Union Township Public Records Guide

Union Township Clerk Records

The Union Township Clerk's Office is at 140 Perryville Road, Hampton, NJ 08827. The phone number is (908) 735-8027. The clerk is Ella M. Ruta. Reach the clerk at extension 10 for vital records, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and dog licenses. OPRA requests should be sent to opra@uniontwp-hcnj.org.

The clerk handles a wide range of records for this small township. Marriage, birth, and death records are all on file. Dog licenses are also issued through this office. An OPRA form is available on the township website. You can submit it by email, mail, or in person. The township follows state rules and must respond within seven business days.

Check the Union Township website for forms, hours, and contact details.

The township building on Perryville Road houses the clerk and other municipal offices.

Law Enforcement Records

Union Township does not have its own police force. Law enforcement is handled by the New Jersey State Police. The local barracks can be reached at 908-730-6100. Police records, including crash reports and incident reports, go through the state system rather than the township.

To request a state police record, you may need to file through the state OPRA process or contact the barracks directly. Crash reports from the State Police are also available through the NJ State Police crash report portal. The process differs from towns that have their own police department, so be ready for a slightly different timeline.

Note: For emergencies, always dial 911. The number above is for non-emergency State Police business.

Tax and Property Public Records

The Tax Assessor in Union Township can be reached at (908) 735-8027, extension 14. The Tax Collector is at extension 13. Tax records show assessed values, payment history, and any outstanding balances. These files are public and can be requested through OPRA or at the office.

Property deed records and mortgage filings are held by the Hunterdon County Clerk. The county maintains land records for all towns in Hunterdon County. If you need to trace ownership or check a lien, the county clerk is the place to go. For local tax questions, the township assessor or collector is the right contact.

Zoning and Land Use Records

The Zoning office in Union Township is at extension 19. Zoning records cover land use applications, variance requests, and site plans. These files are useful if you want to check what is allowed on a specific piece of land. They are public and can be requested through OPRA.

Union Township is largely rural. Zoning rules reflect that character. If you are thinking about building or changing land use, the zoning records will show what has been approved in the past. Staff can help you find the right file if you provide the block and lot number or address.

Searching Union Township Records

Online tools help with record searches in Union Township. The township website has forms and contact details. The county clerk site covers land records. The state courts portal handles case lookups.

Here are ways to search:

• Email opra@uniontwp-hcnj.org with your OPRA form
• Call the clerk at extension 10 for vital records
• Contact the Tax Assessor at extension 14
• Search Hunterdon County land records at the county clerk site
• Look up court cases on the NJ Courts public access portal

Many records in Union Township are still on paper. The township is small, so digital systems may not cover everything. If you need older files, plan for an in-person visit. Call ahead to check office hours and make sure the record you need is available.

Court Records and State Resources

Union Township does not have its own municipal court for all matters. Some cases are handled through shared court arrangements. The NJ Courts public access portal lets you search for case records across all courts in the state. This is a free tool and covers municipal, county, and state cases.

For county-level court records, check with the Hunterdon County courts. Criminal, civil, and family matters for Union Township residents go through the county system. The Open Public Records Act applies to all levels of government. You have the same rights whether you request records from a small township or a large city.

Tips for Your Records Request

Be specific with your request. Include names, dates, and addresses when you can. Small towns like Union Township have fewer staff, so clear requests help them respond faster. If you are not sure which department holds the record, start with the clerk at extension 10.

If your request is denied, appeal to the Government Records Council. The process is free. You do not need a lawyer. Include your original request and the denial. The GRC will review and issue a decision. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.