Developers, owners, and contractors in Baltimore all need to understand the local permitting process. Obtaining a building permit requires completing and submitting a thorough application to prove your project meets safety standards and the Baltimore County building code.
This guide answers all your questions about Baltimore County permits, including fees, requirements, and application processes.
Baltimore County requires that anyone planning construction, renovation, or demolition work must first obtain the proper building permit.
A building permit gives the homeowner, developer, or contractor permission to begin construction work. Baltimore building permits certify that any planned work adheres to the city’s building codes and maintains certain levels of safety.
Examples of projects that require a permit in Baltimore County include:
In Baltimore County, the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections supervises permitting. This Department oversees the development and use of Baltimore’s 600+ square miles of land.
For all permit types, the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections requires applicants to file for permits online. However, if you need help setting up an online account and completing the application, you can visit the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections office to request assistance from a staff member.
Building permit fees in Baltimore County range wildly from $14 to several thousands of dollars. The final cost depends on the type of permit you need, the size of the building, and/or the value of the project.
Here’s an overview of Baltimore County’s fee schedule for new construction:
| Category | Applies to | Fee | Minimum Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Assembly, business, institutional | $0.17/square foot | $366 |
| B | Hotels and motels | $0.14/square foot | $293 |
| C | Mercantile, storage, high-hazard, factory, industrial | $0.11/square foot | $208 |
| D | Residential (single- and two-family) and multifamily | Charged per unit | $231 for single- and two-family; $119 for multifamily |
