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Rowlett scraps $35 neighborhood block‑party permit fee to boost community use
Summary
Council voted unanimously to remove the $35 nonrefundable permit fee for the Neighborhood Block Party Trailer after staff presented low usage data and examples from peer cities that charge no fee or refundable deposits.
Rowlett City Council on Sept. 17 approved an amendment to the master fee schedule to eliminate the $35 nonrefundable permit fee for the Neighborhood Block Party Trailer.
Britney Farr, director of Economic and Community Engagement, presented the trailer’s purpose — to foster neighborhood camaraderie — and reviewed the reservation process and usage data. Farr said the trailer is equipped with picnic tables, chairs, tents, games, signage and other supplies, and that most neighboring cities do not charge a permit fee; some require refundable deposits or different logistics. Usage averaged nine to 14 reservations across recent fiscal years, with modest permit-fee revenue.
Councilmember Bowers, who requested the review, noted that crime-watch groups can use the trailer and that the city will better promote the resource. Farr said public-works staff drop off and pick up the trailer and that the city will continue outreach through social media and community-engagement staff.
Councilmember Bowers moved to approve the fee removal, seconded by Councilmember Reeves; the motion passed unanimously.
