Permits Fees for Sandy Damages Waived, Retroactive to Late-October

Construction permit fees for Toms River properties damaged by Hurricane Sandy will be waived temporarily and anyone who has already paid those storm-related fees can apply to be reimbursed.

Members of Toms River's Township Council passed a resolution Tuesday evening waiving building subcode fees for properties damaged by the late-October storm through Feb. 28, 2013. Building owners must still go through the proper process of obtaining permits, according to the resolution.

Fees already paid beginning on Oct. 30 will be refunded provided that a written request and proof of payment are submitted to the township.

"I think that this is the first of many steps that the council can take in assisting the residents with the reconstruction and rebuilding of those houses and structures that were devastated by the storm," said Council President Maurice Hill. "It's a very good resolution."

Surrounding municipalities, on the recommendation of the state, have already waived such fees. For example, Manchester's Township Council passed a similar resolution on Nov. 15.

The resolution, which aims to "expedite the rebuilding process," does not apply to electrical or plumbing fees, items not included under the section of township code being waived.

"This resolution, I feel, will lessen the burden for our residents in the recovery period and I'm very happy to have it on our agenda this evening," said Councilwoman Maria Maruca after reading the document into the record.