Verified current residents of the city of Katy will now be able to use city parks and buildings without paying a rental fee.

The Katy City Council approved March 14 an ordinance amending the city’s parks and recreation ordinance that removes the charging of a rental fee for the use of city parks and recreation facilities for current, verified city residents.

Non-residents will be charged a rental fee based on what facility is being used and how long it is rented for.

Both city residents as well as nonresidents will still be charged a facility cleaning fee and will also be required to put down a refundable security deposit in order to rent a facility, said Brad Barnes, director of the city Parks and Recreation Department.

“We will not be charging a rental fee to residents for our buildings or parks,” Barnes said. “Residents within the city limits will need to prove they are a resident [to have the rental fee waived].”

Barnes said city residents seeking to avoid paying a rental fee to use a facility or park—including the VFW Park and Community Center or the Woodsland Park and Community Center—would need to provide proof of city residency in person.