FAQs • Newark • CivicEngage

Alderman's Court

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1. What are the Alderman's Court hours of operation?: Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., excluding city observed holidays. Walk-in customers are welcome until 3:00 p.m. daily and court employees are available by phone until 4:00 p.m.

2. Why did I receive a summons for a parking ticket I already paid?: Your payment was not received before the 30-day limit. Therefore, the fine is doubled and a late fee is assessed.

3. Is there anything I can do about this parking ticket I don’t think I deserve?: You can protest your ticket within 30 days on a Tuesday or Wednesday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Otherwise, the payment is due in full.

4. Why was my vehicle booted?: Vehicles are usually booted when unpaid parking tickets total over $75. After three days booted, if unpaid, the vehicle will be seized.

5. Am I able to pay my parking fine online?: Yes, you can pay your parking ticket online. Pay Now

6. Why did my summons go to my parents address?: The bills go to the registered owner.

7. Will a parking ticket give me points on my driving record?: No, there are no points.

8. How can I plead not guilty?: You can plead not guilty in writing by the arraignment date on the ticket by fax (302-366-7062), mail Alderman’s Court, 220 Elkton Road, Newark, DE 19711 or bring it in person to the same address. Print the form located here:http://www.cityofnewarkde.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1587, fill it out and return it to the Alderman's Court 10 days prior to your arraignment date.

9. How does violating local laws affect me at the University of Delaware?: Violation of local, state or federal law will be subject to University disciplinary action. See link. More...

10. How do I have my record expunged?: You need to contact the State Bureau of Identification at (302) 739-5875.

11. Can I pay my traffic moving violation fine online?: Yes, you may pay your for a traffic moving violation online. You may pay your fine online by clicking the link below.
http://newarkparkingtickets.com/

City Lot Permit Parking

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1. Which lots have permits currently available?: Lots 3, 4, 5, and 6 (Combination lot 3/4/6 permit)

2. Are sticker permits required when I am issued a lot permit?: No, lot permits are virtual and enforced by license plate recognition. In Lot 5, parking is enforced by ensuring that you park in your assigned numbered spot.

3. How long are lot permits valid?: Once payment is received, lot permits are valid January through June 30, or July 1 through December 31 each year.

4. I will be driving a temporary or alternate vehicle instead of the one registered to my City Parking permit. What steps do I need to take?: Email the Parking Division at newarkparking@newark.de.us or call 302-366-7000 to provide the plate information of the alternate vehicle.

5. Can I pay for my permit invoice online?

Yes. Your invoice can be paid at  https://cityofnewarkde.tylerportico.com/css/citizen-selfservice/general-billing/quick-pay.

Enter your invoice number and the Invoice Year, then click on View Details if your total does not show on the next screen; click Pay Invoice; click Add to Cart; click on shopping cart; and check out. 

City Manager's Office

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1. Where is the Newark Municipal Building (City Hall) located and can I get driving directions?: The City of Newark Municipal Building is located at 220 South Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. From I-95 South, take Exit IB (Rt. 896 North, S. College Avenue), at the third traffic light turn left into Christina Parkway, again at the third traffic light turn right onto Elkton Road. The Municipal Building is on the left side, one mile down the road. From I-95 North, take Exit 109B (Elkton, MD/Newark, DE), keep straight. The Municipal Building is on the left side, about 3+/- miles down the road.

2. I understand the City has a notification system. How do I sign up for InformMe notifications?: Go to the link provided or call the City Manager’s Office at (302) 366-7000 and they will walk you through the sign up process.
Sign up...

3. Once I sign up for InformMe, what do I have to do when I move out of the City?: When you move out of the City, all you need to do is log into your profile on InformMe and delete it.

4. Can I view the City’s holiday schedule online?: Yes. The City’s observed holiday schedule is available under Government section.

5. Where can I find out what jobs are available in the City and are applications available online?: The City advertises all job opportunities in the Sunday News Journal as well as in our website under Employment. Applicants may submit their application as instructed on the job posting. All job postings list a closing date and any other requirements.

6. How do I find out when a bid or proposal is posted?: The City advertises all bids and proposals in the News Journal for three consecutive days as well as our website under Business Services.

7. Are bid/proposal documents available online?: Yes they are available online under the "Business" link a the top of the Home Page. Bid/Proposal Opportunities

8. How do I get on the City’s bidder’s list?: The City of Newark does not maintain a bidder’s list. Contact the Purchasing Office at (302) 366-7000 for more information.

City Secretary

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1. Can the City of Newark Mayor perform marriages?: Mayors have been given the authority to perform marriages in their respective cities. However, the Mayor of Newark has elected not to perform such ceremonies

2. How do I register to vote for City elections?: City residents register only once for all local, state and federal elections. Contact New Castle County Department of Elections at (302) 577-3464 for further information.

3. How do I report a cable television service problem?: First, contact the cable company directly to resolve the issue. If the cable company is unable to resolve the matter, contact the City Secretary's Office at (302) 366-7000, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. How can I get copies of Council meeting minutes?: Copies of Council minutes are available online under Agendas/Minutes/Reports or you can also visit the City Secretary's Office at 220 South Main Street.

5. How can I contact my Council member?: You can contact your Council member by mail, phone or e-mail as listed on their specific district page under Mayor and Council.

6. How do I find out who is my Council representative?: Visit Council District Street List under Mayor and Council to find your street address which will then tell you what district you are in. Your district representative is listed at the bottom of the page with all the contact information.

7. How do I request a Proclamation issued by the Mayor?: Submit your request to citysecretary@newark.de.us and you will be contacted regarding your request.

Code Enforcement Division of Planning and Development Department

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1. What requires a building permit?: Any building, installing, adding, changing, replacing, repairing, or demolishing project will require a building permit. You may obtain a building permit here. For more specific information or contact the office at (302) 366-7000.”

2. How do I obtain a renter's permit?: A rental permit application will need to be completed by the owner or agent (must be signed by the owner). An annual fee is required as well as an annual inspection. When the annual fee is remitted and the annual inspection approved, the rental permit will be approved in accordance with all City of Newark Codes.

3. I noticed a property with high grass/weeds/litter, etc. Who do I report this concern to?: Contact the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7000 with the property address and a Property Maintenance Inspector will be sent to inspect the property.

4. How do I know if I need a sprinkler system installed?: Please contact the Fire Marshal in the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7000 for specific details.

5. How can I get a list of rental properties in the City?: You can visit the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department located at 220 South Main Street, second floor, and ask to see the rental listing information during our normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6. How do I report an abandoned/no tag vehicle?: Contact the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7000 with the location of the vehicle.

7. I have a concern/problem with my landlord. Who can I call for assistance?: Contact the Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General's Office at (302) 577-8600. Any property maintenance issues should be reported to our Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7000.

Electric Department

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1. What non-utility tax credits or incentives exist?: Tax credits and incentives are available to help you save! Visit Energy Star to learn more about how you can benefit. For state-specific savings opportunities, be sure to check out Energize Delaware’s website for additional information.

2. Who do I contact to report a power outage after business hours, on a holiday or weekend?: Call the City of Newark's general information number at (302) 366-7000.

3. There’s a street light out in front of my house, whom do I call to get it fixed?: Call the Electric Department at (302) 366-7000 and have the pole number (yellow tag) available when you call.

4. How can I get a new meter installed?: Call the Electric Department at (302) 366-7000.

5. Who do I contact to report a tree trimming concern?: Call the Electric Department at (302) 366-7000 to discuss your concern.

6. Do I need a building permit?: A building permit and an electrical inspection is required for the following: panel change inside dwelling; service entrance replacement from meter box to point of attachment only (requires new meter box); and for service entrance cable replacement between meter box and panel (requires new meter box).

7. Who do I contact about my electric bill?: Call Customer Service at (302) 366-7000.

Finance

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1. Can I pay my utility bill online?: As of January 2010, City of Newark utility customers are able to safely and securely pay their utility bills online through eCare. Go to the City's home page and click the "Pay Bill" button. sign Up for Online Bill Pay

2. How can I purchase blocks of green energy?: Complete the Green Energy Form under City Services or visit our Customer Service Office at 220 South Main Street. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, please contact Customer Service at (302) 366-7000 option 3.

3. How do I open an electric account?: New customers (renters) need to make a deposit of $100 or $150 (electric heat) either in person, by mail or telephone. Contact Customer Service at (302) 366-7000 option 3, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. When are tax bills due?: Annual tax bills are issued in July and payment must be received on or before the last business day in September. Annual amounts not paid are subject to a five percent (5%) penalty on October 1. Interest at an annual rate of eighteen percent (18%) accrues on all amounts due after that time.
Properties that are reassessed during the year between July and the following March will be issued an interim bill for taxes on the increased amount of assessment. This tax is prorated for the number of months remaining between the billing date and the following June 30.

5. How do I apply for a business license?: Visit the Planning Department at 220 South Main Street to complete the required form. The license fee is based upon estimates of the demand and cost for municipal services related to business activities in the City. Contact the Finance Department at (302) 366-7000 for more information.

Newark’s Renewable Energy Program

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1. What is renewable energy?: Renewable energy, often referred to as “clean energy”, comes from natural sources or processes that are continuously replenished. Sunlight and wind are examples of renewable energy.

2. Is the program expensive?: Renewable energy is slightly more expensive than traditional electricity so our participating residents will be responsible for paying the difference. The additional fee will be $0.015 per kilowatt-hour. The average account will pay $15 per month more for renewable energy, but rates are adjusted annually and can change.

3. What are the advantages of enrolling in Newark’s Renewable Energy Program?: By purchasing a unit – or renewable energy credit (REC) - customers help ensure 1,000 kWh of renewable energy is delivered to the grid, which increases the competitiveness of clean energy resources compared to fossil fuels. The program is an easy solution for businesses or residents who are interested in supporting renewable energy development but do not wish to have solar arrays of their own.

4. I rent my home. Can I still enroll?: Yes! All newly established utility accounts will be automatically enrolled in the program. Existing customers can enroll here.

5. Are the RECs certified?: Yes, the RECs are certified. Certification ensures that each REC is only issued once for the megawatt-hour of electricity generated by a specific facility. The REC supplier also undergoes an annual audit of its REC transactions.

6. Can I change my mind after I opt-in?: Yes, participation is completely optional. To opt-out of the service complete the "opt-out" form and submit to PaymentsandUtilityBilling@newark.de.us

NPDES Stormwater Program

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1. What is Stormwater?: Rainwater that does not infiltrate into the ground or evaporate and enters the storm drainage system. Stormwater eventually empties into our creeks and tributaries.

2. Where does it go?: Contrary to what some people still believe, the runoff you see on the streets does not get treated at the wastewater treatment plant. Once it enters the storm sewer system by way of a catch basin or storm drain, it eventually flows into a creek or tributary leading to a creek.

3. Why should I care?: Stormwater picks up and carries all the pollutants it collects along the way. Since it is untreated, these pollutants flow directly into our creeks or tributaries, and could create water quality problems. Some aquatic organisms are very sensitive to pollution and can be harmed. These organisms are, in turn, food for bigger animals, and the cycle goes on. If the food at the bottom of the food chain is disrupted, it can have long reaching effects on plants and animals in our area.

Parks & Recreation

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1. How can I get a refund or credit for an activity?

REFUND/CREDIT/TRANSFER POLICY

Registrants will receive a full refund if the program is cancelled by Newark Parks and Recreation.
If you are unable to attend an activity, contact us at least 24 hours prior to the program start time. You may choose one of the following options:
A. Credit your account for the amount paid (credit is valid for one year from the date of issue);
B. Transfer to another activity;
C. Receive a refund for the amount paid, less a processing fee of $10 or 10% of the program cost, whichever is greater.
If you are not satisfied with an activity, please contact us within 5 business days after the final class or meeting. We will offer to credit your account, transfer you to another program, or refund the amount paid less the applicable processing fee.
Credit card convenience fees are non-refundable.
Credits and refunds do not apply to trips, events and adult sports leagues.
Please allow 3 - 4 weeks for refund processing.

2. How do I find out about a city event?: Visit our Community Events page under Parks & Recreation for details, our City newsletter, or calendar page. If you have any questions about one of our events, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (302) 366-7000.

3. How do I register for an activity?: There are four easy ways to register for an activity: WALK-IN, MAIL-IN, or ONLINE!
Online Registration Information

4. How do I know if a game or activity has been canceled?: Call the Leisure Time Hotline at (302) 366-7147.

5. How do I know if I'm a Newark resident?: If you receive an electric bill from the City, then you are a Newark resident. If you receive a bill from Delmarva Power or any other company, then you are not a City of Newark resident.

6. How do I reserve a Park or the George Wilson Center?: To reserve a park or the George Wilson Center, please visit City of Newark’s Parks & Recreation Catalog and navigate to the yellow Facility & Park Rental tab at the top.

Payments & Utility Billing

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1. How do I open and close an electric utility account as a tenant or renter?

Services for rental units may use our online customer portal, SilverBlaze, to open or close electric service. Payments & Utility Billing representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the South Main Street location. Customers may also call between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A signed lease or landlord affidavit must be uploaded when creating your SilverBlaze account.

2. Will SilverBlaze automatically transfer or move my account over to a new City of Newark address?

To transfer from one service location to another, please contact a Payments & Utility Billing representative at (302)366-7000 (option 2), Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

3. How do I open and close a water utility account as a tenant or renter?

Water, sewer, and stormwater services are directly associated with the property. Services that can be liened must remain in the name of the property owner. While tenants are unable to place the account in their name or establish a SilverBlaze account under the name of the owner, a Quick Pay one-time payment can be made by using the bill information on SilverBlaze. Landlords can also fill out a Property Certification Form to have the bill or a copy of the bill mailed directly to the tenant or renter. Landlords can also provide tenants with guest access through the SilverBlaze portal.

4. I am a new homeowner; how do I establish service in my name?

The buyer’s attorney will contact the City of Newark City Secretary prior to your settlement. We simply request that you contact us after settlement to provide us with demographical information, such as telephone number(s), mailing address, additional account information, etc.

5. What information is required to establish service for a residential rental property?

The City requires a valid driver’s license or passport, social security number or passport identification number, and a signed lease or landlord affidavit.

6. What fees or deposits are required for residential electric service for new tenants?

New service for rental units requires a minimum deposit of $300 to ensure the account has a $0 balance at termination. If an account is closed with a balance, the security deposit will first be applied to that balance, and the difference will be mailed (via check) to the account holder. Security deposits are refundable after three years of good payment history or upon moving from the property. The refund process may take up to eight weeks. In addition to the security deposit, a $30 non-refundable application fee will appear on the first bill.

7. What payment methods are accepted?

The City accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash, money orders, and checks.

8. How do I pay my utility bill?

Payments may be mailed to P. O. Box 13447, Philadelphia, PA  19101-3447.  The City is required to utilize our local financial institution’s lockbox to process payments in a timely manner.  Residents who choose not to use this Philadelphia payment center, may use one of the following options:

24-hour automated payment system at (302)366-7000
SIlverBlaze, online customer portal
In person with a representative or the atrium drop box at 220 South Main Street, Newark
AutoPay and/or Budget Billing which enables your account to be automatically drafted from your credit card or bank account
At Fulton Bank, 287 E Main St Suite 105

9. What is Budget Billing?

Budget Billing is a service that reviews the prior annual utility bill average. Once the average is calculated, a monthly draft occurs from a checking or credit card account for 11 months. On the 12th month, customers are billed for the current bill and the reconciled balance (debit or credit). Customers must be on a AutoPay to participate in the program. The City reserves the right to remove customers from Budget Billing due to failed payments or unacceptable payment history.

10. How can I sign up for AutoPay or Budget Billing?

Customers can sign up for AutoPay or Budget Billing Plans by logging into SilverBlaze. Navigate to the Bills & Payment tab, and select, “AutoPay”. For Budget Billing navigate to the Forms tab and complete the enrollment form. You will receive an email confirmation when your request has been approved. Payment plans will draft the statement balance or budgeted amount from the payment method each month on the designated due date.

11. What is the Customer Charge listed on my bill?

The customer charge is a flat charge to reduce the City’s sensitivity to various consumptions. It assists in the recovery of fixed costs incurred to provide service.

12. How do I make payment arrangements?

Payment arrangements are subject to approval and must be aligned with City Code. Customers may contact Payments & Utility Billing to discuss payment arrangement options.

13. I need help paying my bills, what can I do?: There are several third-party agencies that assist with electric payments. Contact our partnering agencies or Payments & Utility Billing Division for additional information.

14. Do you offer rebates or incentives for energy conservation?

The City of Newark, in partnership with Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation helps residents and businesses reduce their energy use and save money through Efficiency Smart. This program offers rebates, incentives, and more.

15. I disagree with the amount of my bill, what should I do?

Review the bill to see if the meter reading was an actual meter reading (MR) or a computer estimate (CE). If a meter reading was estimated, contact our office to provide an actual meter reading. If an actual meter reading occurred, evaluate any new appliances or behavioral patterns that may influence usage. Register for SilverBlaze to monitor your interval usage for abnormalities. Our Payments & Utility Billing division is available to assist you in troubleshooting potential issues. If no apparent reason exists, meter tests are available at a cost of $70. This cost is waived if the meter tests outside of industry standards.

16. What is the “Energy Next” line on the bill?

“Energy Next” refers to the inclining rate structure of the bill. While our winter rates are flat, the summer rates are tiered at the first 250 kWh, next 750 kWh, and kWh in excess of 1,000 kWh. Our tariff can be found within City Code.

17. How do I change the name on the bill?

Name changes can be updated with the submittal of marriage, divorce, death, or name change certificates. New Castle County Recorder of Deeds may also be used for name changes and updates.

18. How can I register my address for medical emergencies?

Residents may register their address for medical emergencies by filling out the Life Support Certification form. Your medical practitioner must complete and certify this form. This will ensure that restorations are prioritized in the event of power failures, natural disasters, or non-payment service interruptions.

19. What is SilverBlaze?

SilverBlaze is an interactive web portal providing 24-hour access to review the most current and up-to-date account information. Customers can monitor usage, review data, enroll in electronic billing, remit one-time payments, make automatic payments, analyze bills, view billing information, update account information, create service order requests, and more.

20. Are my SilverBlaze transactions secure?

SilverBlaze is built with security in mind. The website is secured with HTTPS/256-bit encryption for all communications. SilverBlaze does not hold any valid payment information for payments initiated via SilverBlaze.

SilverBlaze leverages Paymentus as payment processing partner. Paymentus is an independent company providing online bill payment and bill presentment services to more than 450 clients in 48 states. They are recognized as one of the leaders of billing and payment solutions in North America.

Paymentus offers fully integrated red-flag identify theft protection and are PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant. For more information about Paymentus Corporation, please visit their website at www.paymentus.com

21. How can I link other accounts in SilverBlaze?

Accounts may be linked together if they all share the same customer number, which is a unique identifier provided by City Staff to landlords who own multiple properties within the City. This would apply to both active and inactive accounts. Accounts can be manually linked by navigating to the My Profile tab, selecting Account List at the top of the page.

22. Am I able to establish alerts for usage in SilverBlaze?

Yes, water usage threshold and high usage alerts can be set up by navigating to the My Profile tab and clicking Notifications at the top of the page.

23. I am experiencing issues with selecting a password for my SilverBlaze account.

Passwords must be between 14 to 20 characters and meet at least 2 of the following three requirements: alpha, numeric or special characters.

24. Who do I contact for additional SilverBlaze support?

Our Payments & Utility Division is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist with SilverBlaze navigation at (302)366-7000 (option 2.)

25. What is the Renewable Energy Program?

In partnership with its citizens, Newark is striving to become a more sustainable community, one which meets the needs of its present inhabitants while preserving for future generations the finite local and global resources and our natural environment. As part of the roadmap to becoming more sustainable, the City has established goals related to how we provide electric power to customers via our Sustainability Plan. One of the City’s goals is to procure renewable generation resources for our distributed electricity mix of at least 30% by 2025, 65% by 2035, and 100% as soon as practicable but no later than 2045. At this moment, over 20% of the City’s power is derived from renewable energy, which is solar and wind.

City residents and businesses have shown consistent support for including renewable resources in the rest of our power supply mix — even if such resources are more expensive than non-renewable power sources. All newly established utility accounts are automatically enrolled in the program. Existing customers can enroll here. Since this is a voluntary charge, new customers may also opt out of the program completing the same form.

The Renewable Energy Program can be read about in its entirety on our webpage.

Planning and Development

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1. Where is the Planning Department located?: The Planning and Development Department is located on the second floor of the City of Newark Municipal Building, 220 South Main Street.

2. How can I find out what a parcel of land is zoned?: Call the Planning and Development Department at 302-366-7000, extension 2043, with the property address or parcel number. If you visit the department, you can locate the property on the zoning map.

3. How can I find out about any home loan or assistance programs?: Information on our housing assistance programs is available online under Planning and Development Department/Community Development and Housing.

4. Where can I find information on Planning Commission agendas and meeting minutes?: Planning Commission agendas and meeting minutes are available on the Planning and Development Department web page or under Agenda/Minutes/Reports on the City of Newark home page.

5. I am purchasing a home in Newark and was told I needed to obtain a Deed Transfer Affidavit. What is a Deed Transfer Affidavit and what do I need to do to obtain it?

When purchasing a property in the City of Newark, a Deed Transfer Affidavit, sometimes called a Zoning Certificate is required. Its purpose is to inform new homeowners of the property’s zoning and whether or not it is within the 100 Year Floodplain. To submit a request for this form, see the link on the left or below. You will need to provide the address of the property, the name or names that will be on the property deed, and an email address where you can be reached.

Deed Transfer Affidavit Request Form: click here

Police

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1. What number do I call for the Police Department if it's not an emergency?: Call our non-emergency telephone number at (302) 366-7111.

2. How do I inform the Police Department of any tips on drug/crime activities?: Please see our tips page for methods of providing information about crimes or drug incidents to the Newark Police Department.

3. How can I obtain a police report?: Information about police reports can be found here.

4. What information can you provide about the training Newark Police receive in use of force and de-escalation?: For information about this topic, click here.

5. Can I find out if an area I'm planning to move into is safe?: A list of calls for service for a particular area can be supplied upon request. Contact our Crime Prevention Officer at (302) 366-7100, x. 3443. You can also view the City of Newark's public crime map webpage.

6. Can I schedule a tour of your facility?: Tours of the Police Department are conducted on an appointment basis. Please contact the Crime Prevention Officer at (302) 366-7100, x. 3443.

7. How do I obtain a parking permit for my street?: Residential parking permits are obtained through the Newark Parking Division.

8. Does your department do fingerprints for employment?: No. All requests for fingerprinting for employment or other purposes should be directed to the State Bureau of Identification at (302) 739-2528. Additional information can be found here.

9. Can I hire an off-duty police officer for an event?: Off-duty Newark Police Officers can be hired to perform various functions. More information about hiring off-duty officers can be found here.

Police - Recruiting

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1. What is the process to be hired as a police officer?: Our hiring process consists of a written examination (conducted on a computer in a monitored setting), physical fitness test, structured oral interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, Chief's interview, psychological interview and medical physical exam. The entire process, with specifics about each component, can be found here.

2. I am already a certified police officer. Do you accept lateral transfers?

We do accept lateral transfers. See the answers below for your specific situation.

If you are already certified as a police officer in Delaware:
- After applying through the link on this page, you will go directly to the background investigation phase. There is no need to take a written examination. You will then complete the remaining steps of the hiring process as outlined on this site.
If you are certified as a police officer in a state other than Delaware:
- You must apply through the link on this page.
- You will be required to take the standardized written exam given to non-certified applicants. This is required by state regulations.
  - The exam will be administered at a convenient time for the applicant and the applicant will not have to wait for a specific exam date.
- After taking the written exam, you will go directly to the background investigation phase. You will then complete the remaining steps of the hiring process as outlined on this site.
- To become certified as a police officer in Delaware, the certified applicant's training records from the current state of certification will be sent to the Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission ("POST"). POST will compare the training the applicant has received to the training requirements in Delaware. If the applicant needs more than 40% of the minimum number of hours of training required in the State of Delaware, then the applicant will have to go through an entire police academy. We have had police officers lateral from both Pennsylvania and Maryland (among other states) and the applicants did not have to attend an entire academy. The applicant will be taught (either internally or during an academy class) the specific areas that are identified as needing training (ie. Delaware criminal and traffic law) to complete the requirements for Delaware POST certification.
- If the certified applicant's training is through Pennsylvania Act 120 and the applicant did not work as a police officer, the applicant may still be required to attend a full police academy.
- A determination of a certified applicant's training requirements cannot be completed without filing an application for employment.
The starting salary for a lateral officer will depend on the number of years of prior service as a sworn police officer. The current range for this starting salary is $70,000 - $95,000.

Further information can be found on our recruiting page.

3. Is there an age minimum or maximum to apply?

By City of Newark ordinance, you must be 21 upon date of hire as a police officer.

There is no age maximum. However, retirement is mandatory at age 55. You must serve for a minimum of 5 years to earn a pension.

4. What is the hiring bonus and when is it paid?

No prior police service: The City will provide a $10,000 hiring bonus to new hires that do not qualify for the Prior Sworn Police Officer bonus detailed below.

Prior Sworn Police Officers: The City will provide a $20,000 hiring bonus to new hires that are Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission ("POST") certified police officers OR are Delaware police academy exempt based on their police certification in another state. The determination of academy exemption is made by the Delaware POST after submission of training records.

The hiring bonus is payable upon completion of field training (approximately 9-12 months after date of hire for non-certified officers and 6-12 weeks after Delaware certification for certified officers).

5. Do police officers take their vehicles home?: The City currently provides take home vehicles for all sworn police officers. Officers may take their vehicles home on a daily basis once they have completed the field training process.

6. What is your tattoo policy?: We allow tattoos visible to the public while on-duty, except on the face, neck or hand (a tattoo or brand symbolic of a civil union or marriage on the ring finger is permitted with approval). We prohibit tattoos, body art, or brands that are extremist, indecent or sexist regardless of location on the body. Tattoos, body art, or brands that advocate or symbolize gang affiliation, supremacist, or extremist groups, or drug use, are also prohibited.

7. What is your facial hair policy?: We allow officers to have facial hair. Mustache, goatee or complete beards are the only types of facial hair allowed. They must be finely groomed and neatly trimmed and the neck must be clean shaven. The facial hair may not be longer than 1/2 inch.

8. I don't have 60 college credits, but I have military service. Can I be hired?: We require 30 college credits with military service. Prior military service is defined as serving two or more years of a commitment. A commitment is defined as either three or more years of active duty, or six or more years of guard or reserve service.

9. I don't have 60 college credits, but I have prior police service. Can I be hired?: The college requirements may be waived by the City Manager and Chief of Police for CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS with at least 18 months active police experience after graduation from a qualifying police academy

10. I live more than 100 miles from Newark, DE. Is there a special streamlined hiring process?: For candidates who travel more than 100 miles from their home to Newark, DE to apply for the position of police officer, we will attempt to schedule parts of the process on the same day, thereby reducing the number of trips to Newark required to complete the process. Candidates who meet the 100-mile criteria will receive notification prior to the written examination from the Recruiting Unit.

11. Do you have a residency requirement?: We do not have any residency requirement to apply, to be hired or to work for Newark PD. We have officers who live not only in Delaware, but southern New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

12. What is the physical fitness requirement?: Our physical fitness requirement can be found here. After passing the written examination, candidates will be given information about taking the physical fitness test ("PT test") with our contracted service provider. Candidates can set-up an appointment to take the test at their convenience. The PT test must be completed before the start of the background investigation. The background investigation may begin anywhere from 3-8 weeks or longer after the written test.

13. What police academy will I attend?

In general, recruit police officers attend the Delaware State Police Academy in Dover or the New Castle County Police Academy in Newark. While the DSP academy is a residential academy where recruits come home on the weekends, recruits commute from their home to the New Castle County Police academy every weekday.

A new recruit officer cannot request a specific academy. The recruit officer is generally sent to whichever academy is starting soonest after the recruit's hire date.

Recruit officers are paid full salary and receive all benefits during academy training, including accrual of pension time.

14. What shift schedule does your patrol division work?: Our patrol officers work a 12-hour shift schedule with every other weekend off. The officers are assigned to a platoon and work two weeks of day shift, followed by two weeks of night shift. Day shift generally starts at 5, 6 or 7 am and night shift generally starts at 3, 4, 5 or 7 pm.

15. I have more questions. Who do I contact?: If you have further questions not answered on this site, please call the Recruiting Unit at (302) 366-7100 x3499 or send us an email.

Police - Sex Offenders FAQs

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1. How can I find out if a sex offender lives in my neighborhood?

1. You can click this link to view Known Sex Offenders in Newark.

2. You can look at the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry website and search by last name, development, city, or zip code.

3. You can come to the Newark Police Department and look through a binder containing information on known Tier II & Tier III sex offenders in the City of Newark.

2. I would like to receive a letter when a sex offender moves into Newark. Can I be put on a list to be notified?: State law provides that notification be sent to “members of the public who are likely to encounter a sex offender” and includes “schools, licensed day care facilities, public libraries, and other accessible public facilities with in the community.” Letters are only sent to these organizations. However, in cases of a Tier III offender, door-to-door notification is made in the area of the offender’s residence and/or information is provided via telephone using the InformMe automated telephone notification system. If you are in charge of a community organization with a facility accessible to the public or a licensed day care center and do not currently receive sex offender notifications, please contact Det. William Anderson to see if your organization meets the qualifications to receive notifications.

3. Are juvenile offenders required to register?: A juvenile who has, at any time, been adjudicated delinquent of a sex crime is required to register.

4. Are there any restrictions on where a sex offender may live?: A sex offender may not loiter or reside within 500 feet of the property of any school. For purposes of this law, a school is defined as any preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, secondary school, vocational technical school, or any other institution which has as its primary purpose the education or instruction of children under 16 years of age.

Public Works

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1. How do I get my yard waste picked up?

Each year, starting the first Wednesday in March through the first Wednesday in December, the City of Newark collects yard waste on “Green Wednesdays.” Collections between December and March can be scheduled by calling the Public Works and Water Resources Department at (302)366-7000. Accepted items include leaves, grass clippings, branches less than 6” diameter, and dirt-free garden debris. No man-made materials will be accepted.

Yard waste will not be collected during holiday weeks. For all collections, residents must use either a 35-gallon or 95-gallon cart (green cart with a tan lid) provided by the City and place the cart at your curb prior to 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday. A cart not provided by the City cannot be lifted by the automated trucks and will not be emptied.

2. How do I get a new cart if the one I was assigned gets stolen?: You are asked to call the City of Newark Police Department to file a report that it was stolen. The next step would be to call the Public Works Department for your cart serial number. If you are unable to find your cart, a $75 replacement fee would apply.

3. Can I put large items in my automated container?: The lid must be able to close and weight cannot be over 125 lbs. for 35-gallon cart and 340 lbs. for a 95-gallon cart.

4. If I have additional trash that will not fit in the automated container can the items be placed for collection beside the container?: The refuse collection is a fully automated process. Any additional trash will not be accepted. If this occurs on a regular basis, and you are in need of an additional container, a yearly lease fee of $100 would apply and an Equipment Rental Agreement would need to be filled out. When both items have been received, the cart will be issued.

5. How do I get items picked up that will not fit in the trash container?: Call the Public Works Department at (302) 366-7000 and the next available date for bulk collection will be scheduled.

6. What type of items do you collect for bulk collection?: We will pick up appliances, furniture, hot water heaters, etc. Four items may be scheduled per bulk pickup for no charge. Hazardous materials will not be accepted.

7. What can I do with the hazardous materials that the City cannot collect?: They may be taken to the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA). For more information, please call the DSWA at (800) 404-7080.

8. When and where do I place the items for bulk collection?: The items need to be placed at the curb prior to 7:00 a.m. the day of the scheduled pickup or at the earliest 6:00 p.m. the night before.

9. How many items am I allowed per bulk pickup and is there a yearly limit to the amount of bulk pick-ups I can schedule?: Four items per bulk pick-up at no charge. There is no yearly limit for bulk pick-ups.

10. If I would like to have more than four (4) items collected for bulk (ex. cleanout) when is this scheduled and what is the fee?: Fee pickups for bulk collection are scheduled on Tuesdays. Call Public Works at (302) 366-7000 for the next available date and current billing rates.

11. Why wasn't my trash picked up?: Refuse needs to be placed curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day in approved containers. In regards to the holiday refuse collection schedule, please refer to your City issued newsletter or Newark TV 22.

12. Does the City offer a curbside recycling program?: The City does have its own curbside recycling program. Recycling pick up is one of two days (Thursday or Friday) already assigned to you.

13. Will the City fix my drainage problems?: The City does not work on private property, however, we will inspect and advise of possible solutions.

14. Does the City perform repairs on all streets in the City?: The City performs work on city streets only. The Delaware Department of Transportation performs work on state roads. We will notify DelDOT of concern.

Residential Parking

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1. How much does a Residential Parking Permit cost?: Residential Parking Permits are at no charge to eligible residents.

2. I don’t see an expiration date on my permit, does it expire?: YES, all permits have an expiration date. Homeowners’ permits expire 2 years from the date registered. Renters’ permits expire at the end of their lease. If eligible, existing permits should go through the renewal process if they are to be used after the expiration date.

3. Can I use my Parking Permit in Any Zone?: No. Your Parking Permit is registered to the zone where you reside.

4. I found a Guest Pass at my house; can I use it?: All permits and Guest Passes are registered to an individual, that was approved, and have a set expiration date. If you find one at your residence, it is likely no longer valid. Please contact the Parking Division if you should find one. Use of an expired Guest Permit will result in ticketing and misuse of one may bar you from being eligible for residential parking in the future.

5. What if my house is not eligible, or we need additional parking?: Residential Parking ordinance limits how many long-term parking permits we can give to an eligible residence. If you are not eligible, or need additional Parking, please contact your landlord or the University of Delaware to see what other parking options they have available. The City of Newark also offers paid permits in municipal lots.

6. I found a Guest Pass at my house; can I use it?

All permits and Guest Passes are registered to an individual, that was approved and have a set expiration date. If you find one at your residence, it is likely no longer valid. Please contact the Parking Division if you should find one. Use of an expired Guest Permit will result in ticketing and misuse of one may bar you from being eligible for residential parking in the future.

7. Guest Passes: how long are they good for and who can use them?

Guest passes are only for those who are actively visiting the household to which the pass was issued. They may not be used by residents, neighbors, commuters, or long-term parkers.

A vehicle may display any guest pass no more than twice within a seven-day period. This limit applies per vehicle, per zone, regardless of whether different guest passes are used. If a vehicle is found using any guest pass more than twice in a seven-day period, it will be cited for misuse.

Guests should return the guest pass to the household once their visit ends. Guest passes should not leave with any guest or remain in a vehicle after the visit is complete.

8. I’m a Residential Permit holder and I have a new vehicle, what should I do?: If you need to register a new vehicle, that will replace your old one, you will need to apply for a new permit. The old permit will be deactivated and proof of destruction of the permit may be requested. Please fill out a change of vehicle form here: https://newarkde.gov/FormCenter/Parking-Forms-4/Change-of-Vehicle-or-License-Plate-Form--46

9. Can I transfer my Residential Permit spot to a roommate.

The Parking Division allows limited transfers of parking permits to eligible roommates who are on the lease. The current holder of the permit should fill out a Relinquishing Permit Form and provide Identification.

https://newarkde.gov/FormCenter/Parking-Forms-4/RelinquishingTransfer-of-Residential-Par-42

Once that is received, the new applicant can apply here: https://newarkde.gov/FormCenter/Parking-Forms-4/City-of-Newark-Delaware-Residential-Park-41

Water & Wastewater Division

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1. Sewer has backed up in my basement. Who do I call?: Notify the Water & Wastewater Department at (302) 366-7000. Once notified, the City will dispatch the sewer truck to check the main sewer line in the street for blockages. If the main is clear, it is the homeowner's responsibility to call a plumber. The City suggests that all homeowners install a backflow preventer or plug in the floor drain to prevent potential backups in the event the main is blocked.

2. How do I report a water main break after business hours, on a holiday or weekend?: Call the City of Newark's general number at (302) 366-7000.

3. My water is brown. What happened?: Discolored water is often the result of hydrant use. When a hydrant is opened, a large volume of water is moved through the pipes at a high velocity. This stirs up deposits in the pipe. Please call the Water Department and we will investigate the problem and correct as necessary.

4. How do I get the main water shut off valve turned off if it's in need of repairs?: The City will come out and shut the water off at the curb once you have schedule the repair. Call the Water & Wastewater Department at (302) 366-7000, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For service after 5:00 p.m., weekend, or holiday, call the City's general number at (302) 366-7000.

5. How do I pay my water bill?: You may pay your bill online at the link provided below. If you have any questions regarding your water bill, call customer service at (302) 366-7000. Pay Utility Bill

6. What is a Boil Water Advisory?: A Boil Water Advisory is typically issued after a water main break repair, small or widespread loss of pressure in our water system, or a natural disaster. In some cases, our crews can repair a water main while maintaining adequate pressure to prevent possible contamination from entering the water distribution system. When we issue a Boil Water Advisory, we notify only the customers affected. For more information please read our FAQ or call the Public Works and Water Resources Department at (302) 366-7000.

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