Following analysis of the permit process and man-hours involved with mechanical and electrical permits, the Ocean City, Md., mayor and city council voted last week to raise the fee to a minimum of $65.
According to an article posted on The Dispatch, during the fiscal year 2016 budget discussion, the city's mayor and city council requested a review of the permit fee structure in the Building Department. Currently, the stand-alone permit fee for electrical and mechanical permits is $30.
The Chief Building Official had requested an increase in permit fees this past July. At that time, he explained that with administrative costs and staff time needed to process and issue permits, the fee should be increased to a minimum of $45.
“Many electrocution deaths throughout the country are caused by faulty wiring, poor designs or poorly maintained electrical wiring. The Town of Ocean City has a responsibility to ensure public safety when it comes to electrical and mechanical work performed on both new and existing buildings,” the chief building official said. “This office receives many complaints throughout the year from many residents and non-residents and contractors. By requiring electrical and mechanical permits, we will be able not to only track activity through inspections and for compliance; we can also provide information when requested to owners, and third-party inspection agencies, Worcester County and Worcester County Health Department.”
