Building Permits in Maryland

We cover 21 cities in Maryland. Select a city below to see local permit requirements.

21 Cities Covered

2,181 Permit Rules

IRC Building Code Base

Building Codes in Maryland

Building permit requirements in Maryland are enforced at the local level, each city and county building department sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Most cities in Maryland follow the 2018 IRC, though 5 cities are still on the 2021 edition.

We cover 21 cities in Maryland with 2,181 specific permit rules. That's real, locally researched data, not generic advice. Each city page shows exactly what triggers a permit, what's exempt, estimated fees, and how to apply.

The bottom line: don't assume your city follows the same rules as the one next door. A fence that's exempt in one town might need a full permit two miles away. Always check your specific city.

Permit Fees Across Maryland

Across the 21 cities we cover in Maryland, permit fees range from $25 – $5,500. The average sits around $161 – $677.

Fees vary a lot by city and project type. A simple fence permit might run you $50, while a full room addition could be $2,000+. Most cities calculate fees based on your estimated project value, typically 1–2% of construction cost. Check the specific city page for accurate numbers.

Common Permit Exemptions in Maryland

These are the most common projects that don't require a permit across cities in Maryland. Keep in mind, "exempt from a permit" doesn't mean "exempt from code." You still have to build to code even without a permit.

Fence: Exempt in 40 of our 21 covered cities

Windows and Doors: Exempt in 33 of our 21 covered cities

Tree Removal: Exempt in 21 of our 21 covered cities

Siding: Exempt in 21 of our 21 covered cities

Shed: Exempt in 21 of our 21 covered cities

Exemptions vary by city. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Contractor Licensing in Maryland

If you're hiring a contractor in Maryland, make sure they're properly licensed. You can verify credentials through the Maryland MHIC.

Two rules of thumb: never pay a contractor in full upfront, a third down is standard. And if a contractor tells you "we don't need a permit for this," that's a red flag. Use PermitMint to verify before you sign anything.