Middletown Township has approved a new 2026 municipal fee schedule that will impact residents, contractors, business owners, and real estate transactions throughout the community. The updated structure includes new processing charges, higher zoning and licensing fees, and restructured park and recreation costs.

Key Changes in the 2026 Middletown Fee Schedule

Here’s a breakdown of the most important updates:

1. New Credit Card Processing Fee

Residents who pay township fees online by credit card may now see a processing charge of up to 4%. Township officials said this shift moves transaction costs from taxpayers to the individual users choosing electronic payments.

2. Contractor License Fee Increase

The annual contractor license fee has increased from $130 to $150, reflecting higher administrative and compliance costs.

3. Zoning Hearing Board Fee Increases

The township approved significant adjustments to zoning hearing board fees after a reported $70,000 budget shortfall caused by multiple hearing continuances.
New charges now apply for:

• Hearing continuances

• Extension requests

These changes aim to offset staff time, legal expenses, and administrative resources.

4. Fire Safety and Emergency Service Fees

• Fire safety permit fees are now standardized.

• New fees were introduced for fire service standby and fire training services, ensuring coverage of emergency personnel and equipment costs.

5. Park and Recreation Fee Restructure

Parks and recreation fees were reorganized to:

• Prioritize residents and nonprofit groups

• Charge higher rates to for-profit organizations

This change helps preserve community access while generating appropriate revenue from commercial use.

Source: LevittownNow, January 14, 2026.