MARYLAND PERMITS GUIDE

For Homeowners & Business Owners

Maryland is unique because permit requirements vary by county and city, but the rules are similar across the state. Whether you're renovating a home or building out a business space, most major projects require a permit.

Residential Permits in Maryland

Home Projects Requiring Permits

Interior Projects

• Basement finishing

• Adding/relocating bedrooms

• Changing walls (load-bearing or non-load-bearing)

• Converting single-family into multifamily

• Major kitchen/bath remodels

• Structural framing changes

Plumbing, Mechanical & Electrical

• New circuits or service upgrades

• Electrical rewiring

• New plumbing lines

• Sewer line repair

• Water heater installs

• Furnace, AC, or heat pump installation

• Gas line installation

Exterior Projects

• Decks (most counties require engineering)

• Porches

• Sunrooms

• New or expanded driveways

• Retaining walls

• Swimming pools

• Sheds (size-dependent)

• Fences (depending on height and zoning)

Projects That Usually Don’t Need Permits

• Painting

• Basic flooring

• Cabinet swaps (no structural changes)

• Replacing plumbing/electrical fixtures (same connections)

• Minor repairs

  
  

Commercial Permits in Maryland

Maryland commercial projects require both building permits and a Use & Occupancy (U&O) permit.

✔ Typical Commercial Projects Requiring Permits

• Retail store renovations

• Restaurants (requires health dept. review)

• Office build-outs

• Warehouse modifications

• Daycare centers

• Medical/dental office construction

• Large signage

• Gas station work

• Installing fire alarms/sprinklers (fire marshal review)

Use & Occupancy Permit (U&O)

Required for:

• Opening a business

• Changing use (example: office → daycare)

• New tenants

• Newly renovated spaces

Maryland County Requirements

(Most Common Counties):

🔹 Prince George’s County (DPIE)

Very strict code enforcement

• Plans often require professional stamps

• Decks require detailed structural drawings

🔹 Montgomery County (DPS)

• Fastest online permitting

• Very strict on electrical, plumbing, and gas

🔹 Anne Arundel County

• Additional grading permits for exterior work

🔹 Charles County

• Simplified permit portal but strict inspections