UPDATE: TC gave initial support for the hikes, but wanted more information on revenue and similar fees elsewhere for next meeting Sept. 1. 

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Township Committee members Tuesday night will discuss increasing fees for construction permits and new owner occupancy permits.

They will also look at a proposal to add a new fee for those seeking to expedite occupancy fees, up to $300.

"Our construction official has suggested that we increase fees on the schedule in general because other surrounding communities have higher fees," Township Administrator Joseph Manning said, citing the construction permits and certificates of continued use and occupancy, which are obtained when property is sold or rental property changes renters. "It is to have our fees be similar to those in surrounding municipalities." Township Construction official Robert Mittermaier said the occupancy fees and transfer of title fees are proposed to double, from $50 to $100, while some construction fees would increase by about $5 each.

Manning said the new fees for expediting occupancy permits are proposed at $200 if the application is filed six to nine business days prior to the closing, and $300 if the applicant seeks it five days or less before closing.

"There have been realtors who want to expedite the process, we feel that is kind of a luxury," Manning said.
"So we are going to request a higher fee for people who wantwant to expedite." 

Mittermaier said such fees brought in about $500,000 in 2008. 

If the increases are approved, that revenue would likely jump by about 5%.

The meeting is set for 7:30 p.m.