Cheshire broadens FOG ordinance: adds quick‑service restaurants, changes registration and fees

The Town of Cheshire on March 10 voted to amend Section 16‑6 of its fats, oils and grease (FOG) management ordinance to expand regulated businesses, modify registration frequency and set revised penalties.

At a public hearing and in the accompanying staff presentation, Attorney Denafhrio said the principal changes are to include Class 2 food service establishments—businesses that prepare time‑ or temperature‑controlled food (examples cited in the presentation included quick‑service chains)—and to change the registration cycle from every three years to every five years. The amendment establishes a $150 fee at initial registration and $150 at renewal every five years.

The ordinance also revises fines in the town's penalty table: $100 when a reinspection is required and $200 when a facility lacks compliant FOG management equipment. Town engineer Merrick described the update as a tightening of enforcement now that the town has operational experience with the ordinance.

Councilor Walsh asked about the cost of required equipment; staff said smaller grease traps can cost in the hundreds of dollars and that larger restaurant systems can be more expensive. The council agreed staff will monitor compliance and return with recommendations if enforcement patterns suggest different fine levels are needed.

The council adopted the amendment; it will go into effect 21 days after publication. The motion was recorded as passing unanimously in the meeting transcript; an itemized roll‑call tally of votes is not included in the record.