LEGISLATION TO HELP WITH SANDY REBUILD INTRODUCED

Assemblymen Bob Andrzejczak and Vince Mazzeo have introduced legislation to ensure that New Jersey residents rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy do not face excessive bureaucratic fees for repair or reconstruction. The bill would set fees for Department of Environmental Protect permits and approvals for the repair or construction of a structure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy at no more than the amount in effect on Oct. 28, 2012. Under the legislation, the DEP would be prohibited from charging an application fee higher than the fee that was in place on this date for an application for a permit or approval related to Sandy repair or reconstruction. Applicants who have already paid a fee in excess of that in effect in October 2012 would be permitted to request a refund from the department for the difference charged under the bill.