The Mayor and Council voted Dec. 6 to increase development fees across the board by an average 2.5% to address increased expense from development-related city services and the cost of new efficiency-oriented technology.
Building fees were last updated in 2018. Development fees have remained unchanged since 2011. The new fee structure will go into effect Monday, Feb. 7.
Building fees consist mainly of building and trade-related permits, nonbusiness licenses, fire safety permits and life safety reviews on new commercial buildings, additions and alterations, as well as occupancy permits.
A new sign variance fee will cover costs associated with changes in the sign ordinance adopted in 2019. A new fee for minor commercial developments will cover the cost of review and notification for this new, expedited process.
Minimum electrical permit and residential alteration fees were increased to slightly higher rates, aligning them with other similar permit fee types. Some adjustments to the structure lowered fees for certain services. For example, residential solar panels and electric-vehicle charging fixtures and outlets fees were reduced by roughly 50% to encourage installation.
Fees will also change for public works development-related permits, either directly or as reflected through 2.5% increases to the Department of Public Works’ standard prices for cost estimating, which is used to determine bond and fee amounts. A new fee for fire hydrant flow testing will cover the cost of service provided by city crews.
Residential parking fees, which haven’t been adjusted since 1985, will be raised from $2 a year to $5 a year.
For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/165/Permits-Inspections, see the staff report attached to the Dec. 6 Mayor and Council agenda at www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter, or contact John Foreman at [email protected] or 240-314-8262.