IBTS report finds College Park permit fees broadly aligned; flags three fee categories for review

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) presented a comparative 2025 permit‑fee analysis to the College Park City Council on Oct. 28 that concluded the city’s fees are generally comparable to neighboring jurisdictions but recommended further review of several categories.

"Fees regionally aligned and equitable was the high point of the study," Paul Hancher, IBTS principal technical officer, told the council. Hancher said the study compared College Park’s fee structure to nearby jurisdictions including Prince George’s County, Rockville, Takoma Park, Bowie, Laurel and Hyattsville and performed a work‑load and cost analysis.

The study found the city’s rental‑unit fee structure generally requires no adjustment but identified three areas that may merit change: permits related to fraternities and sororities, hotels and motels, and certain commercial permits where current charges appear below estimated cost of service. Hancher recommended that the council consider which services the city wants to treat as taxpayer‑funded public goods versus those that should recover the direct cost of delivery.

Jitinder Coker, the director of public services, said staff will use the report to refine fee proposals during the next budget cycle and will return with specific recommendations, including options for addressing reinspection fees and formalizing a process for special events and parades.

No immediate fee changes were adopted; the report will inform staff recommendations to council during budget deliberations.