Sec. 08.01.06.11. Fees

A. Fee Schedule for Certifying and Copying a Record.

(1) Photocopies. The charge for each copy of a document is 25 cents per page if the reproduction is made on a photocopying machine within the Department. If the public records are not susceptible to photocopying, for example, punch cards, magnetic tapes, drawings, maps, blueprints, microfilm slides, or photographs, the fee for copies is based on the actual cost of reproduction, as determined by the custodian.

(2) Documents More Than 25 Pages. If the public record requested to be reproduced is more than 25 pages, the custodian shall charge a $3.50 per hour photocopying processing fee in addition to the per page fee.

(3) Certification of Copies. If an applicant requests that a copy of a public record be certified as a true copy, the custodian shall charge an additional fee of $1 per record.

(4) Computer Printouts. If the Department is required to provide a computer printout, the charge for the printout includes:

(a) The computer and peripheral equipment usage;

(b) Programming; and

(c) Material costs.

(5) Search Fees.

(a) Except as provided in § A(5)(b) of this regulation, the custodian may charge reasonable fees for the search and preparation of public records for inspection and copying, in addition to the cost for reproduction.

(b) The custodian may not charge search or preparation fees for the first 2 hours of official or employee time that is needed to respond to a request for information.

B. If the fees for copies, printouts, photographs, or certified copies of a public record are specifically prescribed by a law other than State Government Article, § 10-601--10-628, Annotated Code of Maryland, or this chapter, the prescribed fee shall be charged by the custodian.

C. If the custodian is unable to copy a public record within the Department, the custodian shall make arrangements for the prompt reproduction of the record at public or private facilities outside the Department. The custodian shall either collect from the applicant a fee to cover the actual cost of reproduction or direct the applicant to pay the cost of reproduction directly to the facility making the copy.

D. Before reproducing a public record, the custodian shall estimate the cost of reproduction including any search fee, and either:

(1) Obtain the written agreement of the applicant that the cost shall be paid; or

(2) Request prepayment of the estimated fee before reproducing the record.

E. If an applicant requests that copies be mailed or delivered to the applicant, the cost of postage or delivery shall be charged to the applicant.