Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-August 12, 2009 Issue

Franklin Lakes August 12, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Construction fees would increase under new ordinance by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Council has introduced an ordinance that would amend the section of the borough code concerning fees for various construction permits, including those pertaining to building, plumbing, fire, and the electrical and elevator subcode. When the ordinance was introduced, Mayor Maura DeNicola explained that the borough’s construction fees had not been increased in 15 years, and that the new fees would put the borough on a par with the surrounding communities. The idea of increasing the construction permit fees arose during discussions about this year’s budget when officials realized there would be $120,000 less in construction code fees this year due to reduced building activity in the borough. The drop in revenues was identified as one of the reasons for the budget shortfall, which led to cutbacks in all departments and the layoff of employees for two days a month for the rest of the year. In June, the council also adopted an ordinance that increased the fees for false alarms, alcohol licenses, fire prevention, conducting bingo and raffle games, and tree removal. Under the proposed ordinance, the building subcode fee for new construction would be 2.5 cents per cubic foot of building structure or improvement volume, with a minimum of $65, while the building subcode fee for new additions would be three cents per cubic foot of new volume, with a minimum of $65. The building subcode fee for renovations, alterations, or repairs would be $12 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of the project, with a minimum of $65. The fee for combination projects that include renovations and additions would be the sum of the two fees computed separately. Fees for in-ground swimming pools would be $12 per $1,000 of construction costs, while the fee for above ground swimming pools would be $100 in addition to any electri- cal, plumbing, fire, fence, or soil moving fees. Building fees for fences, retaining walls, and sheds would be $65. Annual permits would cost $1,000, and modular homes would require a $200 fee plus foundation and service connection fees. Plumbing subcode permits would include $35 for a water heater, $50 for a boiler/furnace or steam boiler, $70 for a solar energy system, $50 for gas piping, and $35 for each septic line, with a minimum of $50 for a plumbing subcode inspection. Some typical fees for electrical inspections under the new ordinance would be $75 for one to 50 outlets and $37 for each additional 25 outlets; $30 for each exterior condenser unit for residential central air conditioning and $60 for commercial central air conditioning; $50 for above ground swimming pools and $90 for in-ground swimming pools; $65 for fireplace and wood burning stoves in addition to building permit fees; and $65 for up to four smoke (continued on page 15) 4 Out of 5 Ain’t Bad! One of my SAT Verbal-Writing tutorial students got into four out of five colleges he applied to…including his target school. College counseling too… Like the idea and philosophy behind acupuncture but are scared of needles? Why not try Tuina Massage. Let us Gift Certificates help you relax, replenish, and rejuvenate. Available Chiropractic Wellness Center �� Come on in and get your 20% off with this coupon! WELLNESS CENTER �� Sizzling Summer SPINAL EXAM SPECIAL A Neighborhood Massage Therapy $35.00 Normally $260.00 (Includes necessary x-rays) 201-445-1343 • $60 per hour. �� 8-12-09 Pat from Janine DrMilazzoSummer2x2(8-12-09) 2 col x 2” The Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce ��