Crafton council lowers rental inspection fee, adopts updated fee schedule resolution

Crafton Borough Council on June 12 adopted a revised fee schedule (Resolution 25‑09) that adjusts several fees tied to the borough’s new rental inspection program, cutting the single‑unit inspection fee while adding provisions for follow‑up inspections and bulk discounts.

The council approved the revised schedule after a staff presentation and an extended discussion on timing and implementation. The adopted resolution sets the rental inspection charge at $55 per unit; follow‑up inspections for remediations are listed at $50 and are free for a single follow‑up. Bulk inspections (more than five units at a single building) would cost $45 per unit. A separate home‑transfer inspection fee is set at $55, with subsequent follow‑ups at $50. Business rental inspections carry a $10 annual fee. Landlord registration itself remains free; however, the resolution establishes a $20 late fee for missed annual re‑registration.

Why it matters: the borough passed a rental‑inspection ordinance earlier this year requiring inspections on a recurring schedule and the new fee schedule implements administrative costs while attempting to keep per‑unit charges relatively low. Staff said the fee calculations were based on inspector pay, benefits and estimated inspection times, and that the estimated annual cost per rental unit is about $18.33 under the new schedule.

Council discussion focused on timing and outreach. Staff said the ordinance and registration process are in place but recommended phasing full enforcement and inspections into the new year to allow time to notify landlords and to finish a landlord portal. Multiple council members said they would like the borough to begin broad public outreach and mailings before the fees and inspections are enforced; staff agreed to mail notices to property owners and to make the portal available. Director Tedesco and other staff indicated an intent to treat January 1, 2026, as the practical start for full, systematic enforcement while handling urgent inspection requests earlier if needed.

Public comment during the meeting did not include landlord speakers opposed to the change; council members who serve on committees asked for language edits to clarify that subsequent inspections beyond the initial follow‑up will be charged.

Council action: the motion to adopt Resolution 25‑09 passed on a voice vote. Staff said they will send a mailer to property owners, post the new schedule online and continue to develop the digital registration portal. Staff also agreed to tweak the final resolution language to explicitly note that any additional re‑inspections beyond the initial follow‑up may be subject to a fee, and to return with a final timeline for implementation.

Sources and provenance: the schedule and staff memo were discussed under the “rental inspection resolution” agenda item; the council adopted Resolution 25‑09 on June 12, 2025.