Building Permits

General Information

Do I Need a Permit?

You need a permit if you are replacing or significantly altering anything on a property, including:

• Constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, rehabilitating, demolishing (interior and exterior), or moving any structure
• Changing, installing, or replacing any electrical, gas, mechanical, or HVAC&R and plumbing systems
• Changing the use of land or any structure
• Performing any grading or excavating
• Hosting specific types of events on private property

For more information:

• Step-by-step tutorials on how to apply for a permit: Permit Like a Pro Workshop Series Presentation
• Review the Guide to Permits Brochure
• For forms, guidelines, and examples of drawings, visit the list of guidelines and forms page

Work You Can Perform Without a Permit

Minor repairs usually don't need permits unless the item is completely replaced or significantly changed. However, renovations, modifications, and reconstructions always need a permit. Please check the list of repairs that don't require permits to see what work doesn't need a permit.

Do I need a Contractor?

Type of work that requires a contractor:

1. Construction Work on 1- and 2-Family Dwellings: Requires a Maryland Home Improvement License (MHIC) contractor
2. Exterior Demolition (Razing) Permits: Requires a Baltimore City licensed contractor
3. Electrical, Mechanical, Gas, and Plumbing Work: Requires a licensed contractor
4. Extensive structural alterations such as: demolishing exterior walls, removing and replacing joists
5. Underpinning for both residential and commercial permits: MHIC licensed contractor

Adding a Contractor to Your Permit

To add a contractor to your permit application, you will need their registered name and license number from the permits database. If your contractor is not registered, they need to sign up and register their license in the permit database system.

How to Register License in ePermits

Contractors need to request registration of their license to receive an access code from our staff, and use this access code on the ePermits system to complete their registration. Please note that we only provide the ePermit access code to the license holder.

Please check the managing your license using ePermit system page for more information. 

Do I need an Inspection?

All permits require inspections to be scheduled with the Department of Housing Building and Trade Inspectors. Review our inspection guidelines for more information. You can schedule your inspection online using the ePermits system by following the prompts after logging into your account. You can also call the QuickTrac system at 443-984-2776, available 24/7, to schedule inspections via phone.

For more information, visit the Inspection Scheduling.

Additional Resources

• Inspection guidelines and contact information
• Building, Fire and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition)
• Inspection codes for IVR Quicktrac Scheduling
• Códigos de inspección para la programación IVR Quicktrac

Permit Information and Requirements

We need some basic information for all permits and specific details for each type. Please check the Permit Information and Requirements page for more details. 

How Can I Communicate With The Permit Office?

During the permit application process you can communicate, you can communicate directly with a permit processor using the message board in the ePermits online system.

• Log in to your account to check for messages. You'll receive an email notification if a permit processor posts a message for you.
• Start a message or ask questions about your pending permit using the message board.

Attach documents

You can easily attach requested documents to your messages. Please ensure all documents uploaded to the ePermits system are in PDF format.

How Can I Pay For My Permit?

Payment

You can pay your permit fees using the online system or at the One-Stop Shop Permit Center before your permit can be issued.

Payments made online by check are free; payments made by credit card are subject to a small fee. Once payment is made you will receive your permit via email.

Timeline for Permit Review

Once your application is complete and correct, you can expect:

• For most electrical, plumbing, HVAC&R, and gas permits: Ready for payment within an hour, 24/7.
• For other permit types: If submitted before 9 a.m., you'll receive a response by 2 p.m. the same day. Otherwise, it'll be by 2 p.m. the following day.

Permits applications for locations in Planning and Historic districts need referral to another agency for extra review and approval. These referrals are made after you submit your application. For more information, check Permits Requiring Special Referrals page. Any special cases will be communicated within these time frames.

ePlans Process

Certain projects require a review of construction plans for code compliance in architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing aspects. In this case, you need to apply for an ePlans permit using the ePermits online system. 

Green Building Standards

The Green Building Code applies to the design, construction, addition, alteration, change of occupancy, relocation, replacement, repair, equipment, building site, maintenance, removal, and demolition of any structure and its attachments. It also applies to the site where the structure is located. Occupancy classifications are determined by the Baltimore City Building Code. 

How to Comply

If your project needs to meet the Green Building Code requirements, here’s what to do when applying for a permit:

• Fill out the Compliance Checklist: Complete the "Project Info and Compliance Form" tab in the Baltimore City Green Compliance checklist to find out which codes apply to your project. Choose your compliance path and fill in the necessary sections based on your project.
• Add Checklist to Your Permit Application: Include the completed checklist with your permit application.

Exceptions

All commercial permits, ePlans permits, and permits for multi-family dwellings over 3 stories in height AND containing more than 5 dwelling units permits must comply with the green building law. Any permit applications not listed in the exceptions below need to comply:

Reporting Construction Without a Permit?

For more information on surcharge regulations and how reductions apply, refer to Title 7, Chapter 2 of the Code of Baltimore Regulations Annotated.

Search for Existing Permits

Before reporting, you can check if a permit was given for the work using the Existing Permit Search website. This helps ensure that construction work is following the rules.

Report Unpermitted Work

If you see major construction happening without a visible permit, you can report it by calling to 311. Choose the option for "Construction Without Building Permit."

Contest a Fine

If you were penalized for unpermitted work and want to contest it:

• Fill out the Request for Reduction of Surcharge form.
• Submit the completed form to the Building Official at 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 202, Baltimore, MD 21202.