SALISBURY – August 22, 2016 — Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver applauded a move by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to repeal a septic regulation that adds thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. Culver also announced he would be sending a proposal to the County Council to permanently repeal the Impact Fee in Wicomico County to further stimulate the local economy with new housing construction.
“We are fortunate to have a Governor who listens to the people of Maryland, and understands how government can sometimes stand in the way of an economic recovery. The onerous septic system rules put in place by the previous administration have had a negative effect on Wicomico County,” Culver said.
In 2012, the state mandated BAT (Best Available Technology) septic systems be installed on new construction or any replacement septic system. Over the weekend, Hogan announced his administration would be lifting this requirement everywhere but inside environmentally sensitive Critical Areas. Critics of the BAT requirement have argued that the newer systems add an addition $11,000 – $14,000 to the cost of a new home and have not been proven to have any added environmental benefit.
Also adding to the cost of a new home is Wicomico County’s impact fee. After Culver was first elected, he proposed waiving the fees for new home construction and the County Council agreed to place a moratorium on the fee through 2016.
Culver said he will send a resolution to the County Council this week for their consideration at their next County Council meeting.
“I want to permanently repeal the Impact Fee in Wicomico County because it’s the right thing to do. Let’s build on this momentum from the state and send a strong message to home buyers that Wicomico County welcomes you. We want to make it more affordable, not less,” Culver said.
