Housing and Community Development Permits

Permits within the Department of Housing and Community Development are processed online, via the ePermits online system. Whether it's for residential or commercial construction, interior and exterior alterations, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas work, use and occupancy, or private property events, we can help.

 

In This Page

 

Apply for a Permit

Create an ePermits account, or log in to your existing account to start a new permit application.

Create an Account  Log in to Existing Account

You can also visit us in person at 417 E Fayette St to complete an application at our kiosk.

 

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:

Work You Can Perform Without a Permit

Minor repairs usually don't need permits unless the item is completly 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 require 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

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 page.

Helpful Resources

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 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.
  • Initiate 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.

Timelines 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 the 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, apply for an ePlans permit using the ePermits online system. 

Check if you need plans review   ePlans Review

Check if your project needs ePlans review

submit ePlans Submit Plans

Submit your plans after staff send you instructions

Check status of your plans review  ePlans Status

Check your ePlan review status

For more information on ePlans permits, please check the ePlans Submission page.

 

Permits Requiring Special Referrals

Some permits need extra review from another department before the permit can be approved. Here are some instances when this might be necessary:

  • Properties in City Historic Districts (CHAP)
  • Properties in the Floodplain
  • Projects requiring Design Review
  • Projects requiring Forest Conservation Review
  • Temporary Structure Permits
  • Temporary Event Permits
  • Minor Privilege
  • Zoning

For more information, visit the Permits Requiring Special Referrals page.

 

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. 

Any permits not included in the exceptions below need to comply:

Projects Requiring Compliance

  • Commercial permits

  • ePlans permits

  • Multi-family dwellings over 3 stories in height AND containing more than 5 dwelling units

Exceptions:

  • 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

If Your Permit Needs Green Building Compliance:

  • Fill out compliance checklist: Complete the "Project Info and Compliance Form" in the Baltimore City Green Compliance checklist, to see what codes apply to your project. Identify your compliance path and fill in the needed sections based on your project.
  • Add checklist to permit application: Attach the completed Baltimore City Green Compliance checklist to your permit application.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

For a question about a pending permit application, you can use the Message Board in the online permitting system.

 

Reporting Construction Without a Permit?

  • Check for existing permits: Use the Existing Permit Search website to see if a construction permit has been issued and if rules are being followed

  • Report unpermitted work: If you notice major work being done without a permit, report it to 311 as "Construction Without Building Permit."

  • Contest a penalty: To contest a penalty for unpermitted work:

Surcharge regulations and reductions can be found under Title 7 Chapter 2 of the Code of Baltimore Regulations Annotated. 

 

    Contact Us

    Permits and License office

     

    Zoning office

    • Call Zoning at: 410-396-4126.
    • Visit in person at 417 E Fayette Street, Room 147.

    Plans Review office

    Green Building Compliance

    Building Inspections 

    • Call: 410-396-3470