The following article has been submitted by Fifth District Baltimore County Councilman David Marks about his bill to lower housing costs
Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has introduced legislation that would lower costs for new homebuyers by capping the impact fee assessed by Baltimore County as a review is completed to determine if fees are being accurately assessed.
Under Councilman Marks legislation and an amendment being considered by the Baltimore County Council, the impact fee on a new dwelling would be capped at $35,000 pending a review of the appropriateness of these fees.
Impact fees help defray the cost of new infrastructure required by development. Councilman Marks sponsored the impact fee legislation in 2019, but there is concern that the fees as calculated since then do not meet legal requirements and that costs may not be comparable with those of other jurisdictions.
“I believe new homebuyers in large developments should help defray the costs associated with growth, but we should not be pricing them out of the market,” Councilman Marks commented.
“It’s important for Baltimore County to review the impact fee process.”
The draft legislation and amendment may be viewed
“I welcome constructive comments,” Councilman Marks concluded.
“Impact fees serve a purpose, but there is always a balance as we look to provide housing of all types to many residents across Baltimore County.