Baltimore City does not charge development impact fees on residential ADUs. Only standard permit and plan-review fees apply through DHCD. Department of Public Works (DPW) charges water/sewer connection fees only when a new service line or meter is installed. Maryland does not authorize broad municipal impact fees, unlike California or Arizona.
Baltimore City has not adopted general development impact fees. Maryland Land Use Article does not authorize school, park, or transportation impact fees at the municipal level for ADUs. Standard fees apply: zoning use permit, building permit scaled to construction valuation, and trade permits. Building permit fees follow the DHCD fee schedule, typically running 1-1.5 percent of construction value. DPW charges connection fees only if a new water meter or sewer connection is required; shared utilities with the primary dwelling avoid these charges. Stormwater fees apply where new impervious surface exceeds threshold (typically 500 sq ft). CHAP historic review fees add a flat fee. Baltimore's vacant lot ADU pilot under DHCD provides fee waivers for qualifying infill projects. There is no transportation, library, or school impact fee on ADUs.
Failure to pay permit fees blocks permit issuance and inspection scheduling. Bypassing fees through unpermitted construction triggers Article 32 Title 13 fines ($500/day) and Article 33 building code penalties. DHCD may place liens for unpaid fees. Unpaid utility connection fees may result in service refusal.
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