Permit Information by Category
Select Your Permit Type
To find the information and resources you need for your permit application, choose the permit category that best matches your project from the list below:
Construction
Construction permits cover constructing buildings and accessory structures, interior or exterior alterations, and underpinning projects. These permits are divided into three categories, please select the one that best matches your work:
- New Construction / Additions
The requirements and documents for a new construction or addition permit depend on whether the property is residential or commercial. For residential new constructions and additions, the size also affects what is needed for your permit.
Residential
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources - New Construction or Additions under 600 square feet
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Residential: New construction/addition < 600 sq ft (drawings to scale required)
Documents Required:
Site plan, floor plans, foundation plan, roof plan, elevations, cross-sections
Fire rating details if party wall construction
All other construction-related details
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Site plan drawing, and a floor plan examples
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 26 min 50 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Step-by-step PDF tutorial for completing your application
New construction or additions over 600 square feet
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Review the Baltimore City site plan review manual
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for completing your application
Non-Residential / Commercial
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources The list of work below needs a permit:
Construction/Additions of Non-Residential/Commercial properties
Decks for commercial properties
Include decks for commercial properties such as apartment buildings, assisted living facilities, hotels, offices, churches, and restaurants.
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Special Requirements
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Review the Baltimore City site plan review manual
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for completing your application
- Interior and Exterior Alterations
Requirements and documents for an interior and exterior alteration permit depend on whether the property is residential or commercial, and on the extent of the alteration.
Residential
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources Minor interior and exterior alterations, and interior demolition
Alterations that replace elements of the same size and in the same location
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Residential: Minor interior/interior demo/exterior alterations (drawings NOT required)
Need Contractor Information:
- If removing up to 1/3 of structural elements on any level (interior demolition category III):
- contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 03 min 32 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Interior and exterior addition of a new element or expanding an existing element, and interior demolition
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Residential: Interior/exterior alterations (or demolition) (drawings to scale may be required)
Documents Required for:
Structural alterations: floor plan, how supporting floor on cross-section, and all other construction related details
Non-Structural alterations: existing and proposed floor plans, partition walls, and all other construction related details
Gut Rehab: floor plans, cross-section, and all other construction related details
Need contractor information:
If removing up to 1/3 of structural elements on any level (interior demolition category III):
- contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
- Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 16 min 52 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
The list of work below needs a permit:
- Antennas on Roof or existing Towers
- Awnings and Canopies With Post Support
- Cell Towers, Equipment Cabinets, Antennas NEW
Signs, Free Standing > 6 ft
Swimming Pool - 1 & 2 Family Dwelling Inground
Swimming Pool - 1 & 2 Family Dwellings Above Ground >24" deep
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for completing your application
Non-Residential / Commercial
Type of work Useful Information and Resources - Interior non-structural alterations, or interior demolitions of under 200 square feet
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Non-Residential: Interior non-structural alterations (or demolition) < 200 sq ft (drawings to scale may be required)
Need Contractor Information:
- If removing up to 1/3 of structural elements on any level (interior demolition category III):
- contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 40 min 41 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
- Exterior alterations under 200 square feet
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Non-Residential: Exterior work (drawings to scale required)
Documents Required for:
Awnings/canopies without post support: site plan, front elevation, side elevation, and all other construction related details
Wall mounted sign: attachment detail, sign layout, plan view (building and sign location on building), site plan if projected from wall or in right-of-way, and all other construction related details
Free standing sign < 6 ft.: site plan, elevation, and all other construction related details
Tanks new <600 gallons: site plan and all other construction related details
Tanks – removing, filling, and backfilling: site plan and all other construction related details
Elevator/escalator: all other construction related details
Temporary Trailors: site plan, model number and State certification number, floor plan, foundation/tie down details, and stair/ramp details
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 34 min 08 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application.
The list of work below needs a permit:
Interior and Exterior Alterations, including structural demolitions, over 200 square feet
Antennas on Roof or existing Towers
Awnings and Canopies With Post Support
Cell Towers, Equipment Cabinets, Antennas NEW
Grading or Paving for commercial properties
Fence for commercial properties
Ramps for commercial properties
Retaining Walls for commercial properties
Signs, Free Standing > 6 ft
Swimming Pool - Inground for commercial properties
Tanks - new and replacement > 660
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for completing your application
- Underpinning
- This permit category includes projects for underpinning foundation walls and stabilizing or reinforcing the foundation of a building. Requirements and documents depend on whether the property is residential or commercial.
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources The list of work below needs a permit:
Residential Underpinning, for 1 & 2 family dwelling
Residential Underpinning for multi-family dwellings
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
Underpinning only (1 & 2 family dwelling units only)
Documents Required:
Structural drawings
Statement of responsibility from architect/engineer
Standard language for permit
Written notice of adjoining property owner if work is done on party wall
Underpinning guidelines, and supporting documents information
Contractor Information:
- contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 47 min 20 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
Underpinning for Non-Residential / Commercial Buildings
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Documents required:
Structural drawings
Statement of responsibility from architect/engineer
Standard language for permit
Written notice of adjoining property owner if work is done on party wall
Underpinning guidelines, and supporting documents information
Contractor information:
contractor’s name and registered license
ePlans contractor application to add a contractor to your ePlans process
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Review the Baltimore City site plan review manual
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for completing your application
Installation and Replacements
This permit category covers any work involving the installation, replacement, or alteration of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems in residences and commercial buildings.
- Residential
The requirements and documents for this permit category depend on the property type (residential 1 and 2 dwelling, or multi-family dwelling). They also depend on whether the work involves changing the size or location of the item and how many items you're replacing or installing.
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources The list of work below needs a permit:
Residential 1and 2-family dwellings work that is:
Same size and location: adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices
Replacement of sprinkler heads
Replacement of up to 10 new sprinkler heads
Up to 50 relocated sprinkler heads
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Residential (1 & 2 family dwelling units only): Add and/or replace plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical fixtures/devices (drawings NOT required)
Documents Required:
Letter from the Fire Department if :
Replacement of sprinkler heads
Replacement of up to 10 new sprinkler heads
Up to 50 relocated sprinkler heads
Contractor Information:
contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 3 min 30 secs) for instructions on completing your application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
The list of work below needs a permit:
Residential 1and 2-family dwellings work that is:
Not the same size and location: adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices
Multi-family residential properties work that is:
adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices
Tanks - new and replacement > 660
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Additional Resources:
ePlans contractor application to add a contractor to your ePlans process
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for completing your application
- Non-residential / Commercial
The requirements and documents for the permits in this category depend whether the work involves changes to the size or location of element, and the number of elements being replaced or installed.
Type of WorkUseful Information and ResourcesThe list of work below needs a permit:
Commercial/Non-residential work that is:
Same size and location: adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices
Replacement of sprinkler heads
Replacement of up to 10 new sprinkler heads
Up to 50 relocated sprinkler heads
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
Non-Residential: Add and/or replace plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical fixtures/devices (drawings NOT required)
Documents Required:
Letter from the Fire Department if :
Replacement of sprinkler heads
Replacement of up to 10 new sprinkler heads
Up to 50 relocated sprinkler heads
Contractor Information:
contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 15 min 15 secs) for instructions on completing your application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
The list of work below needs a permit:
Commercial/Non-residential work that is:
Not same size and location: adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices
Fire sprinklers
Replacement of more than 10 new sprinkler heads
Replacement of more than 50 relocated sprinkler heads
Tanks - new and replacement > 660
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Additional Resources:
ePlans contractor application to add a contractor to your ePlans process
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
Fire Protection
Fire protection permits cover all work involved in installation, alteration, relocation and replacement for fire communication, sprinkler, fire suppression and fire alarm systems.
- Permit Information
-
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources The list of work needs a permit:
Emergency Radio system installation
Fire alarms
Fire escape
Fire supression
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 ePermits system:
Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Additional Resources:
ePlans contractor application to add a contractor to your ePlans process, if any electrical or plumbing work
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
Use and Occupancy
Use and Occupancy permits cover permits for new building constructions, ownership changes, tenant changes, changes in building use, removing a vacant building notice, and public swimming pools.
- Permit Information
- Permit CategoryUseful Information and Resources
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Use and occupancy permit
Information Required:
Information needed to process a Use & Occupancy permit in ePermits
Special Requirements:
Information about inspections (before permit issuance)
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Additional Resources:
Building, Fire and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition)
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 02 min 43 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
Demolition
Demolition permits cover work for interior and exterior demolitions, within both residential and commercial buildings, and for moving structures into or within Baltimore City.
- Interior Demolition
Interior demolition permits cover work such as tearing down cabinetry, replacing floors, removing plasters, and taking down non-bearing walls, ceiling and, walls. The requirements and documents depend on whether the property is residential or commercial, and whether interior demolition affects the structure or foundation of the building.
Residential
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources - Non-structural minor interior demolition that does not impact the building's foundation or structural integrity.
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
Residential: Minor interior/interior demo/exterior alterations (drawings NOT required)
Need contractor information:
If removing up to 1/3 of structural elements on any level (interior demolition category III):
contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 03 min 32 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
- Interior demolition that impacts the structural integrity of the residential building’s foundation or physical structure.
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Residential: Interior/exterior alterations(or demolition) (drawings to scale may be required)
Documents required for:
Structural alterations: floor plan, how supporting floor on cross-section, and all other construction related details
Non-Structural alterations: existing and proposed floor plans, partition walls, and all other construction related details
Gut Rehab: floor plans, cross-section, and all other construction related details
Need contractor information:
If removing up to 1/3 of structural elements on any level (interior demolition category III):
contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
For buildings over 3 stories and more than 5 units, complete the Baltimore City Green Compliance Checklist
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 16 min 52 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Non-Residential / Commercial
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources - Small non-structural demolitions (under 200 square feet)
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
Non-Residential: Interior non-structural alterations (or demolition) < 200 sq ft (drawings to scale may be required)
Need contractor information:
- If removing up to 1/3 of structural elements on any level (interior demolition category III):
- contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 40 min 41 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Step-by-step PDF tutorial instructions on completing your permit application
The list of work needs a permit:
Large non-structural interior demolition (over 200 square feet)
Structural interior demolitions
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit requiring plans review in the ePlans process.
Special Requirements:
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Information about inspections (after permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Contractor form to add a contractor to your ePlans permit
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for completing your application
- Exterior Demolition / Moving Structure
This permit category covers exterior demolitions or razing of residential and commercial buildings, accessory structures, and the moving of buildings or structures into or within Baltimore City.
Type of work Useful Information and Resources The list of work needs a permit:
Demolition of buildings and accessory structures.
Moving Buildings
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Razing or moving building/structure permit.
Documents Required:
Contractor information:
- Contractor’s name and registered license, unless you are an owner demolishing your own residential detached garage or shed
Special Requirements
Razing and moving requirements, documents and necessary referrals
On-site Consultation inspection with the building inspector is required before the permit can be issued.
Information about required inspections (before and after permit issuance)
Verify if your project needs additional review or approvals
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 00 min 44 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
Temporary Event (on private property)
Temporary Event permits covers temporary events with tents or structures on private property. This permit applies to events such as festivals, parties, or gatherings with a large number of people.
Events on public property, such as parks or plazas, require a permit from the Special Events section of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Permit information
Type of Work Useful Information and Resources Temporary events on private property
Events may include temporary structures erected for less than 180 days
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Temporary Event Permit
Documents required:
Contractor information:
If electrical work is added:
contractor’s name and registered license
Special Requirements:
- Information about required inspections (before permit issuance)
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 14 min 02 secs) for instructions on completing your ePermit application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on completing your application
Other Services via the ePermits system
Baltimore City’s ePermit online system can also be used to apply for the following permits and services online:
- Permit Extensions / Add or Change a Contractor
Service through the ePermit System Useful Information and Resources - Permit Extension
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit extension / Change (or Add) contractor (requires original permit number)
Extension Guidelines
Applications for a permit extension must be made within 60 days after the permit expires and each extension is limited to a period of 180 days or less, unless otherwise authorized by the Building Official.
If a permit has been expired for more than 60 days, you must file an application for permit reinstatement (see permit reinstatement information below).
Fees:
Requests made within 30 days of permit expiration date extended for a flat fee.
Request made between 30 – 60 days of permit expiration date extended at 50% of the original permit fee.
Additional Resources:
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 25 min 01 secs) for instructions onon applying for an permit extension
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on applying for an permit extension
Add or change a contractor for an existing permit
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit extension / Change (or Add) contractor (requires original permit number)
Guidelines:
- Contractors can be added to your permit if the contractor's license is not expired and is registered in the ePermits system.
Additional Resouces:
ePlans contractor application information and form to add a contractor to your ePlans process
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 30 min 12 secs) for instructions on adding or changing a contractor to a permit application
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on adding or changing a contractor to a permit application
- Permit Reinstatement
A permit can be request for reinstatement for final inspection.
Select this category when applying in the ePermits system:
- Permit reinstatement (requires original permit number)
Guidelines
You can apply for an permit reinstatement if:
- the permit expiration date is within 3 years
- all rough-in work inspections have been completed and approved
- and all work is complete.
To apply for a permit reinstatement, you will need the original permit number.
Additional Resources
- Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 36 min and 59 sec) on requesting a permit reinstatement
- Step-by-step PDF tutorial for detailed instructions
- Manage Your Contractor's License
Contractors can manage their licenses registered in the ePermit system. You can manage your license by:
- Log into your ePermit account
- Click on the License Management button on the ePermits dashboard
Service through the ePermit System Useful Information and Resources In the permit system, you can:
Register your license
Renew licenses via e-Permits
Approve, deny, or edit authorization for use of license
Additional Resources:
Registration instructions and form:
For all other contractors not listed above:
send the contractor license and a valid photo ID to DHCD.TradesLicense@baltimorecity.gov and request to be entered in the permits database
ePlans Contractor form to add a contractor to your ePlans process
Step-by-step video tutorial on managing your license
Step-by-step PDF tutorial on instructions on how to manage your license via ePermits website
- Schedule an Inspection
Inspections can be scheduled online through the ePermits website, by clicking on the Inspection Scheduler button, after logging into your account.
Alternatively, customers can call the QuickTrac system at 443-984-2776, available 24 hours a day, to schedule permit inspections over the phone.
Additional Resources:
Building, Fire and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition)
Step-by-step tutorial (starts at 53 min and 26 secs) for instructions on scheduling an inspection via ePermits website
Step-by-step PDF instructions on scheduling an inspection online
Check the inspection scheduling website, for more information
- Send / Receive Messages About Your Permit Application
During the permit application process, you can communicate directly with the permit staff and share files through the ePermits message board feature.
Step-by-step video tutorial (starts at 25 min 01 secs) for instructions on sending a message to a permit staff through the ePermits system.
Step-by-step tutorial PDF for instructions on messaging through ePermits message board