[1972 Code § 7-1.1]
The purposes of this chapter are:
a.
To provide uniform procedures for the administration of the issuance, renewal, and revocation of all licenses issued by the Township of Piscataway, except alcoholic beverage licenses and dog licenses.
b.
To prevent dishonest business practices by requiring persons intending to engage in the businesses referred to in this chapter to provide preliminary information, to be licensed, and to conform to the provisions hereof;
c.
To prevent unfair competition among those persons engaging in the businesses regulated by this chapter.
[1972 Code § 7-1.2]
All applications for licenses shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee and shall be payable to the Township Clerk upon forms provided by the Clerk. The forms shall require the following information:
a.
Name and permanent and local address of the applicant. If the applicant is a corporation, the name and address of its registered agent;
b.
If the licensed activity is to be carried on at a fixed location, the address and description of the premises;
c.
If a vehicle is to be used, its description including the license number;
d.
If the applicant is employed by another, the name and address of the employer, together with credentials establishing the exact relationship;
e.
The days of the week and the hours of the day during which the licensed activity will be conducted;
f.
A description of the nature of the business and the goods, property or services to be sold or supplied;
g.
A statement as to whether the applicant has been convicted of any crime or the violation of any municipal ordinance other than traffic offenses and, if so, the date and place of conviction, the nature of the offense, and the punishment or penalty imposed;
h.
Appropriate evidence as to the good character and business responsibility of the applicant so that an investigator may properly evaluate his character and responsibility;
i.
Applications by partnerships shall be signed by all partners with the information required by this subsection supplied in detail as to each partner, and applications of corporations shall have attached individual statements containing all of the information required by this subsection relating to each employee or agent who shall engage in the licensed activity, and shall be signed by each employee or agent.
[1]
Editor's Note: The general power to license and to prescribe license fees is contained in N.J.S.A. 40:52-1, 2. Licensing is also a part of the general police power granted by N.J.S.A. 40:69A-29, 30.
[1972 Code § 7-1.3]
Each application shall be referred to the Chief of Police or a Police Officer designated by him, who shall immediately institute whatever investigation of the applicant's business responsibility, moral character, and ability to properly conduct the licensed activity as the Chief of Police considers necessary for the protection of the public. The Chief shall communicate these findings to the Township Clerk within a reasonable time after the application has been filed. If the investigator decides that the applicant's character, ability, or business responsibility is unsatisfactory, or that the products, services or activity are not free from fraud, he shall disapprove the application, in which event the Clerk shall not issue the requested license and shall so notify the applicant. Otherwise, unless a provision of this chapter specifically requires Council approval, the Township Clerk shall issue the license forthwith, provided that the required license fees have been paid. In the event that a requested license is not issued because of a disapproval by the investigating officer, the applicant may appeal to the Township Council for a hearing. The appeal must be filed, in writing, with the Township Clerk within 14 days after notification of the refusal. The Township Council shall hold its hearing within 30 days thereafter, unless the applicant agrees to extend the time for such hearing. The Council's decision shall be final.
[1972 Code § 7-1.4]
Licenses shall be in a form which the Township Council shall prescribe by resolution, and shall contain the following information:
a.
The name and address of the licensee;
b.
The number and type of the license and the nature of the licensed activity;
c.
The address at which the licensed activity is conducted, if the activity is carried on at a fixed location;
d.
If the licensed activity is conducted from a vehicle, the make, model and license number of the vehicle;
e.
The expiration date of the license; and
f.
Any other appropriate information which the Township Council may, by resolution, require.
[1972 Code § 7-1.5]
The Clerk shall keep a record of all licenses issued under this chapter. The record shall be in a form prescribed by resolution of the Township Council and shall contain the same information as is required by subsection 4-1.4 to be contained in the license. It shall also indicate the amount of the fee paid for the licenses, the date upon which payment was received, the date of the issuance of the license, whether the license is a new license or a renewal, and any other information which the Township Council may, by resolution, require.
[1972 Code § 7-1.6]
When the licensed activity is conducted at a fixed location, or from a vehicle, the license shall be prominently displayed at the location or on the vehicle. In all other cases the licensee shall have the license in his possession at all times and shall display it upon the request of any Police Officer or any person with whom he is doing business.
[1972 Code § 7-1.7]
Every license shall apply only to the person to whom it was issued and shall not be transferable to another person. Licenses may be transferred from place to place, in cases where the licensed activity is conducted at a fixed location, but only with the approval, by resolution, of the Township Council. The fee for the transfer of a license from place to place shall be $100, if the transfer application is lodged with the Township prior to July 1, and $60 if the transfer application is lodged with the Township subsequent to June 30.
[1972 Code § 7-1.8]
Except where expressly provided otherwise, all licenses shall expire on December 31 of the year of issue at 12:00 midnight local time. Applications for the renewal of licenses shall be made not later than December 1.
[1972 Code § 7-1.9]
Any license or permit issued by the Township may be revoked by the Township Council after notice and a hearing for any of the following causes:
a.
Fraud or misrepresentation in any application for a permit or license;
b.
Fraud, misrepresentation or other dishonesty in the conduct of the licensed activity;
c.
A violation of any provision of this Code;
d.
Conviction of the licensee for any felony or high misdemeanor or a misdemeanor or disorderly person's offense involving moral turpitude;
e.
Conduct of the licensed activity whether by the licensee himself or his agents or employees in an unlawful manner or in a manner that constitutes a breach of the peace or a menace to the public health, safety or general welfare; and
f.
Whenever a license has been issued immediately upon an application, pending the results of the investigation provided for by this chapter, such license may be summarily revoked if the result of the investigation is such as would have resulted in denial of the application.
[1972 Code § 7-1.10]
Notice of a hearing for the revocation of a license or permit shall be given in writing by the Clerk. The notice shall specifically set forth the grounds upon which the proposed revocation is based and the time and place of the hearing. It shall be served by mailing a copy to the licensee at his last known address by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least five days prior to the date set for the hearing.
[1972 Code § 7-1.11]
At the hearing the licensee shall have the right to appear and be heard, to be represented by an attorney, to present witnesses in his own behalf, to cross-examine opposing witnesses and to have a permanent record made of the proceedings at his own expense. The Township Council shall revoke or suspend the license if the Council is satisfied by a preponderance of the evidence that the licensee is guilty of the acts charged.
[1972 Code § 7-1.12]
The Township Council may issue another license to a person whose license has been revoked or denied as provided in this section if after hearing they are satisfied by clear and convincing evidence that the acts which led to the revocation or denial will not occur again; otherwise, no person whose license has been revoked or denied, nor any person acting for him, directly or indirectly, shall be issued another license to carry on the same activity.
[1972 Code § 7-1.13]
The Township Council may, by resolution, make rules and regulations which interpret or amplify any provision of this chapter or for the purpose of administering the provisions of this chapter or making them more effective. No regulation shall be inconsistent with or alter or amend any provision of this chapter and no regulation shall impose any requirement which is in addition to or greater than the requirements that are expressly or by implication imposed by any provision of this chapter.
[1972 Code § 7-2.1; New; Ord. No. 13-28]
No person shall sell, offer for sale, hawk or peddle in the Township any goods, wares or merchandise, with or without a basket, pack or bundle, without first obtaining a license. The license shall be obtained from the Township Clerk's Office at a fee of $50, and veterans shall pay a fee of $2.50, which is the fee for a badge.
[1972 Code § 7-2.2]
Every licensed hawker or peddler, while engaged in this occupation, shall wear conspicuously a badge on which shall be the following words, "Licensed, Township of Piscataway, New Jersey." The Township Clerk shall provide the badge. Every wagon, automobile, cart or other vehicle used shall have upon the outside thereof, in a conspicuous place, a metal plate with the following words plainly painted thereon, "Licensed, Township of Piscataway, New Jersey." The plate shall be provided by the Township Clerk.
In addition to displaying the metal badge and plate as required, a photograph of the licensee shall be attached to the license, which photograph shall be furnished by the Police Department. The licensee shall exhibit his/her license to any Police Officer or other person upon request.
[1972 Code § 7-2.3]
No vendor of goods, wares, or merchandise who has obtained, or is required to obtain, a license pursuant to this section shall remain at any location for the purpose of selling or offering goods, wares, or merchandise for sale for a period longer than 10 minutes. Following the expiration of 10 minutes, the vendor will be required to move a distance not less than 500 feet, prior to the resumption of the sale, or offer of sale, of goods, wares, or merchandise. This section shall not apply to the sale of goods, wares, or merchandise from a residential location.
[1972 Code § 7-2.4]
No person licensed shall sell or offer for sale wares, goods and merchandise except between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and sunset. Ringing doorbells of private residents for such purpose after sunset is prohibited.
[1972 Code § 7-2.5]
No license shall be issued pursuant to subsection 4-2.1 to any person under the age of 18 years.
[1972 Code § 7-2.6]
No license shall be issued pursuant to this section except upon approval of the Township Council.
[1972 Code § 7-3.1]
It shall be unlawful for any solicitor, canvasser or itinerant vendor to engage in such business within the corporate limits of the Township without first obtaining a license therefor in compliance with the provisions of this section.
Where the applicant had obtained a license in the prior year and has satisfied all requirements of this section with the exception as to clearance of fingerprints, the Chief of Police may recommend conditional approval subject to the receipt of clearance of the applicant's fingerprints. In such case, the Township Clerk will issue a temporary license for a period not to exceed 120 days.
[1972 Code § 7-3.2]
As used in this section:
Shall mean any individual, traveling either by foot, wagon, automobile, motortruck or any other type of conveyance to any house, place or street or from house to house without prior consent and invitation of the owner or occupant of any such house or from place to place, or from street to street, within the Township for the purpose of canvassing, soliciting or selling goods, wares, merchandise or personal property, tangible or intangible, of any nature whatsoever, or canvassing, soliciting or selling or attempting to canvass, solicit or sell services to be furnished or performed, presently or in the future, whether or not such individual has, carries or exposes for sale a sample of the subject of such sale or whether he is collecting advance payments on such sales or not, provided that such definition shall not be construed to include any person that hires, leases, uses or occupies any building, structure, hotel room, apartment, shop or any other place within the Township for the sole purpose of exhibiting samples and taking orders for the sale and delivery of such merchandise; nor shall such definition be construed to apply to brokers or agents of insurance companies, or to distributing food or drink for human consumption or to any person, who by previous invitation of the owner or occupant of premises within the Township, is directed to visit the premises of such owner or occupant for the purpose of canvassing, soliciting or selling goods, wares, merchandise, personal property and services, or to any person who is licensed by the Township to canvass, solicit or sell goods, merchandise, personal property or services of any nature whatsoever, nor to employees of any public utility which is subject to regulation by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of the State of New Jersey when carrying an identification card, badge or insignia issued by such a public utility.
[1972 Code § 7-3.3]
In addition to the information required by subsection 4-1.2, the following information shall be provided:
a.
A brief description of the nature of the business and the goods to be sold;
b.
If employed, the name and address of the employer, together with credentials establishing the exact relationship;
c.
The length of time for which the right to do business is desired; and
d.
The place where the goods or property proposed to be sold, or orders taken for sale thereof, are manufactured or produced, where such goods or products are located at the time the application is filed and the proposed method of delivery.
[1972 Code § 7-3.4; New; Ord. No. 13-28]
The license fee which shall be charged by the Township Clerk for the license shall be $30 per year for the first year, and $15 per year for each year of renewal. The license shall expire on December 31 of the year in which it is issued. However, in the case of any honorably discharged veteran, upon his compliance with the state statutes, the fee shall be $5.
[1972 Code § 7-3.5; Ord. No. 13-28]
The Township Clerk shall issue to each licensee at the time of delivery of his license a badge which shall contain the words "Licensed Solicitor," the year for which the license is issued and the number of that license, in letters and figures easily discernible from a distance of 10 feet. During the time the licensee is engaged in soliciting, canvassing or itinerant vending, the licensee shall wear the badge conspicuously on the front of his outer garment.
The Township Clerk shall charge a fee of $10 for the issuance of the required badge which fee is included in the license fee. This fee shall be payable every time a new identification badge is requested.
[1972 Code § 7-3.6]
Solicitors, canvassers and itinerant vendors are required to exhibit their licenses at the request of any citizen.
[1972 Code § 7-3.7]
It shall be the duty of any Police Officer of the Township to require any person seen soliciting, canvassing or itinerant vending and who is not known by such Officer to be duly licensed, to produce his solicitor's license and to enforce the provisions of this section.
[1972 Code § 7-3.8; New]
The Municipal Court shall report to the Township Clerk all convictions for violation of this section and the Township Clerk shall maintain a record for each license issued and record the reports of violation therein.
[1972 Code § 7-3.9]
No license shall be issued pursuant to subsection 4-3.1 to any person under the age of 18 years.
[1972 Code § 7-3.10]
No license shall be issued pursuant to this section except upon approval of the Township Council.
[1972 Code § 7-3.11]
No person shall solicit, canvass or otherwise perform any activity described in subsection 4-3.2 except between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and sunset. Ringing doorbells of private residents for such purpose after sunset is prohibited.
[Added 11-26-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-30]
It shall be unlawful for any solicitor, canvasser or itinerant vendor to deposit, strew about or place unsolicited printed materials on private property without a license. No solicitation or advertising materials shall be deposited on private property using any type of weight, including but not limited to rocks or other stone, without the property owner's prior permission.
[1972 Code § 7-12; New]
The occasional sale of goods, wares, or merchandise on or from property principally used as a residence (commonly known as garage, yard, patio, or rummage sale) is permitted, subject to and in compliance with the following terms and condition:
a.
No person shall accept for sale, or sell, at any such sale, any goods, wares or merchandise from any commercial business or enterprise on a consignment or resale basis.
b.
No more than two such sales shall be conducted per year at any one premises.
c.
No such sale shall take place other than between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. prevailing time and shall exceed two consecutive days in duration.
d.
Any such sale may be advertised by not more than two signs posted within the Township, neither of which shall exceed two feet by three feet in area. Any sign so erected shall be immediately removed at the end of the second day upon which the sale is held. No sign erected in accordance with this section shall be placed in such a manner so as to constitute a traffic hazard or an impediment to safety.
e.
Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, it shall not be a violation of this section to advertise such sale within a classified advertisement section of a newspaper circulating in the community, on local cable television or in any other manner not inconsistent with this section provided that each such advertisement reflects the limitation of hours and days provided herein. The use of such advertisements as are described in this paragraph shall be deemed prima facie evidence that a sale as described herein is being conducted.
f.
No sale shall be conducted so as to create a traffic or safety problem. The person owning or occupying the premises at which the sale is to be conducted, or the person conducting the sale, or both, shall take all necessary precautions to insure that no traffic or parking problems or trespassing onto nearby property by prospective or actual customers of the sale shall occur.
[Added 12-14-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-41; amended 11-26-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-28]
The occasional sale of motor vehicles on or from property not principally used as an auto dealership is permitted, subject to and in compliance with the following terms and condition:
The occasional sale of motor vehicles on or from property principally used as a residence is permitted, subject to and in compliance with the following terms and condition:
a.
Such sales shall be limited to two motor vehicles per year at any one premises.
b.
Motor vehicles must be parked in the driveway of the property and cannot be stationed on any grass area located in the front or side yard of the property.
c.
The "For Sale" and all other signage must be placed inside the motor vehicle.
d.
The motor vehicle must be registered to the property owner or a current resident of the property.
e.
No sale shall be conducted so as to create a traffic or safety problem. The person owning or occupying the premises at which the sale is to be conducted, or the person conducting the sale, or both, shall take all necessary precautions to ensure that no traffic or parking problems or trespassing onto nearby property by prospective or actual customers for the purchase of the motor vehicle shall occur.
[Ord. No. 09-10 § 7-6.1]
No person shall place, use, or employ a charitable clothing bin, for solicitation purposes, without obtaining a municipal permit. A separate permit shall be required for each charitable clothing bin placed, used or employed. For the purpose of this section, "solicitation" or "solicit" shall be defined as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.60, as amended from time to time.
[Ord. No. 09-10 § 7-6.2; amended 12-11-2018 by Ord. No. 18-29]
In lieu of the requirements of Subsection 4-1.2, the applicant must provide all of the information required by N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.61, as amended from time to time, on a form provided by the Zoning Officer of the Township. The Zoning Officer shall review the application form and either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application within 20 days of receipt.
[Ord. No. 09-10 § 7-6.3; New; Ord. No. 13-28]
The annual fee for a permit to place, use or employ a charitable clothing bin, or any renewal thereof, shall be $300 per bin.
[Ord. No. 09-10 § 7-6.4]
Any charitable clothing bin located within the Township shall have the following information clearly and conspicuously displayed upon it:
a.
The name and address of the registered person that owns the bin, and of any other entity which may share or profit from any clothing or other donations collected via the bin;
b.
The telephone number of the person's bona fide office and, if applicable, the telephone number of the bona fide office of any other entity which may share or profit from any clothing or other donations collected via the bin;
c.
In cases when any entity other than the person who owns the bin may share or profit from any clothing or other donations collected via the bin, a notice, written in a clear and easily understandable manner, indicating that clothing or other donations collected via the bin, their proceeds, or both, may be shared, or given entirely to, an entity other than the person who owns the bin, and identifying all such entities which may share or profit from such donations;
d.
A statement consistent with the information provided to the appropriate municipal agency in the most recent permit or renewal application indicating the manner in which the person anticipates any clothing or other donations collected via the bin would be used, sold or disbursed, and the method by which the proceeds of collected donations would be allocated or spent;
e.
The permit number and its date of expiration; and
f.
Any other information required under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.61, as amended from time to time.
[Ord. No. 09-10 § 7-6.5]
a.
The Zoning Officer of the Township shall receive and investigate, within 30 days, any complaints from the public about any charitable clothing bin. Whenever it appears to the Zoning Officer that a person has engaged in, or is engaging in any act or practice in violation of N.J.S.A. 40:48, the person who placed the bin shall be issued a warning, stating that if the violation is not rectified or a hearing with the appropriate municipal agency is not requested within 45 days, the bin will be seized or removed at the expense of the person who placed the bin, and any clothing or other donations collected via the bin will be sold at public auction or otherwise disposed of. In addition to any other means used to notify the person who placed the bin, such warning shall be affixed to the exterior of the bin itself.
b.
In the event the person who placed the bin does not rectify the violation or request a hearing within 45 days of the posting of the warning, the Township may seize the bin, remove it, or have it removed at the expense of the person who has placed the bin, and sell at public auction or otherwise dispose of any clothing or other donations collected via the bin. Any proceeds from the sale of the donations collected via the bin shall be paid to the Chief Financial Officer of the Township.
[Ord. No. 09-10 § 7-6.6]
In addition to any other penalties or remedies authorized by the laws of the State of New Jersey, any person who violates N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.60 et seq., which results in the seizure of the charitable clothing bin shall be:
a.
Subject to a penalty of up to $20,000 for each violation. The Zoning Officer may bring this action in the Municipal Court of the Township or the Superior Court as a summary proceeding under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999, N.J.S.A. 2A:58-10, et seq., and any penalty monies collected shall be paid to the Chief Financial Officer of the municipality; and
b.
Deemed ineligible to place, use, or employ charitable clothing bin for solicitation purposes pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.61. A person disqualified from placing, using, or employing a charitable clothing bin by violating the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.60, et seq., may apply to the Township Council of the Township of Piscataway to have the person's eligibility restored. The Township Council of the Township of Piscataway may restore the eligibility of a person who:
[1972 Code § 7-11]
Games of chance may be conducted on Sundays under licenses issued by the Township for the holding, operating and conducting of games of chance known as bingo and raffles pursuant to N.J.S.A. 5:8-31 and 5:8-58. Such licenses shall specifically state that the games of chance may be conducted on Sunday. In all other respects the Sunday licenses shall conform with the requirements of Bingo Licensing Law and the Raffles Licensing Law.
[1972 Code § 7-8.1]
Except as to any campus of Rutgers, the State University, it shall be unlawful to maintain, use, operate, or conduct in any public or quasi-public place, or in any building, store, or other place wherein the public is invited or wherein the public may enter in the Township, or to permit such maintenance, use, operation, or conduct, of any automatic or electronic amusement game or device of the type commonly known and designated as automatic baseball, pinball, video machine of the type exemplified by "Space Invaders," or any other automatic or electronic amusement device, unless the owner of the game or device has first obtained a license for that purpose from the Township Council.
[1972 Code § 7-8.3; New]
Except as provided in subsection 4-7.7, the license fee shall be $100 for each device, provided that if any license is issued after July 1 of any calendar year, the fee shall be $60 for the remainder of the year. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained within this chapter, each amusement license granted under the provisions hereof shall expire on January 1 of the calendar year next following the year of issuance.
[1972 Code § 7-8.4]
Each license shall be granted only after a determination by the Township Council that the issuance of the license will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, welfare, and morals of the citizens of the Township. The Township Council may, if it so desires, in its sole discretion, hold public hearings regarding the issuance of any license requested in accordance with the provisions of this section. The Township Council may consider such factors as the access of the device or machine to children; the hours of operation for the device or machine in question; the proximity of such device or machine to a school or other public building; the number of such devices or machines previously approved for the same premises; the degree to which the grant of the license may create a tendency toward crowding or loitering; and such other factors as the Council deems in accordance with the public interest in deciding whether to grant any license requested or whether to hold a hearing with regard to any application for such license.
[1972 Code § 7-8.5; amended 9-10-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-22]
a.
Redemption Amusement Game shall mean a game which is played for amusement or entertainment, which is a game in which the person or player actively participates, in which the outcome is not in the control of the operator or owner of the game and which is so conducted that when and where all of the players are present there occurs in continuous sequence, the sale of a right to participate, the event which determines whether a player wins or loses and the award of a merchandise prize or nontransferable tokens or tickets which may be accumulated and which are immediately redeemable for a merchandise prize, provided, however, that the following are not redemption amusement games and are not eligible for license under this chapter.
b.
License Required. It shall be unlawful for any person, to own or operate within the Township of Piscataway, any redemption amusement game without first having obtained a proper license therefor from the Township Council of the Township ofPiscataway. Said license shall be issued only pursuant to this section and the provisions ofthe Amusement Games Licensing Law.
[1972 Code § 7-8.6]
The maintenance, use, operation, or conduct of any device, game, or machine in violation of this section, without a license as required shall subject the owner of the premises on which such device, game, or machine is maintained, used, operated, or conducted to a fine within the general jurisdictional limits of the Municipal Court of the Township. Each day on which such device, game, or machine is maintained, used, operated or conducted without such license may constitute a separate violation, within the discretion of the Municipal Court of the Township.
[1972 Code § 7-8.7; New]
As to automatic baseball, pinball, video machines, or other automatic or electronic amusement devices installed on any campus of Rutgers, the State University, in the Township, the owner of the devices shall pay a fee as delineated by this subsection. The owner shall pay $750 annually to obtain licenses for the operation of such devices on each of the two campuses of Rutgers, the State University, within the Township, for a total of $1,500. The owner of such devices located on the campuses of Rutgers, the State University, may apply for and obtain in any one year licenses authorizing the operation of not more than 50 such devices on each campus of Rutgers, the State University. All application forms shall be submitted to the Municipal Clerk in the same manner as heretofore. Subject to the limitation of 50 such devices on each campus of Rutgers, the State University, the owner of such devices may increase the number of devices on any campus during any calendar year without any augmentation to the fees set forth herein.
[Added 9-10-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-22]
a.
The Township Council shall have and exercise control and supervision over all amusement games held, operated or conducted under such license with all the powers authorized or granted to it under the Amusement Games Licensing Law and all amendments and supplements thereto.
b.
Township Code Enforcement may inspect or cause to be inspected any place or building in which redemption amusement games are made available for public use and all records that the licensee is required to prepare and maintain under the Amusement Games Licensing Law.
c.
Redemption amusement games licensed hereunder shall be available only in plain view of any person or persons who may enter upon any place where such redemption amusement games are made available for play or use by the public; and in no licensed premises shall they be made available selectively to certain persons designated by the licensee or other person; nor shall they be in any way concealed except when out of service for maintenance or repair.
d.
Redemption amusement games shall not be operated or otherwise made available to the public for use on any day later than 3:00 a.m, nor earlier than 7:00 a.m.
e.
Prizes awarded as the result of play or use of redemption amusement games shall be only merchandise of no greater value than as applicable, the single game and aggregate limitations from time to time provided under the Amusement Games Licensing Law. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drug or narcotic paraphernalia, weapons, obscene or indecent recordings, printings, writings, pictures; money or any live animals shall not be awarded as prizes, and no licensee shall directly or indirectly or by any subterfuge, purchase any merchandise prize, once it has been duly awarded, nor shall licensee exchange the prize for money or money's worth.
f.
The Amusement Games Licensing Law ( N.J.S.A. 5:8-78 et. seq.) and corresponding regulations ( N.J.A.C. 13:3-1.1 et seq.) are hereby incorporated as provisions of this section, as fully as if they were herein at length set out, it being the intention of the Township Council that any violation of such sections by a licensee shall be a violation not only of the Amusement Games Licensing Law but also of this section and that any duties of a licensee as set out in such sections are duties of a licensee under both the Amusement Games Licensing Laws and this section.
[1972 Code § 7-5.1]
No person shall operate or conduct within the Township any circus for the public where admission for entrance is charged without first obtaining a license.
[1972 Code § 7-5.2]
In addition to the requirements of subsection 4-1.2, the applicant must show evidence of proper insurance coverage for workmen's compensation as provided by N.J.S.A. 34:15-71, and in addition, public liability insurance in an amount determined and approved by the Township Attorney. The policies shall be approved by the Township Attorney.
[1972 Code § 7-5.3; New]
The fee shall be the sum of $100 for each day of operation provided however if the applicant is a duly organized house of worship or a duly organized Volunteer Fire Department or veterans organization of the Township and the receipts are for their benefit, the fee shall be waived.
[1972 Code § 7-5.4]
The license shall be granted by the Township Council after determining that the issuance of the license shall not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the Township.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit any passengers or fares within the Township without first having obtained a license from the Clerk or his designated representative.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Shall mean and include any automobile, motor car or other vehicle commonly called "taxi" engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire which is held out, announced or advertised to operate or run over any streets or public highways of the Township, and particularly accepts such persons as may offer themselves for transportation within the Township. The term shall not include autobuses, public liveries, jitneys or other such vehicles which are hired by charter or for a particular contract agreed upon in advance or such public conveyances as are by law subject to State or Federal regulations exclusively.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
a.
Taxicab Owner's License.
1.
Any person desiring to obtain a license for the operation of a taxicab or taxicabs shall make separate application in writing to the Clerk or his designated representative for the granting of a license for each vehicle, which application shall be made on blank forms to be furnished by the Township and shall contain such information as may from time to time be deemed requisite to determine the fitness of the applicant to conduct the business and adequacy of the vehicle and equipment to be used. Failure to fill out the application completely and accurately will be grounds for denial. The Chief of Police shall make a recommendation to the Township Council regarding approval/denial of each applicant.
2.
Every applicant for this license shall be a citizen of the United States and at least 21 years of age. No application shall be accepted unless it is accompanied by the full amount of the required license fee.
3.
The license when issued shall in no way be construed to permit an owner or operator to drive or operate a taxicab without a taxicab driver's license.
b.
Taxicab Driver's License.
1.
Each applicant for a taxicab driver's license shall be at least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and the holder of a State driver's license issued by the State of New Jersey (not a probationary driver's license or a learners permit). The applicant's New Jersey Driver's license must be in good standing.
2.
All applications for a taxicab driver's license shall be made in writing to the Clerk, which applications shall be made upon blank forms to be furnished by the Township and shall give, in addition to the information required by this section, such further information as may from time to time be deemed requisite to determine the fitness of the applicant to act in the capacity specified. Each application shall be accompanied by the full amount of the license fee as hereinafter provided. The Chief of Police shall make a recommendation to the Township Council regarding approval/denial of each applicant.
c.
Criminal History Record Background Check.
1.
Each operator or driver of the taxicab for which the owner thereof is seeking the consent to operate in a municipality must submit to the performance of a criminal history record background check annually. The cost for the criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing the check, shall be borne by the operator or driver of the taxicab.
2.
A person shall be disqualified from operating or driving a taxicab if a criminal history record background check required pursuant to this subsection reveals a record of conviction of any of the following crimes:
(a)
In New Jersey or elsewhere any crime as follows: aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault or endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4, whether or not armed with or having in his possession any weapon enumerated in Subsection r of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1, a crime pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3, 2C:39-4 or 2C:39-9, or other than a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense for the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2.
(b)
In any other state, territory, commonwealth, or other jurisdiction of the United States, or any country in the world, as a result of a conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction, a crime which in that other jurisdiction or country is comparable to one of the crimes enumerated in paragraph c, 2 (a).
(c)
If a person who has been convicted of one of the crimes enumerated in paragraph c, 2 (a) and (b) can produce a certificate of rehabilitation issued pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:168A-8 or, if the criminal offense occurred outside New Jersey, an equivalent certificate from the jurisdiction where the criminal offense occurred, the criminal offense shall not disqualify the applicant from operating or driving a taxicab.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
The Township Council shall, by resolution, grant or deny the license.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
No owner's license shall be issued until the applicant submits the insurance policy or certificate in lieu thereof required by N.J.S.A. 48:16-3 covering the taxicab to be licensed and until the taxicab has been thoroughly and carefully inspected by the Office of Traffic Safety, Department of Police, and found to be in a safe, clean and sanitary condition for the transportation of passengers. Each owner's license issued hereunder shall state the make, model and vehicle identification number of the car licensed and license number of the vehicle as granted by the State of New Jersey. No owner's license shall be transferred from one vehicle to another. Taxicab driver's licenses shall not be transferable. All changes of residence on the part of the holder of any license issued under this section shall be reported in writing to the Township Clerk within three days after the change.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
Every driver or operator when in charge of a taxicab licensed under this section shall have in his immediate possession a valid taxicab driver's license, which license shall be exhibited at any time upon request by the Clerk, any member of the Township Council, any Police Officer, any duly authorized agent of the Township or any passenger.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
a.
The Township Council is authorized to designate by resolution or ordinance such places in the Township as public stands for taxicabs as if may deem expedient and proper and may give such direction regarding the places and position to be occupied as public stands as it may deem necessary to preserve order and promote public convenience.
b.
No vehicle which is not licensed hereunder shall occupy any part of a public stand as so designated.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
Every taxicab while occupying space on a public stand or public street shall be immediately available for hire. Upon request, no owner or driver unless previously engaged shall refuse or neglect to carry any orderly person anywhere within a radius of 10 miles of the Township. No owner or driver shall leave his vehicle unattended, or in any manner render the vehicle unready for immediate use while it is occupying space within any public stand or public street.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
No passengers shall be solicited for any taxicab except by a driver duly licensed by the Township who is operating a taxicab licensed by the Township. No person operating such a taxicab shall permit or allow any person other than a passenger being transported for hire in or about such taxicab when in service as a taxicab.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
No owner or driver of any taxicab shall induce any person to employ him by knowingly misinforming or misleading such person either as to the time or place of the arrival or departure of any train or bus, or as to the location of any hotel, public or private place, nor shall any such owner or driver deceive any person, make false misrepresentations to him or convey any passenger to any other place or over any other route than that indicated by the passenger.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
a.
Every taxicab licensed under this section shall carry affixed therein so that the same may be conveniently read by any passenger a card containing the name of the owner of the vehicle and the number of the owner's license.
b.
Every taxicab shall have painted on both sides the words "Taxi," "Cab" or "Taxicab" or the name of the operating owner containing the words "Taxi," "Cab" or "Taxicab" in letters at least two inches high.
c.
Every taxicab shall also carry in such a position an electric sign not less than four inches by eight inches by 10 inches which shall be illuminated and shall plainly show the word "Taxi" or the owner's name or the owner's telephone number.
d.
The owner of a taxicab shall cause to be displayed on the body of the vehicle the taxi license number issued to that vehicle. The number shall be three inches in height and located in the center of the rear quarter panels on the driver and passenger sides and the rear center line of the trunk of the vehicle. Each taxicab shall display on each rear door of the taxicab the name of the municipality or municipalities which have issued the taxicab a taxi license in letters three inches in height.
[Ord. No. 12-27; Ord. No. 14-26]
a.
Rates of Fare.
1.
In all cases except for senior citizens, the fare rate for the carriage of any passenger from the point of origin to any destination point within a two-mile radius inside Piscataway Township is $4.75 consisting of the basic fare of $4 and temporary fuel surcharge of $0.75 per fare/trip for the first two passengers carried to the same designation point at the same time and $0.50 for each additional passenger carried to the same destination at the same time. From the point of origin to any destination point outside the two-mile radius from the place of origin and being inside Piscataway Township, the rate is $5.50 consisting of the basic fare of $4.75 and temporary fuel surcharge of $0.75 per fare/trip for the first two passengers carried to the same designation point at the same time and $0.50 for each additional passenger carried to the same destination at the same time.
2.
In the case of senior citizens, where the senior citizen displays proof that he or she is 65 years of age or over or displays a valid senior citizen identification card, the fare for these qualified individuals is anywhere within the township limits, $4 per fare/trip for the first two senior citizens passengers carried to the same designation point at the same time and $0.50 for each additional passenger carried to the same destination at the same time. This senior citizen exemption is allowed due to the fixed incomes that many senior citizens must live on.
3.
No additional fare or charge may be charged or collected for the carriage of a wheelchair in possession of a disabled person who is a passenger in the taxicab or for use of a child's car seat.
4.
The following schedule of the approved rates shall be displayed in the taxicab in a manner so as to be easily read by all passengers:
Piscataway Township Taxi Rate | Fare |
|---|---|
Within 2 Mile Radius inside Piscataway Township | $4.75 |
Outside 2 Mile Radius inside Piscataway Township | $5.50 |
Senior Citizen with proof that they are 65 years of age or over | $4 |
Over 2 passengers | $0.50 each passenger |
[Ord. No. 12-27]
The number of taxicab licenses authorized to be issued under the provision of this section shall be limited to one such license for each 3,000 residents of the Township as determined by the latest Federal census.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
Any license may be revoked or suspended at any time for cause. When so suspended or revoked, such license shall not be reissued except for good and sufficient reason shown.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
The Clerk may make such rules and regulation in relation to the operation of taxicabs and the conduct of the operators thereof as he may from time to time determine to be necessary and proper in the best interest of the citizens of the Township. Any violation of such rules and regulations shall constitute a violation of this section. Such rules and regulations shall not become effective until 48 hours after they have been promulgated and posted in a conspicuous place in the Township Hall and copies thereof mailed to the current holders of taxicab owners' and taxicab drivers' licenses.
[Ord. No. 12-27]
a.
All owners and drivers must be in compliance with Title 39.
b.
Any person or persons, firms, corporations or other organizations found to be in violation of any of the provisions of this section shall upon conviction thereof in Municipal Court, in addition to the penalties provided by N.J.S.A. 48:16-22, pay a fine of not less than $50 and no more than $100 for the first offense and for each subsequent offense shall, upon conviction, pay a fine not to exceed $500. Upon failure to pay such fine, such person shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days.
[1972 Code § 7-13.1; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; amended 5-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-14; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
As used in this section:
Any vehicle partially dismantled or not readily capable of operation under its own power, not currently licensed, wrecked, or junked. It shall also mean any vehicle whose owner has terminated the use and care of the vehicle, and has indicated by his words or actions an intent to leave it and no longer claim ownership of it. "Abandoned" shall also include vehicles left in any place within the Township for a period of time and under circumstances which cause the vehicle to appear abandoned.
Shall include dumpsters of all types, portable storage units, and shipping containers.
Shall mean the driving of a "wrecker" to and from any Township street for the purpose of soliciting business in the Township.
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.2 of the rules of the State Division of Consumer Affairs, "decoupling" means releasing a motor vehicle to its owner or operator when the motor vehicle has been, or is about to be, hooked to or lifted by a tow truck, but prior to the motor vehicle actually having been moved or removed from the property.
Shall mean a vehicle unable to safely operate under its own power.
Shall mean all vehicles more than 16,000 GVWR pounds, including commercial vehicles and trailers.
Shall mean all vehicles less than 10,001 pounds GVWR, including motorcycles, ATVs, and trailers.
Shall mean all vehicles more than 10,000 pounds GVWR, but less than 16,000 pounds GVWR including commercial vehicles and trailers.
Shall mean an occurrence in which a vehicle comes in contact with any other object or that is damaged by vandalism or fire while in operation, for which it must be towed or removed for placement in a storage facility.
Shall mean the owner, agent or permissive user of the vehicle.
Shall mean a vehicle storage facility that is not indoors and is secured by a fence, wall or man-made barrier that is at least six feet high. Such facilities will be equipped with, and required to use, a functioning surveillance system.
Shall mean owned, rented or leased.
Shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, firm partnership, association, corporation or other organization, and the singular or plural, masculine, feminine or neuter thereof, unless the contrary is clearly expressed.
The Township of Piscataway.
Shall mean any passenger automobile, truck, motorcycle, ATV, motor driven cycle, construction equipment, container, or trailer.
Shall mean the process of moving a motor vehicle from off the roadway by the use of additional chains, nylon slings and additional lengths of winch cable from a position that is not accessible for direct hook up by conventional means for towing and/or loading onto a tow vehicle. Winching is not pulling a vehicle onto a flatbed carrier or lifting a motor vehicle by conventional means (tow sling, wheel left, etc.). Winching is only appropriate when a vehicle is in a ditch or must be uprighted due to a roll-over onto the roof of the vehicle.
Shall mean a vehicle used for the purpose of towing, transporting or otherwise removing any and all kinds of vehicles which are disabled, to include light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty applications.
[1972 Code § 7-13.2; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
All approvals issued under this section shall expire on December 31, of the second calendar year following the approval, or until such time as the approval of licenses for the second calendar year is completed, next succeeding the date of issue unless sooner suspended or revoked as hereinafter provided.
[1972 Code § 7-13.3; Ord. No. 12-29; Ord. No. 13-28; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
The fee for approval issued hereunder shall be $600 for each applicant engaged in vehicle towing and wrecking service per year; the fee for any such license issued on or after August 1 of any year shall be $300 for the balance of the calendar year of issue. All fees shall be payable to the Municipal Clerk of the Township. Any applicant wishing to provide light and medium/heavy duty towing services must fill out two separate applications and pay two separate fees of $600 each.
[1972 Code § 7-13.4; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; amended 5-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-14; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
Application for approval issued hereunder shall be made upon forms prepared and made available by the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or their designee and shall require the applicant to state under oath:
a.
The name, home address and proposed or actual business address of the applicant, and whether the applicant is owner, lessee or bailee;
b.
Description of a minimum of two wreckers to be approved, including year, make, model, type and serial number of body; and
c.
Certification that the applicant has available space for properly accommodating and protecting all vehicles to be towed or otherwise removed from the place where they are presently located, consistent with municipal zoning laws, and that the disabled vehicles will not be stored or allowed to remain on public property or Township streets or on property not zoned for such storage.
d.
An original certificate of insurance for each of the insured motor vehicles that are to be utilized by the applicant.
e.
Photocopies of all registrations of every wrecker to be operated by applicant (if the wrecker is leased, the applicant is required to submit a lease agreement).
f.
Photocopies of all wrecker operators' current driver's licenses as well as photocopies of operators' towing certificates and certifications (these are to be attached to the operator's individual application).
g.
Names, addresses and telephone numbers of any lien holder on the principal location.
h.
A complete criminal history background check for the applicant, wrecker operators, and all agents and employees of applicant.
i.
Employer will receive the criminal history results and attach said results to the completed application (https://www.njportal.com/njsp/criminalrecords/).
j.
Proof of a minimum of five years towing experience.
k.
Copies of the equipment manufacturer's specifications for each piece of equipment.
l.
The case name, docket number, date of filing and, if applicable, date of judgment of any litigation involving the applicant that took place in the last 10 years.
m.
A Memorandum of Understanding regarding towing services for Township Police Vehicles.
n.
A Vehicle Release Policy (vehicle release forms can be obtained from the Township Police Records Department.
o.
Proof of DOT Numbers for all wreckers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 10,001 pounds (Per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration § 390.5).
p.
Proof of valid Amber Light Permits.
q.
Proof that the applicant currently accepts two major credit cards for payment purposes.
r.
Disclosure of all other municipal, county and state entities that the wrecker company provides services to, or has provided services to in the last 10 years, and if the wrecker company has ever been suspended, disciplined (to include written reprimands or warnings), or is currently suspended by any municipal, county or state entity.
s.
Continued adherence to all sections of this chapter.
[1972 Code § 7-13.5; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
The Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or the Traffic Safety Division will distribute applications for each application period. Only applications distributed by The Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or the Traffic Safety Division for that application period will be accepted and reviewed.
b.
Prior application approval shall not guarantee the renewal upon receipt of the new application. Any change in business ownership shall immediately terminate prior approval and shall not guarantee subsequent renewal.
c.
Following the receipt of the applications, the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or the Traffic Safety Division shall cause an investigation to be made of the applicant and of his proposed business operation. The inspection of the wreckers shall be conducted by the Traffic Safety Division, which shall report to the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee as to whether the applicant meets the requirements and standards of subsections 4-12.4 and 4-12.6. Following the investigation, the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee shall either recommend approval or denial to the Governing Body.
[1972 Code § 7-13.6; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; amended 5-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-14; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
The Township Council shall authorize the issuance of an approval upon making the following findings:
a.
That the public convenience and necessity will be served by the use of the wrecker for which application has been made, which determination is at the sole discretion of the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, or his/her designee.
b.
That all of the wrecker company's equipment and publicly accessible areas of their facility to be approved are safe and adequate.
c.
That the requirements of this section and all other governing laws, statutes, and ordinances have been met.
d.
That the wrecker has been properly licensed and inspected by the State of New Jersey.
e.
That the insurance policies or certificates required by this section have been produced and supplied.
f.
That the business to be approved maintains secured storage spaces for all towed vehicles.
g.
That the applicant has certified that they will be available on a twenty-four hour basis when on call, will respond within a 20 minute time period to the site of where towing services are needed, and will have a minimum of two operable wreckers and two wrecker operators available at all times when on call.
h.
That each wrecker is equipped with the necessary equipment and/or material to remove any vehicle, and perform any required street cleanup or debris removal from any scene.
i.
That the applicant currently accepts at least two major credit cards for payment purposes.
j.
That there are no other reasons resulting from the investigation, background check or inaccuracies in the application which might lead to disapproval.
[1972 Code § 7-13.7; Ord. No. 2016-41]
Following authorization of approval by the Township Council, receipts of payment from the applicant of the proper application fee for each wrecker approval, and receipt of insurance policies approved by the Township Attorney, the Municipal Clerk of the Township of Piscataway shall issue a rotation wrecker approval. Any applicant denied an application shall, upon request, be afforded a public hearing.
[Added 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
The wrecker shall abide by this Vehicle Release Policy and no individual wrecker company policy shall supersede the Police Department's Policy. No further documentation shall be necessary to obtain the release of a vehicle, if not explicitly stated in this section.
1.
Impounded Vehicles Documentation.
(a)
Prior to the release of an impounded vehicle, the owner or his designee shall obtain a tow release from the Records Division of the Piscataway Township Police Department. This vehicle release shall be granted the following confirmation of ownership, valid registration, and valid insurance:
(1)
Confirmation of ownership shall mean possession of a current, clean, and unsigned title, listing the name of the current owner.
(2)
Vehicle releases may be granted by the Records Section of the Piscataway Township Police Department on a tow-out only basis, in which a vehicle must be towed from a secured towed facility following confirmation of ownership and vehicle insurance only, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:3-40.6.
(b)
The Central Records Section shall authorize the release of an impounded vehicle to an authorized party, other than the owner following the execution of the Record Divisions' second party vehicle release authorization, to be completed by the owner and notarized.
(1)
Release may be obtained from the Records Division and must be notarized prior to approval.
b.
Wreckers shall authorize the release of medication (or items necessary for medical care), keys not belonging to the vehicle, cellular phone, registration and identification documents, as well as any other property deemed immediately necessary for the individual's employment. The aforementioned property shall only be retrieved by a representative of the wrecker company or the Piscataway Township Police department. Once retrieved the property shall be held at the front desk of the respective wrecker company for pick-up by the vehicle owner.
c.
Each towing operator must make the stored vehicles available for pickup between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
d.
Every wrecker operator shall always give the owner of the vehicle a written receipt for the fee paid, in accordance with the rates posted for the services which are required or directed to be rendered.
e.
Each wrecker operator must permit retrieval of a vehicle by any authorized party, including but not limited to an insurance adjuster, the owner, or the owner's designee with a second party vehicle release authorization, to include any third party wrecker requested by said person.
[1]
[Former Subsection 4-12.8 was repealed Ord. No. 2016-41.]
[1972 Code § 7-13.9; Ord. No. 12-29; Ord. No. 2016-41; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
Hold Harmless. The owner and/or operator of the wrecker shall agree in writing to assume the defense of and indemnify and hold harmless the Township, its elected officials, boards, commissions, officers, employees and agents, from all suits, actions, damages or claims, fees, costs, expenses, fines or penalties to which the Township may be subjected of any kind and nature whatsoever resulting from, caused by, arising out of or as a consequence of the provisions of towing, wrecking, storage and/or emergency services provided at the request of the Township pursuant to this section. Official wreckers shall enter into a hold harmless agreement in a form prepared by the Township Director of Law prior to being included on the official wrecker's list.
b.
Insurance. The owner of each licensed wrecker shall maintain, during the life of the approval, insurance policies of the type and with the minimum limits indicated below and in a form satisfactory to the Township. The owner and/or operator of each approved wrecker shall provide a certified copy of the policies and/ or certificates of insurance satisfactory to the Township prior to commencement work. All policies and/or certificates shall be submitted to the Township risk management consultant and Traffic Safety Division 30 days in advance of work by the owner and/or operator of a wrecker, for review and approval.
1.
Garage Liability Insurance. Limit of liability insurance shall not be less than $500,000 combined single limit (bodily injury and property damage) per occurrence, including premises operations and products/completed operations.
2.
Automobile Liability Insurance. Limit of liability shall not be less than $500,000 combined single limit (bodily injury and property damage) per occurrence.
3.
Garagekeepers Insurance. Physical damage insurance policies shall be specifically endorsed to provide "direct primary" insurance, where applicable, for vehicles in tow, possession of, or storage on property owned or controlled by the owner of the wrecker. Limit on said coverage shall not be less than $100,000.
4.
Excess Umbrella Insurance. Limit of liability shall not be less than $1,000,000 providing protection in excess of $500,000 garage and auto liability coverage. Note: this requirement may be waived if the limits of liability in paragraphs b1 and 2 and are not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit.
5.
On all liability policies, the Township shall be added as an additional insured, and insurance policies and/or certificates shall indicate such coverage as primary coverage notwithstanding any insurance carried by the Township.
6.
Workers Compensation Insurance. New Jersey statutory coverage, including employers liability coverage.
7.
Each insurance policy or certificate of insurance shall contain a provision that it is not subject to material change, cancellation or nonrenewal unless 30 days' prior written notice via certified mail/return receipt shall have been given to the Township by the insurance company of the owner and/or operator of the wrecker except that 10 days prior written notice shall have been given in the event of cancelation due to nonpayment of premium (hereinafter the "wrecker's insurance company").
8.
The providing of any insurance required herein does not relieve the wrecker of any of the responsibilities or obligations assumed by the owner of the wrecker for which the owner of the wrecker may be liable by law or otherwise.
9.
If any policies contain deductible or co-payments, it shall be the responsibility of the owner and/or operator of the wrecker to pay such sums at the same time a claim is settled by the wrecker's insurance company.
10.
If any policies contain limits of liability with an aggregate limit, the owner and/or operator of the wrecker or the wrecker's insurance company shall provide the Township-quarterly during the policy period — a statement evidencing the limits of liability required under the contract to be in force.
11.
Failure to provide and continue in force such insurance as required above shall be deemed a material breach of the license and shall cause an immediate termination thereof.
12.
All policies shall be written in either a company licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey or a New Jersey eligible Surplus Lines Company with a minimum Best A-VII (A minus seven). They shall be written on an ISO (insurance services office) form or better.
[1972 Code § 7-13.10; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
All allowable fees shall be the maximum fees permitted by the New Jersey State Police rate schedule at the time the vehicle is towed. These rates are annually recalculated based upon a random sampling of reasonable fees utilized by commercial and municipal wrecker companies. The New Jersey State Police has determined that the average rate per category is reasonable and is acceptable for use. The current rate schedule can be found through the Garden State Towing association or online at https://gsta.org/state-police-rates/.
[1972 Code § 7-13.11; Ord. No. 05-39; Ord. No. 09-02 § 7-13.11; Ord. No. 19-04; Ord. No. 13-08; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; amended 5-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-14; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
No wrecker company will charge any additional fees that are not listed in this section.
b.
The rate per wrecker only applies if the wrecker is actually used in the removal or conveyance of the vehicle.
c.
The rate for LABOR shall only apply to individuals that are not included under the TOWING-BASIC section of the New Jersey State Police rate schedule, and their assistance is necessary for the safe recovery of the vehicle.
d.
All dates and times for the storage and releasing of vehicles will be documented for the purposes of the fee schedule.
e.
On-hook mileage will not be charged for vehicles towed from the scene to the operator's storage facility or to a location in the Township. The towing rates shall be calculated based on the total distance traveled from the incident scene to the destination, by way of the shortest available route without additional stops and shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
[1972 Code § 7-13.12; Ord. No. 2016-41; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
No person shall operate a wrecker who is under the age of 18 years and who does not possess a New Jersey license to operate the specific vehicle type.
[1972 Code § 7-13.13; amended Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; 5-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-14; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
No wrecker operator shall solicit, demand or receive from any person, any pay, commission, compensation or employment, except the proper fee authorized for transporting the disabled, damaged, or abandoned vehicle in accordance with maximum rates listed by the New Jersey State Police in subsection 4-12.10.
b.
A wrecker operator shall keep and maintain towing equipment, which is safe and adequate to perform such towing in a reasonably workmanlike manner.
c.
That all of the wrecker company's publicly accessible areas of their facility are maintained in a safe and adequate condition.
d.
Each wrecker company shall record in a book kept solely for the purpose of documenting the details of each vehicle towed, serviced, or transported under the authority of the Township. This book shall be maintained as either a physical or electronic spreadsheet, which can be printed and turned over upon request to a duly authorized representative of the Police Department of the Township. This book shall be of a standard format, to include date, time, case number, wrecker operator name, wrecker unit number, identifying towed vehicle information, location vehicle removed to, fees charged, and the party the vehicle was released to.
e.
Each wrecker company and wrecker operator must adhere to all State Laws and regulations governing towing services.
f.
In all dealings with the public in connection with this chapter, the wrecker operator and wrecker company staff are expected to always act in a professional manner and, at all times, to be courteous and respectful toward members of the public as well as members of the Township Police Department. No operator shall represent to any member of the public that he is an employee of the Township.
g.
Each wrecker company shall provide each customer with a receipt showing all fees paid by that customer.
h.
Each wrecker operator shall be available on a twenty-four-hour basis when on call and shall respond promptly to each call, within the allotted 20 minute response time. Consideration shall be made regarding exigent circumstances, as well as additional time needed to facilitate the response of Heavy Duty equipment.
i.
In addition to the services outlined above, wrecker operators shall also be required to furnish extra towing equipment and service during storm periods, periods of snow emergencies, traffic emergencies, disasters and for any other reason when so designated by the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her duly authorized representative. During times of any such request, the Township may designate temporary areas owned or leased by the Township for storage of towed vehicles. During times of any such request, towing operators employed pursuant to this paragraph shall be entitled to make regular charges to the owners of the vehicles so removed. In said time, no storage fees shall apply to a vehicle removed to any area owned or leased by the Township until removal from that location. Within a time frame designated by the Traffic Safety Division, all vehicles removed to temporary areas owned or leased by the Township shall be removed to the respective wrecker company's secured storage space.
j.
Each wrecker company must permit retrieval of a vehicle by any authorized party, including but not limited to an insurance adjuster, the owner, or the owner's designee, to include any third party wrecker company requested by said person. Refer to Section 4-12.8, Vehicle Release Policy.
k.
Each wrecker company shall provide towing services and shall change tires on vehicles maintained by the Piscataway Township Police Department.
l.
Each towing operator must make the stored vehicles available for pickup between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
m.
Each wrecker company must display an exterior sign that is clearly identifiable and visible from 100 feet away from the property line. Said sign shall include the wrecker company's business name. Hours of operation and a contact phone number shall be posted conspicuously and visible from the publicly accessible entrance to the facility.
n.
Following the removal of any vehicle from the roadway, to include abandoned vehicles, disabled vehicles, or vehicles involved in motor vehicle collisions, the vehicle must be immediately and directly transported to that wrecker's company's approved secured storage facility, unless another destination is mutually agreed upon.
o.
Each wrecker operator shall display, at the cashier's counter, a clearly visible sign that shall include the Township of Piscataway storage fees and rates pursuant to this section and shall also include the contact number for the Township of Piscataway Police Department for any complaints.
p.
Under no circumstances shall any wrecker company, operator or representative distribute to any other individual or post on social media or the internet any image of a scene or vehicle they are called to while they are working on behalf of the Township.
q.
Each wrecker company shall promptly email a copy of the invoice or receipt to the Township Police Department Traffic Safety Division upon the release of any vehicle towed while working on behalf of the Township. The invoice or receipt shall bear the signature of the person to whom the vehicle was released.
r.
Following a period of snow or icy conditions, each wrecker company shall clear all areas of public access of said ice and snow to prevent a hazardous condition.
s.
For responses involving two or more vehicles to be towed, a minimum of two wreckers shall respond. Each wrecker shall respond within the 20 minute allotted timeframe.
t.
Each wrecker company shall disclose all arrests, license suspensions, and pending criminal complaints involving wrecker operators, company employees, and business owners, within one business day of such occurrence, both verbally and in writing to the Traffic Safety Division.
u.
Each wrecker company shall disclose all wrecker company suspensions and discipline (to include written reprimands or warnings) from any other municipal, county and state entities that the wrecker company provides services to while assigned to the Township rotating call list.
v.
The wrecker company shall abide by the Piscataway Township Police Department's Vehicle Release Policy and no individual wrecker company's release policy shall supersede the Piscataway Township Police Department's policy.
w.
The wrecker company agrees to notify the Traffic Safety Division within one business day of the addition of any new employee or wrecker vehicle, and understands that the employee or vehicle is not permitted to be used under the authority of this chapter until approved by the Traffic Safety Division.
[1972 Code § 7-13.14; Ord. No. 2016-41; Ord. No. 2017-36; 6-6-2019 by Ord. No. 19-15; amended 5-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-14; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
Approved wrecker companies performing towing services at the request of the Township shall be called on a rotating basis by the Township Police Department, which will maintain the list of approved wrecker companies and shall designate that approved wrecker company to be on call. Each day, one approved light duty wrecker company will be on call. The following day, the next approved wrecker company on the list will be on call for that day. When the last name on the list is reached, the next approved wrecker company to be on call will be the first name on the list. This order may be modified by the Traffic Safety Division on an as needed basis. Medium/Heavy Duty wrecker companies shall be on call on monthly rotating periods. Notwithstanding the above, should the owner or driver of a disabled vehicle indicate a choice of a specific approved wrecker company, that approved towing operator wrecker company shall be called and no other approved towing operator wrecker company shall be called from the rotation list, unless the vehicle is in an unsafe location or obstructing the flow of traffic, and the requested wrecker company has a response time greater than the 20 minute allotted time frame.
No approved wrecker company shall respond to the scene of an abandoned vehicle, disabled, vehicle, or vehicle involved in a motor vehicle collision, except upon notification by the police officer in charge at Police Headquarters, his designee or upon request of the driver or owner of a disabled vehicle. Cruising is expressly forbidden by this section.
b.
Such additional rules and regulations regarding the rotation of wreckers as may be hereafter promulgated by the Township Council shall take effect immediately after service of a copy thereof to an approved wrecker company in the Township. Service upon an approved wrecker company may be made by sending by ordinary mail a copy of the additional rules and regulations to the approved towing company's business address.
c.
This section shall not prevent the owner, lessee, agent or driver of a vehicle which is disabled, from calling a wrecker of their choice to remove the vehicle, unless the vehicle is in an unsafe condition, unsafe location, or obstructing the flow of traffic.
d.
When dealing with a crash involving serious bodily injury or a fatality, the decision to contact a wrecker service shall be made dependent on the response of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office-Fatal Crash Investigation Unit. If the Fatal Crash Investigation Unit responds and the MCPO determines that the vehicle will be towed, the vendor contracted by the County shall respond. If the Fatal Crash Investigation Unit does not respond, or determines that the County vendor need not respond, the Traffic Safety Division shall contact a wrecker company at their discretion.
e.
All wreckers are required to respond to calls regarding the towing of abandoned vehicles.
f.
When dealing with an act of God, such as a potential winter storm, or other emergency at the Township's sole determination, the on-call wrecker company shall, at the Township's request, station a tow truck, manned by a driver, within the confines of the Township. Said towing company will be notified at least 12 hours, but not more than 48 hours, prior to the implementation of said requirement. If the wrecker company's services are no longer required during the requested time period, the Township, at its own discretion, will release said towing company from its requirement.
[1972 Code § 7-13.15; Ord. No. 2016-41; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
The number of wrecker[s] companies to be approved within the Township shall be determined by the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee. In determining the number of approvals to be issued, the Director/Chief or designee shall take into account any of the following factors:
a.
The number of approvals previously issued per year;
b.
The geographic location of applicants;
c.
The time factor in determining response to a call;
d.
Whether an increased or decreased number is required to better serve the public;
e.
Whether an increased or decreased number will deleteriously affect service in any way; and
f.
Any other factors which in their opinion will affect the public in general and motorists in particular.
g.
The increasing call volume and ever growing expansion of the Township.
[Ord. No. 2016-41; amended 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
The Police Department generally, and the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee particularly, are hereby designated as the supervising authorities to enforce the provisions of this section.
b.
Suspension. The Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee is hereby empowered to temporarily suspend for cause any towing operator's approval and rights to operate thereunder.
1.
Grounds for Suspension. Violations of any provisions of this ordinance, any other applicable law, regulation, or Township ordinance, illegal, improper, or fraudulent activity, or substandard performance or service shall constitute grounds for suspension. Three separate violations, arising from three separate incidents, will result in automatic suspension for a temporary period.
2.
Procedure for Suspension. Upon a determination that appropriate grounds exist and that suspension is warranted, the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee shall issue written notice thereof to the offending wrecker company. The notice shall advise of the suspension, state the basis and duration thereof, establish the conditions for reinstatement, and inform the offending wrecker company of the right to appeal the suspension in accordance with subsection 4-12.17.
3.
Consequences of Suspension. Suspended wrecker companies must immediately cease all towing operations for the Township until reinstatement.
4.
Reinstatement. Suspended wrecker companies may be reinstated only after the violations leading to the suspension have, in the determination of the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee, been cured or appropriately rectified.
c.
Revocation. Towing approvals may be revoked by resolution of the Township Council upon written recommendation from the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee that an approved wrecker company is no longer qualified, capable, or competent to serve based on the requirements of this chapter.
1.
Grounds for Revocation. Repeated or egregious violations of any provisions of this chapter, any other applicable law, regulation, or Township ordinance, illegal, improper, or fraudulent activity, or repeated substandard performance or service shall constitute grounds for revocation.
2.
Procedure for Revocation. Upon a determination that appropriate grounds exist and that revocation is warranted, the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee shall so report to the Township Council in writing. If the Township Council agrees that revocation is appropriate, it shall adopt a resolution to that effect, which shall state the basis for revocation. The Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee shall thereafter provide written notice thereof, along with a copy of the resolution, to the offending wrecker company. The notice shall advise the wrecker company of the right to appeal the revocation in accordance with subsection 4-12.17.
3.
Consequences of Revocation. Following revocation, the wrecker company must immediately and indefinitely cease all towing operations for the Township.
[Ord. No. 2016-41; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-20]
a.
Right to Appeal. The suspension or revocation of a towing approval issued, pursuant to this section may be appealed to the Piscataway Township Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee.
b.
Time for Appeal. Appeals must be filed not later than 45 days from the date of the suspension, or revocation challenged.
c.
Procedure for Appeal. Requests for an appeal must be timely submitted in writing to the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee. The request must clearly identify the action challenged and include a statement of reasons in support of reversal. The appeal may be decided on the written record or a formal hearing may be conducted, which must be specifically requested. Upon receiving such a request, the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police or his/her designee shall, within reasonable time, schedule a mutually agreeable date for a hearing.
d.
Conduct of Hearing. The hearing authorized by this section shall be conducted before a three person panel composed as follows:
e.
Disposition of Appeal. After reviewing the aggrieved wrecker companies written submissions and the record of the formal hearing, if any, the panel shall issue a written decision upholding, reversing, or modifying the original determination.
1.
If the panel recommends a reversal of a revocation, its decision shall be forwarded to the Township Council which, if in agreement, shall adopt a resolution to that effect. Notice of the reversal, together with a copy of the panel's decision and Township Council resolution, shall be sent to the aggrieved party.
2.
If the panel recommends reversal or modification of a suspension, it shall so notify the aggrieved party. The notice shall include a copy of the panel's decision and state the conditions for reinstatement, if any.
3.
If the original determination is upheld, the panel shall so notify the aggrieved party and provide a copy of its written decision.
[1972 Code § 7-13.16; Ord. No. 2016-41]
Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, upon conviction, be liable for the penalty stated in Chapter 1, Section 1-5.
Additionally, certain violators may be subject to a claim made by the Commissioner of Insurance in accordance with N.J.S.A. 17:33A-5, the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.
[1972 Code § 7-14.1; New]
The Township Council finds and determines as follows:
a.
The Township frequently receives requests from various business entities engaged in fiber optic and other cable communications industries seeking the Township's approval for the use of rights-of-way, streets, other municipally-owned property and, in some instances, existing easements which previously have been granted by the Township to public utilities for the purpose of installing overhead and/or underground cables, conduits, wires and similar equipment. In the instances involving previously granted easements granted to public utilities, such easements typically were granted many years ago for nominal consideration.
b.
Such requests appear to be a part of the Information Super-Highway Network forecast for our Country.
c.
Requests of the kind described involve substantial review by the Township Engineer and the Department of Law before approvals can be granted, often involve the excavation of streets, the provision of additional Police services during installation with the concomitant disruption of traffic and public inconvenience and also involve additional time and expense for inspection and expense arising out of potential liability.
d.
The Township desires to be supportive of the emerging innovative technology that fiber optic and other cable offers to its users, but not at the expense of burdening Township taxpayers.
e.
The imposition of a reasonable annual fee for approvals, licenses, permits or subeasements which are approved and granted will balance the needs of the businesses and of the Township and its taxpayers and promote the public safety and welfare.
[1972 Code § 7-14; Ord. No. 04-48; Ord. No. 08-08; New; Ord. No. 12-11; Ord. No. 2015-05; Ord. No. 2016-19]
In order to implement the purposes of this section, the application process and license or permit fee schedule provided hereafter shall apply:
a.
Every applicant for the installation of fiber optic or other cable or for the use of a public utility easement shall submit to the Township Director of Community Development: a) a plat showing the proposed location of the fiber optic or proposed installation; b) a depiction indicating whether the proposed installation is overhead or underground; c) copies of all easements proposed to be used which have previously been granted to utilities; and d) all consents for the use of any such easements by the applicable utilities.
b.
Every application shall require as a condition thereof, the following:
1.
Payment of a permit fee in accordance with the following schedule:
(a)
Above ground installation: $0.50 per linear foot; and
(b)
Underground installation: $0.75 per linear foot per year, provided that if the installation is located under publicly owned property (not a right-of-way), the fee shall be $1.75 per linear foot per year.
(c)
In no event shall the fee be less than $500.
(d)
An engineering and legal professional fee in the amount of $500 for engineering and legal review and processing of the permit application. In the event the permit application is incomplete or inaccurate and must be resubmitted, a resubmission fee of up to $250, as determined by the Director of Community Development, shall also be paid.
(e)
Nothing is this section shall be construed to allow an applicant who is granted a permit by the Township under the provisions of this Code to assign its right to any other entity for purposes of subletting space in the conduit which said applicant has installed or for any other purpose without the express written approval of the Township Council. This provision shall apply to all fiber optic technologies, cable communications and any other emerging technologies used for similar purpose.
2.
An annual renewal fee payable to the Department of Finance on July 1 of each subsequent fiscal year of $0.019 per linear foot, with a minimum of $500.
3.
A certificate of insurance naming the Township as an additional insured for general liability coverage in the amount of at least $3,000,000.
[Amended 12-18-2018 by Ord. No. 18-33]
4.
An indemnification agreement, properly executed by the applicant, which shall hold the Township, its officers, agents and employees harmless from any loss, claim or damage arising out of the installation, maintenance or use of the fiber optic cable installed by the applicant, the form of the agreement to be approved by the Township Attorney.
5.
An agreement that the easement holder will permit the Township to use the holder's easement without consideration for the installation of fiber optic or other cable for Township operations, provided that the installation will not interfere with any fiber optic or other cable the easement holders may have previously installed in the easement area. Such agreement shall also provide that any repairs or replacements of Township-owned fiber optic or other cable caused by the holder of a fiber optic permit be performed within 24 hours.
6.
An agreement that the applicant will provide a minimum of six pairs of strands in each fiber optic cable (i.e., if a cable contains 48 strands and two cables are run, the Township will have the use of 12 pairs of strands — six pair per cable) to the Township for its use, and the use of any other governmental and quasi-governmental entities approved by the Township.
c.
No license or permit issued hereunder shall be valid for a period of more than the lesser of 10 years or, if applicable, the balance of the term of an easement previously granted to a utility pursuant to Title 48 of the New Jersey Statutes.
d.
In any instance in which the holder of an existing easement requires that an applicant for license or permit hereunder obtain municipal approval or consent by ordinance, the applicant shall pay to the Township Clerk, in addition to the fee established by paragraph b above, a fee of $150; and i) the cost of advertising the ordinance prior to adoption; and ii) the cost of advertising the notice of adoption of the ordinance.
e.
In the event that the fiber optic or other cable installation interferes with a planned municipal installation, the subject fiber optic or other cable shall be relocated by its owner in an expeditious manner within the right-of-way, to a location approved by the Township at no cost to the Township. The owner of the fiber optic or other cable shall not pay any additional fee to the Township due to the relocation.
f.
These procedures shall not be applicable to existing easements previously granted to Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), Bell Atlantic-New Jersey (formerly New Jersey Bell Telephone Company) (Bell Atlantic — New Jersey is now known as Verizon) or to existing easements previously granted to or obtained by the present or future holder of a Cable Television franchise granted by the Township.
g.
Any underground installation of fiber optic cable, where applicable, shall be required to comply with the street opening requirements set forth in Chapter 31, Streets and Sidewalks of the Code to the satisfaction of the Township Director of Community Development.
h.
Every application must be reviewed by the Township Supervisor of Engineering. In the absence or unavailability of the Supervisor of Engineering, an application may be reviewed and approved by the Township Zoning Officer or the Director of the Department of Community Development.
[Ord. No. 14-24]
The Township Council finds and determines as follows:
a.
The Township receives requests from time to time from television and movie film companies (the "Film Industry") seeking to perform a movie, television or commercial shoot, by either a continuous video or single or multiple still pictures (a "film shoot"), on Township-owned property, public rights-of-way or privately-owned property. Film shoots often involve large numbers of crew members and actors, as well as equipment, trailers and motor vehicles. Film shoots also have the potential to disrupt traffic along public roads, driveways providing access to public roads, parking and access on private parking areas, as well as the potential to disrupt the peace and quiet of residential neighborhoods.
b.
The Township desires to be supportive of the Film Industry while at the same time protecting the businesses and residents of the Township from any negative impacts resulting from film shoots.
c.
The requirement for a written agreement between the Township and the film company, setting forth the terms, conditions and limitations of a film shoot and the imposition of reasonable fees and an escrow to engage in a film shoot will balance the needs of the film industry, the Township and its taxpayers, and promote safety and welfare.
[Ord. No. 14-24]
In order to implement the purposes of this section, each film company must execute and deliver an agreement to permit a film shoot and pay the required fees and escrow prior to engaging in a film shoot, which agreement must be satisfactory in form to the Township and shall include at least the following provisions:
a.
Proposed dates and times between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. for the filming;
b.
Proposed location(s) for the filming;
c.
Maximum number of crew members and actors;
d.
List and proposed location of all props, equipment, trailers and vehicles;
e.
Identification, location and method of security for outdoor rest rooms;
f.
Payment of a fee to the Township in the minimum amount of $100 for a film shoot solely performed indoors and up to $500 for a film shoot performed partially or totally outdoors, the amount to be determined by the Township depending upon the scale and duration of the film shoot;
g.
Payment of the Township's legal fee for preparation of the agreement to film;
h.
Payment of an escrow for police traffic and/or crowd control and clean-up costs, in an amount to be determined by the Chief of Police;
i.
Furnishing of a Certificate of Insurance naming the Township as an additional insured, and where appropriate, as loss payee, with the following coverages and limits of liability and with insurers carrying a Best Rating of B+ or better:
j.
Furnishing of an indemnification, defenses and hold harmless agreement, in form acceptable to the Township, which shall hold the Township, Mayor, Council, its employees, agents and attorneys harmless from any liability, claims, costs and reasonable attorney fees relating to the film shoot.