The proposed ordinance, which aims to introduce new regulations for obtaining Certificates of Occupancy (CO) before property sales, was the focal point of the meeting. Kyle Wagner, the community development director and zoning officer, presented the revisions to the ordinance, emphasizing its goal to protect public health and safety. However, a council member questioned the lack of a committee to review the ordinance, arguing that the public should have a more formal role in the process. The member highlighted the importance of transparency and suggested the inclusion of local realtors and residents in discussions. The debate led to a call for a town hall meeting to gather broader community input.

Public safety was a recurring theme as council members and residents debated the ordinance’s merits. Concerns were raised about the impact on “as-is” property sales, with one member of the public noting the challenges young buyers face when purchasing fixer-uppers. It was clarified that buyers could move in as long as properties were free of life hazards and had at least one battery-operated smoke detector, with a 90-day period to start repairs and another 90 days to complete them.

The council’s approach to the ordinance was scrutinized, with one member expressing frustration over the perceived rush to implement the changes without sufficient community engagement. They insisted on forming a committee for a examination of the ordinance’s implications. Another council member defended the ordinance, citing its necessity for public safety and noting that similar regulations exist in neighboring municipalities.

The meeting also tackled the potential burden on homeowners, particularly regarding inspection fees and the logistics of the CO process. Some residents questioned the fairness of imposing additional fees and the practicality of township inspections when private inspectors already conduct thorough assessments. Concerns were raised about the timing of the ordinance’s introduction, with calls for a more measured approach that avoids overwhelming residents, especially those with limited resources.

Further discussion focused on the ordinance’s specifics, including the requirements for rental properties and the potential workload for inspectors. The need for additional inspectors was acknowledged, given the number of rental units in the township and the anticipated turnover rate. Residents expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the proposed inspections and called for more clarity and consistency in the inspection process.

The council also addressed concerns about the potential for government overreach, with one resident questioning the necessity of township inspections when New Jersey law does not mandate them for property transactions. The council explained that township inspections would provide a safety net for buyers who do not opt for professional inspections.

As the meeting concluded. The council recognized the need for ongoing discussions and a structured approach to implementing any new regulations, emphasizing the importance of balancing safety with homeowners’ rights and avoiding undue financial burdens.