How do I get the Senior Tax Freeze ?

You must apply through the State. Call 1-800-992-6598. Press 1 for touch tone.
Then press 2 and STAY ON THE LINE to speak to someone and ask for an application.
Once you receive it, be sure to bring your application booklet to the Tax Collector so
that she can fill in her portion.

How do I pay my taxes, water and sewer on line ?

Right now you can make payments through your bank's on-line payment website.
Just set the Borough up as a payee with your Block and Lot# and the amount due and date
of payment. Please remember to allow at least a week for the payment to reach us,
(Coming soon…on-line payments through this website will be available).

What is a Tax Sale ?

When your taxes become delinquent for the previous year, the Tax Collector advertises a list of each property in the New Jersey Herald for 4 consecutive Fridays, prior to the week for the Tax Sale. On the day of the Tax Sale, interested parties attend and bid on the interest rate that they will receive on the Tax Sale amount. The successful bidder then holds a lien against your property.
It is recorded at the Hall of Records of Sussex County. The lien holder then has a right to pay any other delinquencies that are owed to the Borough. Each amount that they pay is added to their lien. After 2 years, the lien holder can start foreclosure proceedings on your property. In order to avoid foreclosure, the owner of the property would have to pay the TOTAL amount of the lien, plus all interest and fees in guaranteed funds to the Tax Collector.

If no one at the Tax Sale bids on the property, the Borough of Hopatcong will hold the lien at 18% interest. The Borough can foreclose in 6 months, unlike an outside lien holder, who can’t foreclose for 2 years.

How do I know when I need a Construction permit ?

The list of work that requires a permit is much larger than the list of work that does not require a permit. The following is a partial list that does not require a permit:

• Exterior and Interior Painting

• Installation, Repair or Replacement of any interior finishes of less than 25%
   of the wall area in any given room in a 1 or 2 Family Dwelling
   (Paneling shall not be considered Ordinary Maintenance).

• Wallpapering

• Replacement of Flooring in 1 and 2 Family Dwellings

• Window and Door Replacement in the same opening without altering the dimensions

• Kitchen Cabinets

• Replacement of Exterior Gutters and Leaders

• Replacement of Plumbing Faucets and Fixtures in same location in 1 and 2 Family Dwellings

• Replacement of Clothes Washers and Dishwashers

• Replacement of a Receptacle Switch, of Lighting Fixture rated 20 Amps or less and operating
   at less than 150 Volts to ground with a like or similar item

When in doubt, please call the Construction Department 973-770-1200

How do I hook up to the Borough Water Utility ?

At this time we are only connecting people with water hardships like a dry or contaminated well. If you fall into this category please feel free to stop by the Water Utility at the Borough Hall
for an application.

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How do I find out what is required from Fire Prevention upon sale of my home ?

The required form is available for download from the website under Fire Prevention.
You may also call or stop by Borough Hall and see the Fire Marshall.
His number is 973-770-1200

How do I make an appointment to have my smoke detector inspected upon sale of
my home or change of occupancy ?

The inspections are done on Tuesdays only between the hours of 9 to 11am. Call the Fire Marshall on Monday or Friday at 973-770-1200

How do I get in touch with the Animal Control Officer if my pet is missing ?

If your pet is missing contact Dale at Animal Control 973-770-1200 or call the police
and they will alert him. Dale will contact you as soon as possible.

When do I need a zoning permit ?

A zoning permit is required when replacing or installing a new:

Shed, Pool, Hot Tub, Fence, Retaining Wall, Patio, Driveway, Sidewalk, Deck, Dock,
Sea Wall, Bulk Head, Boathouse, Boatlift, Addition, Reconstruction Where Original Structure Will Be Removed.

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What is needed for a zoning permit ?

For a zoning permit you need to:

• Complete an application with the owner’s signature and fee.

• Original size survey reflecting all improvements presently on the property with the
   proposed improvements drawn to scale, (the zoning officer will help with the drawing for
   simple improvements).

If the improvement is an addition or building then you will need:

• Floor plans all levels before and after

• Height drawing showing before and after

• If the property is on a septic, and the addition is 100 sq. ft. or larger, a Health Department
   letter of approval is necessary.

For a new home:

• site plan

• Architectural drawings of floor plan and elevations.

Any Time You Are Not Sure Please Call 973-770-1200 for Assistance.
The Zoning and Construction Departments Are Here to Help You.

What do I need for a Marriage or Civil Union License?

Requirements for a license are as follows:

• At least one applicant must live in Hopatcong

• Social Security Number

• Name/mailing address of person performing ceremony

• Current Driver's License/Photo ID

• Witness over eighteen years of age

• Applicants must appear in person

• $28.00 application fee (due when application is completed)

• Applicants may only complete page one of the application

• Application is valid for six months

• License is valid for thirty days after issued

• Registrar hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm

How do I find out if the ice is safe?

Any questions in regards to the lake can be answered by the Lake Hopatcong Commission.
Their number is 973-601-1070 or visit their website at:

www.lakehopatcong.org


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