Montgomery News

The Mayor and Council have voted to restructure and increase building permit and license fees to address growing expenses from development-related city services and the cost of new efficiency-oriented technology.

The increases apply to all permits and licenses applied for after July 1.

See the fee schedule here.

Building permit and license 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.

Certain fees, such as those for residential solar panel installations and EV charging installations, remain unchanged to support and facilitate the city’s Climate Action Plan. Additionally, to limit increases to residential one- and two-family permits, there will be small increases in fees for single-family residential projects.

Most fixed-rate fees will increase by about 2.5% to account for inflation.

Rental license fees will increase from $200 biennially to $220 biennially. A new fee of $450 has been established for a short-term rental license (anticipated to be effective later this year or in early 2024). 

A 10% automation fee will be assessed on all permits, to offset costs associated with use of technology in connection with permitting and inspection services.

Fees for commercial and multifamily projects will be assessed at the higher of 1.5% of the construction valuation or $0.30 per square foot. Additionally, the filing fee for these projects will be set at a flat $158 for all commercial and multifamily projects, assessed in addition to all permit fees.

For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/165/Permits-Inspections, see the staff report with the May 8 Mayor and Council meeting at www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter, or contact Chris Dempwolf at cdempwolf@rockvillemd.gov or 240-314-8247.

Original source can be found here.