a Call Report occurred after April 1995, please send a subpoena requesting the report to:

Borough Clerk
Borough of Paramus
1 Jockish Square West
Paramus, NJ 07652-2771

Effective July 7, 2002, the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) took effect. Please contact the Borough of Paramus to determine if the records you need are available under OPRA.

When you call 911, your call is routed to a Public Safety Answering Point where a trained dispatcher will ask you a series of questions to determine what assistance you need. Depending on your answers, the dispatcher may send police, fire, ambulance, rescue, paramedics, hazmat, a helicopter or some combination of them.

• Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to do so.
• If the dispatcher gives you instructions, follow them carefully.
• For a medical emergency or injury, police and an ambulance will be dispatched. The ambulance will be staffed with Emergency Medical Technicians who can provide basic life support (BLS). If your emergency is serious, paramedics from a local hospital may also be sent to provide advanced life support (ALS).
• If you have pets, put them in another room for the safety of the emergency responders and to assure that the patient or victim does not experience a delay in treatment.
• If possible, send someone to guide the emergency responders to the exact site of the emergency. Up to 3 different agencies (police, ambulance, paramedics) may respond and they may not arrive at the same time, so you may need to send someone to guide the emergency responders 3 separate times.
• You will be transported to the nearest appropriate hospital. In most cases, that means you will be transported to the local hospital of your choice. For serious trauma, you may be transported to a trauma center, even if it means passing a closer hospital. This is to assure that you receive the level of treatment that is appropriate for your situation. If the hospital of your choice is on "bypass" (the Emergency Room is full and you may face a lengthy wait) or "divert" (the entire hospital is full and you may face a lengthy wait), you will be informed so you can decide if it might be better to go to a different hospital.

You should download and complete our Emergency Medical Information Form (PDF). This form lists the questions we will ask you on nearly every call. Please try to have the form available for us. You will also find this form useful for a doctor's visit or a hospital visit, because they will generally ask you the same questions. 

In addition, please try to have your medical insurance information handy. We will generally ask you for the name of your insurance company, the address, and the policy number. We will also ask for your telephone number, your Social Security number, and your Medicare or Medicaid number. For motor vehicle accidents we also will ask for your motor vehicle insurance information.

Contact Milton N Kohlmann, Chief, Paramus Emergency Medical Service.

Please contact Sandi Gunderson, Deputy EMS Coordinator, with any billing questions. 

Please contact the Paramus Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc., a separate organization, at 201-262-1109 for assistance.

• When you call 911 give a very clear description of where you are so we can locate you quickly.
• Secure your pets to assure the safety of all the first responders and to enable us to reach you as quickly as possible.
• Have a completed Emergency Medical Information Form (PDF).

• For a Paramus resident: we bill your insurance company, but do not send a bill for the balance that was not covered by your insurance.
• For nonresidents: we bill your insurance company and also send a bill for the balance not covered by insurance.

Paramus EMS does not provide these services, but we can refer you to the Paramus Volunteer Ambulance Corps for further assistance, or you can call them directly at 201-262-1109 or 201-649-0761. Many of our employees are members of the Paramus Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

A shed equal or less than 100 sq. ft. shall be setback a minimum of 5 ft. from the rear and side yards (10 ft. x 10 ft. high).  A shed larger than 10 ft. x 10 ft. or is placed on a concrete slab or has poured concrete footings, is considered an accessory structure and must be erected 10 ft. from the rear yard line.  For the side yard setbacks, please refer to the zoning requirements.  Both types of shed permit submittals require a jacket, building subcode, small construction, and a site survey indicating location of the shed and setbacks.

* See: Sheds Fences Pools Patios Decks and Driveways handout Sheet (PDF) as stated above for detailed information. 

In the rear yard and along the side yard lines a fence can be as high as 6 ft. 6 inches in height.  A fence can be placed along the property line as long as it is on the homeowner’s property.  The good side of the fence must be facing toward your neighbor.  Within the 35 ft. front yard setback a solid fence (such as stockade, board on board or chain link with the metal slots covered) the allowable height is 3 ft. or 36 inches.  A “see-thru” fence (such as post rail or chain link with open slots) the allowable height is 3 ft. 6 in. or 42 inches.  A fence permit submittal requires a jacket, building subcode, small construction, and a site survey with the fence highlighted on the survey.

* See: Sheds Fences Pools Patios Decks and Driveways handout Sheet (PDF) as stated above for detailed information. 

A deck and/or patio must be erected a minimum of 20 ft. from the rear yard line.  For side yard setbacks, please refer to the zoning requirements.  Deck permit submittals require a jacket, building permit, small construction and site survey.  The deck is to be drawn to scale on a survey no older than 20 years, showing dimensions and setbacks.  Footing, framing and stair plans are required.  A patio permit submittal requires a site work permit and site survey with the patio drawn to scale showing dimensions and setbacks.

* See: Sheds Fences Pools Patios Decks and Driveways handout Sheet (PDF) as stated above for detailed information. 

An in-ground or aboveground pool must be erected 10 ft. from the rear yard, side yard setback is based on the property zone and must be at least 5 ft. from any structure (house, shed or garage).                

* See: Sheds Fences Pools Patios Decks and Driveways handout Sheet (PDF) as stated above for detailed information. 

Usually town trees are 10’ -20’ from the curb line and are located in the planting utility easement. Town trees are usually all in a line with the  adjacent properties’ town trees.

NO! All town trees are maintained by Shade Tree & parks call our office for a service request to trim.

No, the policy of the Shade Tree Commission is not to remove live healthy trees.

Yes, the Shade Tree Commission will inspect your location and plant at no cost to you appropriate trees for your area.

Most trees that are leaning have been growing that way towards the sun since they were planted or grew naturally. Those trees have a cell structure that is stronger on the back side of the lean which counter acts the lean. The policy of the Shade Tree commission is to investigate all concerns of leaning trees and to advise the property owner of our findings.

Most brooks run through or are the property boundaries of private property. Trimming and /or removal of those trees are the responsibility of the property owner.  If the tree has fallen or tree branches are obstructing the water flow the DPW will de-snag or remove the fallen tree or debris.

Currently there are no permits required to trim or remove trees on private property unless the property is undeveloped or there is a required Zoning Board planted buffer area. Call our office before you proceed with any tree work if you have a question if your property has such a buffer.

This is a question that has been handled by case law. Shade Tree recommends that you first talk to your neighbor before taking any actions.

The light green growths on the tree are lichens. Lichens will not harm the tree they are usually found on the northerly side of the tree, but not always and they are an indication of clean air.

No. The Shade Tree and Parks policy is not to remove live, and healthy town trees.  Shade Tree and Parks will work with you to redesign the driveway alignment.

Tree roots are usually located within the top 30” of soil where air, water and other natural nutrients are readily available. Older sewer lines of clay or cast iron pipe will sag or fail at joints allowing nutrient rich waste water to leak. The moisture from this leak will attract the roots down and into the pipes seeking moisture and ultimately clogging the pipe. Engineering studies have proven that the sewer line failed before the roots became a problem.

Van Binsberger Blvd
Paramus, NJ 07652

Yes we have a kiddie pool for children 4 years and under and an intermediate pool for children older than 4.

Day passes are not available. Must be a member of the Paramus pool. Members can bring a guest (up to 6 guest) a day. Fees applicable. 

No you do not have to be a resident of Paramus to join as a member, but will be charged a different rate for non-residents.

Yes, there is the Café which serves snacks and traditional concession stand items.

No, we are an outdoor pool.

Our pools are not heated.

Fire prevention has a program where we will install smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and batteries for seniors at no cost to the resident.

No, Fire extinguishers are no longer required by the State of New Jersey.  However, we do recommend every home be equipped with a "Dry Chemical" type, generally type 2A-10BC

Yes, 10 year sealed battery smoke alarms are permitted.  However, if hardwired smoke alarms with a battery backup were required under a previous construction project, they can't be replaced by a battery detector.

Yes, all businesses are required to register.

Special pick ups are needed for metal items such as appliances, refrigerators, air conditioners, as well as for electronic items such as computers and TVs.

Branches are picked up the same day your commingled recycling containers emptied.
Please do not mix branches in the same container with grass. 

Please contact the shade tree department- (201) 265-2100 Ext-4120.

Furniture and trash items are collected on the second trash day of the week. Thursday if you live south of Midland Avenue. Friday if you live north of Midland Avenue.

Paint can be disposed of through the BCUA household hazardous waste collections held at three different locations in Bergen County several times a year. Additional information is available through the BCUA website: www.BCUA.org

COAH is the Council on Affordable Housing. The council was a board made up of people in the State of NJ that made decisions on affordable housing issues in the state.

No. In order to apply for Senior housing you must be 62 years old or older.

Yes. If a Veteran has received an honorable discharge and has a DD214 from the service they are entitled to a be qualified for a no money down Veteran loan.

No they do not. The VA gives the lender the guarantee that if the Veteran defaults on the loan the Veteran administration then will pay backs the bank and takes over the property.

No. The VA allow up to a 4 family owner occupied home to be financed. All Veterans must qualify for the financing from a bank or a mortgage broker in order to qualify for the loan amount.

Due dates are February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st of each year with a ten day grace period.

Interest accrues on any unpaid taxes due after the tenth day of each billing quarter at a rate of 8% for the first $1,500 due and 18% on all balances above the $1,500 threshold on a per diem basis.

The State of New Jersey offers two programs.  First is the Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze).  This program is offered to residents that are over 65 years of age and meet the income requirements which change yearly.  Taxes are “frozen” for the year an individual applies.  Amounts paid over this “frozen” amount will be reimbursed by the State for the overpayment. The second program is the Homestead Rebate Program.  This program is an income tax rebate which is applied to a resident’s property taxes.  Depending on the resident’s income reported on their State Income tax and/or if the resident is over 65 years of age will determine their eligibility.  More information and applications can be found on the State of New Jersey Website. www.State.NJ.US/Treasury/Taxation  or by calling 1-800-882-6597.

The Borough now offers online credit card payments and E-Check payments thru the Borough website www.paramusborough.org  Credit Cards have 2.75% convenience fee and E-Checks are free of charge.

Postmark is not accepted for any tax and sewer payments.  Payments must be received by the Tax Collector by the grace period date for each billing quarter.  If payment is not received, then the statutory interest rate will apply going back to original due date of the 1st of the month.

In order to reduce your property taxes you must reduce your property tax assessment. In order to do this you must prove that your equalized property tax value is less than the market value of your property.

The equalized value is the current property tax assessment divided by the director’s ratio. For example if a tax assessment is 450,000 and the ratio is 80% the equalized ratio is $562,500.

You can file an appeal with the Bergen County Board of Taxation or the New Jersey Division of Taxation. The filing deadline is April 1 of the current tax year.

You will need proof that your market value is too high. You can get comparable sales of similar homes that sold for less. You can get an appraisers report but remember with an appraisal report the appraiser must be present at the hearing so he can testify to his value. I would suggest before you file an appeal talk to the assessor, review your property record card, and review the comparable sales in your neighborhood.

All of the money paid for your property tax is to support your local government, school and the county government. None of your property taxes goes to the state government.

The second Monday of every month at 7pm Lower Level  Borough Hall. Meetings are open to the public.

More information at www.bcua.org

Roll up your sleeves and take part in making Paramus beautiful.  Usually scheduled for late September, dates are posted on our flyer and the commission’s Facebook page.  The Paramus community clean up event hosts a day of cleaning up various locations through out Paramus.  This is done by numerous community groups such as the scouts, recreation groups, high school clubs, religious groups and more.  See flyers or Facebook for sign up information. 

Contact the Paramus Environmental Commission if you or your group/organization is interested in details.

Follow the Paramus Environmental Commission on Facebook for the latest updates.

Contact the Paramus Environmental Commission  to be added to the agenda.

Paramus DPW, Paramus Shade Tree, Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA)