Brick May Consider Building Fee Hike

Brick officials may consider raising building permit fees this year.

The township's building department lost approximately $550,000 last year, officials said, during a review of budgetary documents at a council meeting earlier this month.

Councilman Jim Fozman said he would work on "getting figures together" on the matter, and building department head Juan Bellu said he has already advocated raising fees.

"It's something we have to analyze, and figure out what the best course of action is to take," said Councilman Dan Toth.

Councilman Domenick Brando said at the meeting that he had concerns about raising building permit fees in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

"I understand they have to go up, but it's going to be a tough decision, raising fees on people who had storm damage," said Brando.

Some local municipalities have temporarily waived certain building permit fees for storm victims, including Toms River and Berkeley townships.