LAWRENCE: Zoning fees approved

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
   Seeking to offset the administrative costs to issue zoning permits, Township Council gave final approval Tuesday to an ordinance that sets fees for permits — a change from the present practice of not charging for them.
   The goal of the proposed ordinance, which is expected to generate about $20,000, is to offset the administrative costs incurred by the township’s Community Development Department in issuing the permits, Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun said.
   Municipal Engineer James Parvesse, who doubles as the zoning officer, suggested implementing the fees, Mr. Krawczun said. The municipal engineer “looked around” at neighboring towns — Princeton, Hopewell Township and West Windsor Township — to see how much they charge for permits, he added.
   Under the proposed ordinance, it would cost a homeowner $50 for a permit for an addition to the house, or to install a swimming pool. It would cost $25 to get a permit to install a fence or a shed, and $30 for a deck or patio.
   Businesses also would be subject to the new fees, which would range from $50 to reface an existing sign, to $100 to install a new sign or modify an existing one. A building expansion permit would cost $250, and a business occupation would cost $50.
   Mr. Krawczun said permits are required to install fences, patios and other improvements to ensure that they meet zoning requirements and that they are not installed incorrectly. Fences, sheds, patios and pools must meet setback requirements, which means they must be set back from the property line.
   Business permits are required to make certain that a commercial space is being rented to a user whose business or profession is permitted in that zone, Mr. Krawczun said. It requires staff time to review an application to ensure compliance with regulations, he said.