Florence council agrees to codify updated construction-office fee schedule after state review

Construction Official Joe LaRocca told the Florence Township Council on June 10 that the township's construction-fee schedule contained numerous gaps and did not reflect recent Department of Community Affairs rules. "There were a number of areas that were deficient," LaRocca said, adding that new categories such as fire pump systems, commercial light standards and carbonation machines for retail food outlets were missing from the old schedule.

LaRocca said the revised schedule is designed so fees are commensurate with the cost of running the department, while allowing discounts or reduced pricing for residential occupancies. He said the schedule was sent to the Department of Community Affairs for pre‑approval and that the state agency approved it. "The fee schedule itself does correct a lot of deficiencies that previously existed and is now in compliance with the state regulations," LaRocca said.

Administrator Thomas A. Sahol told the council the intention is to place the changes into an ordinance so the fee structure is codified. "We don’t want to burden the taxpayer; we really want to make sure to affix the cost on the user of the system," Sahol said. Council members agreed and directed staff to draft an ordinance for introduction at the next meeting.

The proposed changes shift many increases to commercial users while aiming to reduce costs for residential applicants. Council did not yet vote on an ordinance; the action recorded was a consensus to have the Administrator prepare the ordinance for formal introduction and consideration.

Next steps: staff will provide the ordinance language for review and a future public meeting where the council can take formal action.