How to Obtain Parking Permits in Cranford, NJ:

Cranford was once again named Best Downtown in N.J. by NJ.com. As the township of Cranford continues to grow, change, and welcome new businesses and stores, the need for a place to put our cars while we shop and hop on the train grows, as well. Parking can be a hurdle for any successful, bustling downtown community. It can be a problem for shoppers looking for a place to park, and a problem for residents who don’t want their home streets to become a place for commerce parking. Thankfully,  Cranford offers a number of convenient parking areas to alleviate both of these problems.  As of our conversation with the Police Records Department on 2/5/2020, the current waiting list for parking permits is an expected 1.5 to 2 years.

The following information is obtained directly from the Cranford Township website. View the information by clicking the link or call the Records Division 908-709-7350 or 908-709-7348 with any further parking permit questions.

Residential Parking Permits in Cranford

Certain streets are designated as “Residential Permit Parking Only”.  These streets are marked with signs that restrict parking by time limit or alternate side.  Residents on these streets may obtain a Residential Permit from the Records Division for no cost.  This link can be used to obtain a residential permit.

These permits are only valid for the specific street the person lives on and cannot be used in another residential zone.

Each home is also allowed to obtain a maximum of three visitor parking permit hang-tags. These visitor permits can be used up to seven consecutive days by a bonafide guest of the household.

Daily Parking Permits

Short-term Cranford NJ parking permits are issued by the Police Records Division. Permits are offered for 9, 12, and 24-hour times. Overnight permits are also available for downtown residents. This link can be used to obtain a Parking Permit Application. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

2 Hour Permits: These permits are used in Lots 4 and 8 as well as the parking garage and on street locations at High Street, Chestnut Street, and South Avenue West. Permits are sold annually or semi-annually. The yearly cost is $600 for residents and non-residents in lots, garage, and on the street.

9 Hour Permits: These permits are available for Lots 1, 3, 7, 11, 14, and the parking garage as well as on street locations at Eastman Street and Miln Street. Permits are sold annually or semi-annually. The yearly cost is $500. These permit holders are permitted to use a 9-hour meter space at no charge if a permit space is not available.

24 Hour Permits: These permits are available for the parking garage and Lot 6, allowing 24-hour use for an annual rate of $800.

Overnight Permits: These permits allow downtown residents to park in Lots 1 and 7 as well as the garage from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. for an annual rate of $200.

Metered Parking in Cranford NJ

Meter parking is handled by the Police Traffic Bureau. Meter parking is offered in 1.5, 3, 4, 9, and 12-hour limits. Check meters and pay stations for actual limits and enforcement times. Meter feeding is not allowed. A vehicle cannot be parked in the same parking space for longer than the posted time limit. For example, a car parked at a 3-hour meter cannot be at the same space for more than 3 hours. If longer term parking is needed you must utilize 9- or 12-hour meter spaces. Clink link for exact lots that offer metered parking. 

BoxCar App… Go Get It!

Due to the clear shortage of parking available, many people are looking to creative solutions. Cranford native Joe Colangelo is offering Cranford commuters another parking alternative with the BoxCar App. Boxcar is an integrated commuting company, focused on taking the stress out of your daily commute. This is on demand parking that is reservable in advance and guaranteed. You’ll never have to worry about where to park again! 

Boxcar parking is a platform designed to connect parkers with property owners who have excess available space (whether it’s a lot, driveway, or garage). There are multiple parking lots offered close to the train station. Start by downloading the Boxcar app. From there, you will have the ability to sign up and make reservations. All reservations are guaranteed, they never overbook, so you can be confident that you’ll have a space when you need it. Read my latest blog article about this up-and-coming company at this link.