What We Do


RETAIL FOOD INSPECTIONS

Monika Koscova-Jencik, MPH, R.E.H.S.

Inspections of retail food establishments are conducted on an annual basis.  The inspections are to determine compliance with Chapter 24 (N.J.A.C. 8:24), as well as with local ordinances and regulations.  Based upon the inspection a posting is given to the facility in one of the following categories:

  1. Satisfactory Rating (white placard with black border) – The issuance of a Satisfactory posting reflects overall compliance with sanitary regulations and the existence of only minor violations needing to be addressed by the next annual inspection.
  2. Conditionally Satisfactory Rating (yellow placard) – A Conditionally Satisfactory posting is given when an establishment contains violations of a nature not deemed to be an immediate threat to health.  The establishment is given a maximum period of thirty days to address the violations and is subject to a re-inspection to determine if compliance has been met.
  3. Unsatisfactory Rating (red placard) – The issuance of a Unsatisfactory rating denotes violations deemed to be and immediate threat to public health.  The establishment is requested to voluntarily close to immediately address the violations.  If the establishment refuses to comply, immediate court action is initiated to close the establishment until all violations have been corrected.

Investigations are conducted relating to reports of food borne illnesses and general food relating complaints.  Inspectors also conduct laboratory sampling of hazardous foods (egg salad, tuna salad, etc.) to assure food safety.  Classes are also offered to retail food establishment personnel to teach methods of safe food handling. The classes are offered by the Union County Health Officers Association. For information, contact Monika Koscova-Jencik, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, 908-709-7225 in the Cranford Health Department.


ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS

Anyone can process an environmental complaint by contacting the Department at the main telephone #  908-709-7225 and filing the appropriate information to process the complaint.

Once a complaint has been filed, an inspector is assigned the complaint to verify the conditions alleged and process either an advisory notice or a formal notice of violation if corrective action is indicated to abate the nuisance.

Environmental complaints encompass but are not limited to the following categorical areas:

  1. Air Pollution
  2. Garbage/Rubbish/Solid Waste
  3. Hazardous Waste Spills
  4. Housing Violations
  5. Insects
  6. Lead Poisoning/Exterior Lead Paint
  7. No Heat
  8. Noise
  9. Potable Water
  10. Ragweed/Poison Ivy
  11. Rodents
  12. Sewage/Septic
  13. Water Pollution
  14. Unsanitary Conditions
  15. Misc. Complaints

DOG AND CAT LICENSING

Animal licenses are issued each calendar year.  There are one (1) or three (3) year dog licenses and a one (1) year cat license.  Renewal information is sent out in December for the following year and must be renewed by January 1.  Effective February 1, a $1.00 per month late fee will be charged.  Failure to comply with the requirement, will result in legal action, Summons issued.  Township Ordinance 198-6  Fees: exceptions; late charge;  Township Ordinance 198-44  Violations and penalties.

A license for a new pet can be obtained anytime during the year by submitting the License Application, proof of rabies vaccination that doesn't expire before November 1 or Certificate of Exemption from Rabies, Proof of Spay or Neuter and payment at the municipal building or online at http://sdl.town/sdlcran.  

Cranford has contracted with Animal Control Solutions, Flemington, NJ for assistance with dogs at large, unlicensed/unvaccinated pets, dog bites, pet quarantine and impoundment, ordinance violation enforcement, deceased animal pick-up.  If you have an urgent animal control issue please call ACS at 908-722-1271


RABIES CLINIC FOR CATS AND DOGS

A FREE rabies inoculation clinic is held to provide vaccination for dogs and cats.  For information relating to free rabies clinics in other municipalities, please refer to:

Proof of rabies vaccination is required prior to obtaining an annual dog or cat license.  All of the municipalities within the jurisdiction of the Health Department provide for the licensing of dogs and cats on an annual basis. Information on obtaining a animal license can be obtained by contacting the Cranford Health Department.  health@cranfordnj.org or 908-709-7299

In addition to rabies clinics, the Department investigates reports of animal bites.  Animals suspected in biting either other domesticated animals or humans, are placed under quarantine to monitor their health to assure rabies was not  present.


VITAL STATISTICS

Registrar - Mirta Morado Tonda, CMR     Deputy Registrar – Monika Koscova-Jencik, CMR      Alternate Deputy Registrar – Betty Andre, CMR

Certified copies of Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Marriage Certificates for the events that occurred in Cranford may be obtained in the municipality or by mail where the event occurred. 

    Please keep in mind when requesting a record through mail, copies of identification are suitable.  Don’t send original documents.

    HOURS OF OPERATION:  BY APPOINTMENT ONLY  Monday - Friday, 9:15 AM – 3:00 PM

    To schedule an appointment please call 908-709-7238.

    Certified Copies of Vital Statistics documents

    If you wish to obtain Certified Copies of Vital Statistics documents, you must supply proof of relationship that establishes that your are:

    • The subject of the record
    • The subject’s parent, legal guardian or legal representative
    • The subject’s spouse/civil union partner/domestic partner, child, grandchild or sibling (if legal age)
    • A State or Federal Agency for official purposes
    • Pursuant to a court order.

    Proof of identity that contains a photo:

    • Government issued picture ID
    • Driver’s License
    • Passport

    The fee for a Certified Copy of a Vital Statistic document is $10.00 per copy.  You can pay by check or cash.  If paying by cash please bring exact amount. Checks are to be made out to "Township of Cranford".

    An application for marriage requires the following:  Application is made in the municipality in which one of the parties resides, or if neither party resides in New Jersey, the couple applies in the municipality where the marriage will take place. The Marriage must take place in the State of New Jersey.

    At the time of application the couple must bring:

    • Witness over the age of 18 that knows both parties.  All three parties must speak English or bring a translator.
    • Proof of residency (for Cranford resident), such as Utility bill or bank statement within the past 60 days, Tax return, current valid driver's license/ID from motor vehicles
    • Proof of identity that contains a photo:
      • Government issued picture ID
      • Driver’s License
      • Passport

    The couple also should be able to supply the planned date and place of the ceremony (name and address of person performing the ceremony).

    There is a 72 hour waiting period from the time of the application until the time of issuance.  Please allow an ample amount of time before the ceremony occurs to obtain your license.  Once the license is issued, it is valid for 30 days.  License pick up BY APPOINTMENT ONLY  Monday - Friday, 9:15 AM – 3:00 PM  908-709-7238

    The fee for a marriage license is $28.00.  The couple can pay by check or cash.  If paying by cash, it must be the exact amount.  Checks are to be made out to "Township of Cranford".

    For a "Certified Copy Application" please click here.  BY APPOINTMENT ONLY  Monday - Friday, 9:15 AM – 3:00 PM  908-709-7238

    If you cannot locate the information you’re looking for or have any additional questions, please call or email the Registrar.  908-709-7238  health@cranfordnj.org  


    CHILD HEALTH CLINICS

    Child Health Clinics are normally conducted as needed on an appointment basis. The clinics are staffed by a Pediatrician and nursing and health education staff.

    The clinics provide children, between the ages of birth and six years old, immunizations, health examinations, growth charting, health educational programs, and nutritional counseling at no cost to the families attending the clinics.  The clinics are open to residents of all the municipalities covered by our Department.

    For information on registering for the clinics, contact  973-680-4058


    SENIOR HEALTH SERVICES

    Seniors may avail themselves of the various screening programs offered by the Department ranging from Blood pressures screenings, to diabetes screenings, and blood testing assays conducted as a part of the various Health Day programs conducted throughout the year.

    In addition, each fall the Department offers Flu vaccinations to residents at risk within our jurisdiction.

    Information on each months current Departmental programs can be obtained by consulting the Event Calendar section of this website.


    SWIMMING POOL INSPECTIONS

    All public swimming pools are inspected to determine their compliance with applicable State and local regulations. Pool inspections cover general pool safety, water quality, and chemical storage as well as various other components relating to the safe operation of a public pool.

    Water quality laboratory analysis are submitted by the pool operators for review by our staff on a weekly basis throughout the pool season.


    HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS

    Health education programs are conducted in coordination with chronic illness programs, operation of the child health clinic and as stand alone programs covering a wide range of program areas.  Organizations that may want to schedule a Health Program on a specific topic may contact the Health Educator, at 862-703-1320 or AtmehJ@rosenet.org


    ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES

    Animal control services covered in the following services:

    1. Pick-up of stray domestic animals.
    2. Pick-up of injured and ill wildlife.
    3. Pick-up of dead animals on public property / streets.
    4. Transportation of specimens suspected of having rabies are delivered by a carrier to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory.​
    5. Enforcement of animal humane regulations.
    6. Assistance with animal census and enforcement of local licensing ordinances.

    Animal Control Solutions 908-722-1271


    SUGGESTED RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE HAULERS IN CRANFORD

    NameAddressPhone

    A & S Sanitation

    P.O. Box 702 Cranford, New Jersey 07016908-889-4262

    Grand Sanitation

    P.O. Box 359 Scotch Plains, New Jersey  07076

    908-222-1566

    Republic Waste

    11 Harmich Road S.Plainfield, New Jersey 07080908-561-8380

    R.N.D.Disposal

    P.O. Box 209 Garwood, New Jersey 07027908-232-7494

    Waste Management

    1232 North Avenue Plainfield, New Jersey 070621-800-371-7329