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:

• For step-by-step tutorials: Permit Like a Pro Video Tutorials and Instructions

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.

Check the list of repairs that don't require permits to see the 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. 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

Review Spreadsheet/Information on How To Determine When a Contractor is Needed  

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 E-Permits

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

See instructions on how to register a trade license on the E-Permits Tutorials and Instructions Page.

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 E-Permits System by following the prompts after logging into your account. 

For more information, see instructions on Scheduling an Inspection. 

Helpful Resources

• Inspection Guidelines
• Inspection Guidelines - Espanol
• Building, Fire and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition)

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 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.

Timelines for Permit Review

You can review the status of your application in real time via the E-Permits portal.

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 the Permits Requiring Special Referrals page. Any special cases will be communicated within these time frames.

Fire Protection

Fire protection permits cover all work involved in installation, alteration, relocation and replacement for fire communication, sprinklers, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems.

Review Type of Work and Useful Information and Resources

Type of Work	Useful Information and Resources
The list of work that needs a permit: Emergency Radio system installation Fire alarms Fire escape Fire suppression Fire pump replacement Fire sprinklers Replacement of more than 10 new sprinkler heads Replacement of more than 50 relocated sprinkler heads Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System: Commercial and Multifamily Combo	Special Requirements: Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals Additional Resources: Information about inspections Permits that require ProjectDox submission How-To Guides

 Plans Review Process (ProjectDox)

Certain projects require a review of construction plans for code compliance in architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing aspects. 

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.

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.

Exceptions to the Green Building Code

• 1- and 2-family dwellings, including accessory structures
   
• Multi-family dwellings up to 3 stories in height AND containing no more than 5 dwelling units
   
• Temporary structures that are erected for under 180 days (under Building Code SS 3103)
   
• Equipment or systems used for industrial or manufacturing
   
• Practical Infeasibility: when compliance is not achievable due to existing conditions, physical or structural impediments, or historic building restrictions (regulated by Building Official - IgCC 2018 Section 103.5).
   
• Permits for fire alarm, sprinklers, antennas and non-illuminated signs

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.