FY 2026 Schedule of Fees & Charges
Summary of Proposed Changes
Staff proposes the FY 2026 Schedule of Fees & Charges with the following changes from the FY 2025
Schedule. All proposed changes are summarized below by department and can be found in each
department’s respective section of the proposed FY 2026 Schedule of Fees & Charges.
Community Development
Community Development is adding a new $500 fee for a temporary certificate of occupancy. This fee
covers arranging coordination and inspections necessary to issue a certificate.
Fire
In conjunction with Community Development, the Fire Department is adding a temporary certificate of
occupancy for $100. This will allow commercial occupants to begin to move furniture in and train
employees after all life safety measures are passed. The department is also increasing fire sprinkler plan
reviews – NFPA 13 from $150 per riser to $250 per riser. The department is also adding two new fees
related to limited work permits, one for fire sprinklers/fire suppression systems and the other for fire
alarm systems. Each fee is $100. Additionally, the department is adding a fee for $100 for fire safety
system removal permits. Lastly, the department is changing its fire alarm plan fees from a flat $200 to
$200 for first floor and $50 for each additional floor.
Parks
The Parks Department is completely revamping its fee schedule due to the recently completed financial
sustainability plan, which included a cost of service analysis for all activities. A detailed list can be found
in the department’s fee section.
Water/Sewer/Storm Water Utilities
Annual increases by the Cobb County Marietta Water Authority are automatically passed through to
Smyrna customers. Water utility rates have been updated to reflect the 2.5% increase, which went into
effect January 1, 2025. Tier 1 (0-3,000 gallons) has increased from $4.65 per thousand gallons to $4.84.
Tier 2 (3,001-7,000 gallons) has increased from $6.19 per thousand gallons to $6.44. Tier 3 (7,001-14,000
gallons) has increased from $7.71 per thousand gallons to $8.02. Tier 4 (14,001 gallons and up) has
increased from $9.02 per thousand gallons to $9.38. The multi-family/commercial rate has increased
from $6.19 per thousand gallons to $6.34.
The irrigation rate has increased from $9.30 to $9.67, or 200% of the lowest water tier, as required by
the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.
In addition to anticipated water rate increases next January, this budget also includes a storm water fee
increase at that time. The monthly fee is currently $3.73 per residential unit. Commercial properties pay
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