The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits shall be responsible for the administration and issuance of all county licenses or permits, except:
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Harford County Council by Bill No. 76-5.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended by Bill No. 11-46[1]]
A.
No person shall conduct, engage in, operate, maintain, carry on or manage any business, occupation, thing or device for which a license or permit is required by any provision of this Code without first having obtained the license or permit from the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits or other issuing agency, as provided in this Code or other applicable laws, and paying the prescribed fee, which may be waived or refunded as provided herein.
B.
In the event the State of Maryland or the County has declared a state of the County emergency for Harford County pursuant to state law due to any number of outside factors, including but not limited to flood, water, wind, snow, ice, hurricanes, tidal storms, tornadoes or earthquakes, the County Executive or his/her designee is hereby vested with the discretion to waive or refund initial permitting fees that a property owner is subject to due to damage caused by disasters, including those named herein. The fee waiver or refund provided for herein applies only to single-family homes or townhouses and any associated accessory structures.
C.
In order to receive either the waiver or refund provided for herein, an affidavit, as prepared by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, must be executed by the property owner and received by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits within 30 days of the declared state of the emergency.
[1]
Editor's Note: This bill provided that it is to be construed to apply retroactively for all permits applied for in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 157 after 8-25-2011. In addition, it provided that those persons applying retroactively for a refund due to the emergency of 8-25-2011 have 30 days from the effective date of Bill No. 11-46 (10-18-2011) to submit their written affidavit.
[Amended by Bill Nos. 13-49; 24-013; 24-039]
A.
Every application for a license or permit subject to fees under this chapter, except fees for licenses or permits specifically excepted, shall be paid to the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits or other issuing agency, which shall provide forms for that purpose.
B.
Every application for a license or permit shall contain the name of the applicant and the place of business of such applicant. If the applicant is a sole proprietorship, the application shall contain the name and residence address of its owner; if a limited liability company, the application shall contain the names and residence addresses of all its members; if a partnership, general partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership, the names and residence addresses of the partners; and if a corporation, the names and residence addresses of its principal officers. In addition to such statements, there shall be set forth such other material information as the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits or other issuing agency prescribes.
C.
Prior to the issuance of any permit or license, the applicant shall pay to the County a fee in accordance with the schedule of fees set forth in the Harford County Code. Fees shall be reasonably calculated to collect sufficient funds proportionate to the cost of administering and enforcing the codes and laws of the County.
D.
Where no work has been done under an issued permit subject to fees under this chapter, the holder of the permit may deliver the permit to the Department and upon cancellation thereof, shall be refunded 50% of the fee paid therefor, or such other amount as specified herein, provided that application of the refund is made within 6 months of the issuance of the permit.
F.
Application fees paid pursuant to this chapter shall be non-refundable unless otherwise specified herein.
Upon reviewing the duly filed application, the Director of the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits shall refer such application, if required, to the:
The schedule of license and permit fees for licenses and permits is set out in Article II of this chapter.
Where applicable, an applicant for a license under this Code must furnish proper certificates of workmen's compensation.
A.
After referral as provided in § 157-4 and approval thereof, the investigating agency or its designee shall refer the application with any recommendations to the issuing agency for action.
B.
If the issuing agency approves the application, the license or permit shall be issued upon payment of the prescribed fees under Article II of this chapter to the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, and such fees shall be turned over to the County Treasurer, who shall dispose of them as required by law.
C.
No refunds will be given on application fees where approvals have been granted.
All licenses or permits shall be issued for a period of one (1) year, commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 the following year, unless otherwise specified in this Code or specified on the license or permit.
A license or permit issued by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits shall expire on the date specified by law.
A.
Every license issued under the provisions of this Code shall bear the name and address of the licensee, the nature or kind of business, occupation, thing or device licensed, the amount of the fee paid, the period for which such license is issued, the street address where such business, occupation, thing or device is located and such other material information as the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits prescribes.
B.
The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits or other issuing agency may also issue a decal or other emblem as part of the license, and when so issued, it shall be affixed as provided in this chapter.
A.
No person to whom a license has been issued under any provision of this chapter shall fail to display such license prominently at the street address shown thereon or, if no street address is shown thereon, at the address where such business, occupation, thing or device is located. If the license pertains to a vehicle of any type, such license shall be affixed to the vehicle in a prominent location.
B.
No person to whom a license has been issued under any provision of this chapter and for which license the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits or other issuing agency supplies a decal or other emblem shall fail to affix such decal or other emblem to such thing or device for which the license was issued.
An application for renewal of a license or permit shall be filed with the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits at least one (1) month prior to its expiration date, unless otherwise specified in this Code.
Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all licenses or permits issued by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits or other issuing agency are nontransferable.
The suspension or revocation of any license or permit or the refusal to issue any license or permit under this Code shall be for just cause, after notice and hearing thereof pursuant to the provisions § 1-22.
[Amended by Bill Nos. 81-37; 81-45; 82-25; 82-30; 84-59; 85-33; 85-44; 85-48; 87-31; 88-69; 90-49; 90-78; 92-23; 92-43; 92-56; 92-71; 92-77; 93-7; 93-44; 93-70; 95-41; 96-57; 97-49; 00-15]
[Amended by Bill Nos. 13-49; 24-013; 24-039]
A.
The following fees shall be charged for building permits. All fees apply to each unit. However, square foot costs include those usable portions of a structure that are enclosed, including basement or cellars. Attics and top-half storage, where the ceiling is less than 7 1/3 feet (88 inches), are excluded.
Type of Building | New Construction, Additions, Alterations | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Residential new construction | |||
Additions, alterations | $0.15 per sq. ft., plus $100 non-refundable application fee | ||
Residential permits without a square footage | |||
Flat fee for permits without a square footage | $160 | ||
Pellet/wood stove | $160 | ||
Sump pump | $160 | ||
Basement gutter | $160 | ||
Foundation repair | $160 | ||
1- and 2-family dwelling accessory structure | |||
200 sq. ft. and greater | $0.15 per sq. ft., plus $100 non-refundable application fee | ||
Under 200 sq. ft. | $20 (no certificate of occupancy or inspections required) | ||
Commercial new construction | |||
Additions, alterations | $0.15 per sq. ft., plus $200 non-refundable application fee | ||
Commercial fee multiplier | |||
Construction types: 1A; 1B; 2A; 3A; 3B; 5A | 50% | ||
Use Groups: A-1; A-2; A-4; A-5; All Group H uses; I-2; I-3; R-1; R-2 | 25% | ||
STORAGE BUILDINGS | |||
Shell building with no declared occupancy (separate permit required for occupancy) | $0.09 per sq. ft. plus $200 non-refundable application fee | ||
Shell tenant space to create a tenant or multiple tenant space (addresses must be created for each space; separate permit required for occupancy of each space) | $0.09 per sq. ft. plus $200 non-refundable application fee | ||
Tenant permit for first occupancy | Base occupancy fee - $0.05 per sq. ft., minimum $75, plus $10 for certificate of occupancy | ||
Tenant occupancy with modification (space must be legally existing) | $0.15 per sq. ft. plus $200 non-refundable application fee | ||
MISCELLANEOUS | |||
Boat pier | $35 | ||
Bulkhead | $35, per 100 ft. | ||
Fence | $20 plus $0.10 per foot over 250 ft. | ||
Marina | $20 per slip, $0.09 per sq. ft., minimum $150 | ||
Retaining wall | $30 | ||
Retaining wall (building permit required) | Commercial: $2.00 per lineal foot plus 200 non-refundable application fee residential: $2.00 per lineal foot plus $100 non-refundable application fee | ||
Tank, above-ground or underground | $40 | ||
Tank, above ground or underground (permit required) | $240, plus $10 for certificate of occupancy | ||
Replacement of certificate of occupancy | $30 | ||
Re-roofing of a structure when a building permit is required 1- and 2-family dwelling | $0.15 per sq. ft. plus $100 non-refundable application fee | ||
Re-roofing of a structure when a building permit is required | $0.15 per sq. ft. plus $200 non-refundable application fee | ||
Playground equipment (not associated with a 1- or 2-family dwelling, permit required) | $300 | ||
Demolition, except that no fee shall be required if demolition is performed as a training exercise by a Volunteer Fire Company located in Harford County | Residential: $175 Commercial: $275 | ||
Relocation | |||
Without alterations | $50 | ||
With alterations | $0.04 per sq. ft., minimum $50 | ||
Mobile home park | |||
To establish a park | $500 | ||
Each space | $50 | ||
Each permanent service building | Fee same as required for use group in new construction | ||
Signs | |||
Billboard | $65 over 300 sq. ft. | ||
Marquee sign | $25 | ||
Roof sign | $45 | ||
Freestanding sign | $40 | ||
Face sign | $30 on structure | ||
Temporary portable sign | $40 | ||
Swimming pools | |||
Accessory to 1- and 2-family dwelling | $160 above-ground $200 in-ground plus fence @ $0.10 per linear foot | ||
Hot tub | $160 | ||
Swim spa | $160 plus fence @ $0.10/linear foot | ||
Pools not accessory to a 1- and 2-family dwelling | $360 plus fence @ $0.10/linear foot | ||
Utilities, public or private, each structure (tower, transformer, pole, etc.) | $20 | ||
Utility or communication tower | $750 | ||
Utility or communication tower, replacement or addition of equipment (tower must be legally existing) | $320 | ||
Amendment to permit application | $30 | ||
Amendment to issued permit | Residential: $90 Commercial: $210 | ||
Permit extension | $50 | ||
Transfer permit | $50 | ||
Reissue expired permit, with Department approval | Residential: $100 Commercial: $200 | ||
Preliminary plan review to be invoiced upon completion; must be paid prior to releasing results to applicant. | $60 per hour charged in 1/2 hour increments | ||
Reinspection or unnecessary trip | $50 | ||
Reinspection fee, upon receipt of temporary certificate of occupancy | $50 | ||
Investigation fee (in addition to regular permit and license fees) | $100 | ||
Written notice of violation, working without a valid license or permit, issuance of a stop work order, in addition to regular fee | $500 first occurrence $750 second occurrence $1,000 subsequent occurrence (with administrative hearing) | ||
Penalty charged for proceeding without the prior inspection | $50 | ||
Hourly rate | $60 | ||
[Amended by Bill Nos. 13-49; 24-013; Bill No. 24-039]
The following fees shall be charged for plumbing permits:
A.
A $30 non-refundable application fee shall be assessed to all permit applications in this section.
F.
Testable backflow preventor (each): $250
G.
Filter or water conditioner: $125
H.
Commercial interceptor, oil or grease: $125
I.
Sewer ejector only: $125
J.
Sump pump: $40
N.
Solar installation: $75
O.
Private water system (wells): $75
P.
Reinspection or unnecessary trips: $50
Q.
Investigation fee (in addition to regular permit and license fees): $100
S.
Plan review -- to be added to permit fee: $60 per hour charged in 1/2 hour increments.
T.
Hourly rate: $60
U.
Change of master plumber on permit: $60
V.
Amendment of permit: $30
[Amended by Bill No. 24-013]
A.
For the purposes of this section, the following words shall be defined as indicated below:
(1)
HIGH PRIORITY FACILITY — Shall have the same meaning as specified in COMAR 10.15.03.33C(3).
(2)
MODERATE PRIORITY FACILITY — Shall have the same meaning as specified in COMAR 10.15.03.33C(4).
(3)
LOW PRIORITY FACILITY — Shall have the same meaning as specified in COMAR 10.15.03.33C(5).
C.
Environmental health inspections and permits with related field work and/or review:
D.
E.
Record plat review and approvals: $50
F.
Building permit, zoning certificate, event permit and music festivals:
(1)
Pre-permit plan reviews: $25
(2)
(3)
Commercial structure less than 400 square feet: $50
(4)
All other commercial structures that require a building permit: $200
(5)
Commercial properties serviced by public water and sewage: $50
(6)
Public event and music festivals: $75
G.
Foster and adoptive inspection: $50
I.
Burning permit review: $25
J.
Exotic bird permit review: $75
K.
Food service facility licenses. [this section does not apply to bonafide nonprofit establishments as set forth in 26 U.S.C.A. § 501(C)(3) to (6).)]:
[Amended by Bill Nos 13-49; 24-013]
The following fees shall be charged for electrical permits:
A.
A $30 non-refundable application fee shall be applied to all permits in this section.
E.
Service for temporary wiring (for not more than 90 calendar days).
J.
Transformers and generators: $70
K.
Motors and heaters: $50
L.
Transformers, vaults or substations: $210
M.
Air conditioners and heat pumps: $100
O.
Plan review – to be added to permit fee (except for 1- and 2-family dwellings): $60 per hour charged in 1/2-hour. increments
P.
Assumption agreement: original fee.
Q.
Hourly rate: $60
R.
Minimum fee, wiring systems over 60 volts: $75
S.
Reinspection, each: $50
T.
Investigation fee (in addition to regular permit and license fees): $100
V.
Ditches, each inspection: $60
W.
Amendment of permit: $30
[Amended by Bill No. 24-013]
A.
Except as provided for in Subsection E herein, the Department of Public Works shall charge a per-hour fee for the following:
B.
Fees shall be charged in 15 minute increments and invoiced monthly. Monthly invoices shall be delivered to applicant/customer for payment.
C.
Grading and control permits shall be issued provided that the owner/applicant has not incurred an arrearage from any unpaid invoice exceeding 45 days past due.
D.
Forest harvest permit.
Acres of Harvest Area | Fees for Permit |
|---|---|
0 to 5 | $25 |
6 and above | $50 |
E.
Standard grading permits and standard stormwater plan permits. A flat fee of $175 each shall be charged for plan review and for all necessary inspections related to a standard grading permit and standard stormwater plan permit as provided in Chapter 214 of the Harford County Code, as amended. The fee shall accompany the application and request. In the event that no disturbance occurs pursuant to the permit, upon the written request of the applicant a refund of 50% shall be provided.
[Amended by Bill No. 24-013]
A.
The Department of Public Works shall charge a per-hour fee for the following:
(1)
Technical and engineering review of plats, concept plans, preliminary plans, site plans, stormwater management requirements, and stormwater management computations associated with application of stormwater management requirements: $70 per hour
(2)
Inspections of stormwater management facilities: $65 per hour
(3)
Enforcement of rules and regulations: $65 per hour.
B.
Fees shall be charged in 15 minute increments and invoiced monthly. Monthly invoices shall be delivered to applicants/customers for payment.
C.
Stormwater management permits shall be issued provided that the owner/applicant has not incurred an arrearage from any unpaid invoice exceeding 45 days past due.
[Amended by Bill No. 12-12[1]]
As authorized by Chapter 256, Article VIII, of this Code, the following charges and fees are charged by the county for the purposes delineated:
B.
Annual septage hauler fee: $325
C.
Industrial user/commercial user fee for treatment of BOD (TA): $73.00 per 1,000 pounds.
D.
Industrial user/commercial user fee for treatment of suspended solids (TB): $86.00 per 1,000 pounds.
E.
Industrial user/commercial user fee for treatment of phosphorus (TC): $810.00 per 1,000 pounds.
F.
Industrial user/commercial user fee for treatment of nitrogen (TE): $427.00 per 1,000 pounds.
G.
Septage and commercial waste user charge:
(1)
Thirty dollar per 1,000 gallons for septage and commercial waste discharged during fiscal year 2013; and
(2)
Thirty five dollar per 1,000 gallons for septage and commercial waste discharged during fiscal year 2014; and
(3)
Forty dollar per 1,000 gallons for septage and commercial waste discharged during fiscal year 2015; and
(4)
$45.00 per 1,000 gallons for septage and commercial waste discharged on and after July 1, 2015.
[1]
Editor's Note: This bill provided that "the rates enacted under Harford County Bill No. 95-41 shall remain in effect until July 1, 2012, and the special sewer use fees set by this Act shall be applied to sewer and septage usage during and after the first full billing period after July 1, 2012, unless otherwise changed by law."
[Amended by Bill Nos. 09-41; 13-49; 24-013]
The following annual fees shall be charged for the specified licenses and certificates of registration:
A.
Electric certificate of registration (fees are per year, issued for a 2-year period).
[Amended by Bill No. 21-018]
(1)
Master electrician: $70
(2)
Limited electrician: $70
(3)
Restricted electrician: $70
(4)
Examination for any license: $60
(5)
Special examination (conducted at other than regularly specified times), in addition to regular fee: $80
(6)
Restoration fee: $40
(7)
Inactive master or limited: $60
(8)
Change of license information: $40
C.
D.
Licenses.
(1)
(Note: Fees for Subsections A, B and C below shall not exceed $5,000 in combination, if applied as 1 case, or in any 1 category, if applied separately. For a multiple request, the publication and posting fee shall be paid, plus the filing fee for each individual request.)
A.
Appeal cases:
(1)
Publication and posting fee (all applications, including amended applications, except minor area variance): $200
(2)
Filing fee:
(a)
Variance from design requirements $250
(b)
Minor variances from design requirements (less than 20% of area affected): $50
(c)
Interpretation or appeal of a decision of the Zoning Administrator: $200
(d)
Expansion of nonconforming use and variance: $250
(e)
Variances from other requirements of the Zoning Code and modification of previous approvals by the Board of Appeals: $250
B.
Special review cases (developments or projects requiring Board approval, i.e., special exception or special development):
(1)
Publication and posting fee: $200
(2)
Filing fee, residential projects: per application $550 plus $5 per dwelling unit
(3)
Integrated community shopping center: $600 plus $50 per acre
(4)
Miscellaneous special exceptions or special developments (not otherwise defined): $200
(5)
Cottage housing and day care centers: $100
E.
Forest stand delineation review: $100 plus $10 per acre.
F.
Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program amendments to management area boundaries: $500 plus $15 per acre.
G.
Concept plan review (under special development regulation) $1,000 plus $20 per gross acre.
H.
Forest Conservation Plan review $200 for all plans plus $20 per gross acre for plans greater than 5 lots.
I.
Comprehensive rezoning review fee: $700 per application. This is in addition to the posting fee of $100 set forth in Harford County Code § 267-13D(2).
[Added by Bill No. 08-17]
Type of Subdivision | Subdivision Fee | Revision Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential lots (including mobile homes) | $100.00 filing fee, plus $50.00 per lot | $30.00 filing fee, plus $10.00 per lot | |
Multifamily and mobile home park | $100.00 filing fee, plus $30.00 per unit | $30.00 filing fee, plus $10.00 per unit | |
Commercial (subdivision or individual site plan) | $200.00 filing fee, plus $50.00 per acre | $75.00 filing fee, plus $10.00 per acre | |
Industrial (subdivision or individual site plan) | $200.00 filing fee, plus $50.00 per acre | $75.00 filing fee, plus $10.00 per acre | |
Extensions of preliminary plans for developments of: | |||
More than 5 lots | $100.00 | ||
1 to 5 lots | $25.00 | ||
Final plats | $150.00 per plat, plus $10.00 per lot | ||
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 157-27, Food service facility fees, was repealed 5-31-2024 by Bill No. 24-013.
[Amended by Bill Nos. 04-13; 10-38; 12-09; 13-41]
A. CARGO VAN COUNTY DISPOSAL FACILITY OUT-OF-COUNTY WASTE PASSENGER VAN SOLID WASTE
Definitions.
Any van normally intended to haul cargo, materials, supplies and equipment with no side windows behind the driver and front passenger area.
Any disposal facility, as that term is defined in § 109-1 of the Harford County Code, operated by or under contract for or on behalf of the County, including any facility constructed at the cost of the County by another governmental entity.
Solid waste generated outside of the County to be disposed of at a County disposal facility when authorized by the Director of Public Works.
Any van normally intended for passenger use, containing side windows behind the driver and front passenger area, with an overall chassis length not exceeding 20 feet.
Solid waste shall be defined as that term is defined in § 109-1 of the Harford County Code.
B.
Solid waste disposal fee. The following vehicles shall be charged the specified solid waste disposal fee and shall not be required to be weighed in at the weigh scales:
[Amended by Bill No. 23-009]
(1)
Automobiles and sports utility vehicles - $8.
(2)
Pickup truck with a bed up to 8 feet in length and a bed height no greater than 3 feet or passenger van - $11.
(3)
Single axle trailers with a bed up to 8 feet in length and a bed height no greater than 3 feet pulled behind private vehicles - $11. All other types of trailers and commercial trailers will be weighed on the scales.
C.
Fees for all other vehicles. All vehicles which cross the weigh scales shall pay the following per ton tipping fee for all solid waste deposited at the County disposal facility, including out-of-County waste authorized pursuant to § 109-7.1.I, with a minimum tipping fee of $11: $117 per ton commencing in FY2024. Additionally, vehicles hauling contaminated materials or rejected recycled materials will be charged the tipping fee in effect at the time of delivery plus an additional unauthorized load fee equivalent to the tipping fee times the amount of contaminated materials or rejected recycled materials. In the event that the weigh scales at a County disposal facility are inoperable or because of a power loss cannot be utilized, vehicles shall pay the following fees:
[Amended by Bill No. 23-009]
(1)
Cargo van - $80.
(2)
Two-axle dump truck - $240.
(3)
Three-axle dump truck - $480.
(4)
Two-axle stake/open body/trailer dump - $240.
(5)
Three-axle stake/open body/trailer dump - $650.
(6)
Under 16 cubic yard front/rear/side compactor - $620.
(7)
Sixteen to 24 cubic yard front/rear/side compactor - $770
(8)
Over 24 cubic yard front/rear/side compactor - $900.
(9)
Semi-trailer - $2,040.
(10)
Roll-off bed under 25 cubic yards - $540.
(11)
Roll-off bed 25 to 35 cubic yards - $620.
(12)
Roll-off bed 35 cubic yards or larger - $690.
(13)
Reloading rejected waste - $260.
D.
E.
Fees for tire disposal. The following fees will be charged for the disposal of tires (private vehicles):
[Amended by Bill No. 23-009]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 157-29, Public swimming pool and spa permit, was repealed 5-31-2024 by Bill No. 24-013.
[Added by Bill No. 09-41; amended by Bill No. 24-013]
The following fees shall be charged for mechanical permits:
A.
A $30 non-refundable application fee shall be applied to all permits and their corresponding fees in this section.
B.
Residential uses to include one- and two-family dwelling units, multi-family dwelling units and apartments. Fees are to be charged per system installed per dwelling unit:
C.
Nonresidential installations. The permit fee shall be based upon the estimated cost of the work which shall include the cost of the equipment, labor and materials. (Equipment cost shall also include the cost of any owner or third party mechanical equipment that will not be supplied by the mechanical contractor.)
D.
Reinspection or unnecessary trips: $50
E.
Investigation fee (in addition to regular permit and license fees): $100
G.
Plan review – to be added to permit fee: $60 per hour, charged in 1/2-hour increments
H.
Hourly rate: $60
I.
Amendment of permit: $30
J.
Amend master plumber on permit: $60
[Added by Bill No. 24-013]
A.
The Department of Public Works shall charge a per-hour fee for the following:
B.
Fees shall be charged in 15 minute increments and invoiced monthly. Monthly invoices shall be delivered to the applicant/customer for payment.
C.
Road/storm drain and sidewalk public works agreements, along with road/storm drain plans, shall be issued, when appropriate, provided that the owner/applicant has not incurred an arrearage from an unpaid invoice exceeding 45 days past due.