Business

A Mercantile License is required by Borough Code 4-9 as follows:
No person shall either directly or indirectly conduct any business as defined in this subsection unless he has obtained a mercantile license. The issuance of a license under this section is in addition to, and not in derogation of, any law of the State of New Jersey or ordinance of the Borough regulating the business so licensed. This section shall not apply to any person, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity licensed under the various laws of this state which prohibits licensing by municipalities. For the purposes of this section, any person shall be deemed to be engaged in a business and subject to the provisions of this section when he does either or both of the following acts:

• Sells any goods or services from a fixed location in the Borough where the business is conducted directly from a fixed location.
• Solicits business or offers goods or services for sale or for hire from a fixed location in the Borough where the business is conducted directly from the fixed location.

                Highlands Borough                                 151 Navesink Avenue                Highlands, NJ 07732 732.872-.1224 www.highlandsboroughnj.gov

Does Highlands Borough have a Business District Management partner? 

     ANSWER: Yes. Highlands Business Partnership, Inc (HBP) (NJ Main Street Program) 140 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732  www.highlandsnj.com  Phone: 732-291-4713 HBP@highlandsnj.com

State/Monmouth County

Business Resources

New Jersey Business Action Center
NJBAC is here to help businesses thrive, grow, and succeed across New Jersey. Tapping into our deep understanding of the current business landscape, we are able to connect you with the appropriate experts to reach your goals. Our business advocates are available to work closely with you and find solutions for your unique business needs. We can help get the answers you need from government and regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal level. We can facilitate your meetings and handle the follow-ups – confidentially and at no cost to you.
https://nj.gov/state/bac

New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
The NJEDA grows the state’s economy and increases equitable access to opportunity by supporting high-quality job creation, catalyzing investment, and fostering vibrant, inclusive community development.  NJEDA works in partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives that improve quality of life, enhance economic vitality, and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness. https://www.njeda.com/

Business.NJ.gov
Your one-stop for learning about State and sometimes federal and local opportunities and regulations in New Jersey. Explore a rich library of content on registering, hiring, funding and more. https://business.nj.gov/

Monmouth County Facade Improvement Program
This grant can help you with the costs of updating the exterior of your building.  Once you file with the County, you can be eligible for grant reimbursements for items such as exterior paint, signage, awnings, murals, windows and doors.  The grant value is up to $1,850 and no matching funds are required. More information about this program can be found on the County website here: https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=3942

"Honoring our Heroes" Program
The Monmouth County Clerk's Office issues Veteran Cards and Gold Star Parent Cards as a way to honor and identify residents who served and families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These cards provide access to valuable discounts from the local participating retailers. Cards issued by appointment by calling Main Freehold Office at (732) 431-7324 or Neptune Monmouth County Connection Office at (732) 303-2828 during normal business hours.

Local businesses are encouraged to participate in our "Honoring our Heroes" Program to serve our veterans and Gold Star parent community. For more information about the cards and to download the business application form, please visit MonmouthCountyClerk.com.

Are you looking to do business in Highlands? We’d love to speak with you!
You can contact us at economicdevelopment@highlandsborough.org.

Borough Office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

A Mercantile License is required by Borough Code 4-9 as follows:
No person shall either directly or indirectly conduct any business as defined in this subsection unless he has obtained a mercantile license. The issuance of a license under this section is in addition to, and not in derogation of, any law of the State of New Jersey or ordinance of the Borough regulating the business so licensed. This section shall not apply to any person, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity licensed under the various laws of this state which prohibits licensing by municipalities. For the purposes of this section, any person shall be deemed to be engaged in a business and subject to the provisions of this section when he does either or both of the following acts:

• Sells any goods or services from a fixed location in the Borough where the business is conducted directly from a fixed location.
• Solicits business or offers goods or services for sale or for hire from a fixed location in the Borough where the business is conducted directly from the fixed location.

Starting A Business in Highlands Borough

I want to start a business. What is my first step?

ANSWER: You must contact the Zoning Officer to determine if your type of business is permitted in the zoning district you wish to operate in.

Do I need a permit for a sign?                                                                                                           ANSWER: A zoning permit is required. A construction permit may be required.

If I change the exterior facade, do I need a permit?

ANSWER: A zoning permit is required. A construction permit may be required.

Do I need an extra permit for serving food? ANSWER: Yes. You must contact the Monmouth County Board of Health for an onsite inspection. Contact Richard Englert Richard.englert@co.monmouth.nj.us or visit http://www.visitmonmouthj.com/health

If I repair, upgrade, or change the exterior/interior of the business space, do I need a permit? ANSWER: It is likely you will need both a zoning permit as well as a construction permit. Contact Alicia Jones at ajones@highlandsborough.org or Phone: 732-872-1224 ext. 223.

Is my business in a redevelopment district? ANSWER: Visit www.highlandsborough.org/redevelopment to view the redevelopment districts to determine if your property is in one.

Is my business in a special flood hazard area? ANSWER: Visit www.highlandsborough.org/floodprotectioninfo

to search our public database to obtain floodplain data relevant to your property.

How do I expedite the construction approval process? ANSWER: Complete and submit all necessary permitting and construction documents to the Building Department at the start of the project. Contact Alicia Jones at ajones@highlandsborough.org or Phone: 732-872-1224 ext. 223.

Do I need a Business/Mercantile Application? ANSWER: Yes. Borough Code 4-9 states that no person shall either directly or indirectly conduct any business as defined in this subsection unless they obtain a Mercantile License. Issuance of a Mercantile License is in addition to, and not in derogation of, any law of the State of New Jersey or ordinance of the Borough regulating the business so licensed. Highlands Police Department will contact you with instructions for fingerprinting and background check. There is a separate fee for third party fingerprinting. Contact Nancy Tran at 732-872-1224 ext. 201 or clerk@highlandsborough.org

Does my business need a Housing & Fire Prevention Certificate of Inspection? ANSWER: Yes. Borough Ordinance requires a Certificate of Inspection and approval from the Department of Buildings & Housing and the Fire Prevention Bureau PRIOR to occupancy of any space used for the purpose of business activities. Contact Fire Prevention Secretary, Kevin Rooney at 732-872-1224 ext. 204 or  cashier@highlandsborough.org 

Does Highlands Borough Have a Business District Management partner? ANSWER: Yes. Highlands Business Partnership, Inc (HBP) (NJ Main Street Program) www.highlandsnj.com  Phone: 732-291-4713 HBP@highlandsnj.com

Highlands Borough 151 Navesink Avenue Highlands, NJ 07732 732.872-.1224  www.highlandsborough.org

Helpful resources to support your business and provide funding opportunities:

New Jersey Business Action Center
NJBAC is here to help businesses thrive, grow, and succeed across New Jersey. Tapping into our deep understanding of the current business landscape, we are able to connect you with the appropriate experts to reach your goals. Our business advocates are available to work closely with you and find solutions for your unique business needs. We can help get the answers you need from government and regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal level. We can facilitate your meetings and handle the follow-ups – confidentially and at no cost to you.
https://nj.gov/state/bac

New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
The NJEDA grows the state’s economy and increases equitable access to opportunity by supporting high-quality job creation, catalyzing investment, and fostering vibrant, inclusive community development.  NJEDA works in partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives that improve quality of life, enhance economic vitality, and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness. https://www.njeda.com/

Business.NJ.gov
Your one-stop for learning about State and sometimes federal and local opportunities and regulations in New Jersey. Explore a rich library of content on registering, hiring, funding and more. https://business.nj.gov/

Monmouth County Façade Improvement Program
This grant can help you with the costs of updating the exterior of your building.  Once you file with the County, you can be eligible for grant reimbursements for items such as exterior paint, signage, awnings, murals, windows and doors.  The grant value is up to $1,850 and no matching funds are required. More information about this program can be found on the County website here: https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=3942

"Honoring our Heroes" Program
The Monmouth County Clerk's Office issues Veteran Cards and Gold Star Parent Cards as a way to honor and identify residents who served and families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These cards provide access to valuable discounts from the local participating retailers. Cards issued by appointment by calling Main Freehold Office at (732) 431-7324 or Neptune Monmouth County Connection Office at (732) 303-2828 during normal business hours.

Local businesses are encouraged to participate in our "Honoring our Heroes" Program to serve our veterans and Gold Star parent community. For more information about the cards and to download the business application form, please visit MonmouthCountyClerk.com.