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
  1. New Construction or Additions under 600 square feet

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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

  • Required drawings made to scale by work 

Special Requirements:

Additional Resources:

  1. New construction or additions over 600 square feet

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits system:

  • Permit requiring plans review in the ProjectDox process.

Special Requirements:

Additional Resources:

 

Non-Residential / Commercial

Type of Work Useful Information and Resources

The list of work below needs a permit:

  1. Construction/Additions of Non-Residential/Commercial properties

  2. 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 E-Permits System:

  • Permit requiring plans review in the ProjectDox process.

Special Requirements

Additional Resources:
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

  1. 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 E-Permits 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:

Additional Resources:

  1. Interior and exterior addition of a new element or expanding an existing element, and interior demolition

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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

  • Required drawings made to scale by work 

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:

Additional Resources:

The list of work below needs a permit:

  1. Antennas on Roof or existing Towers
  2. Awnings and Canopies With Post Support
  3. Cell Towers, Equipment Cabinets, Antennas NEW

  4. Signs, Free Standing > 6 ft

  5. Swimming Pool - 1 & 2 Family Dwelling Inground

  6. Swimming Pool - 1 & 2 Family Dwellings Above Ground >24" deep

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System:

  • Permit requiring plans review in the ProjectDox process.

Special Requirements:

Additional Resources:

Non-Residential / Commercial

Type of work Useful Information and Resources
  1. Interior non-structural alterations, or interior demolitions of under 200 square feet 

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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:

Additional Resources:
  1. Exterior alterations under 200 square feet

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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

  • Required drawings made to scale by work 

Special Requirements:

Additional Resources:

The list of work below needs a permit:

  1. Interior and Exterior Alterations, including structural demolitions, over 200 square feet

  2. Antennas on Roof or existing Towers

  3. Awnings and Canopies With Post Support

  4. Cell Towers, Equipment Cabinets, Antennas NEW

  5. Grading or Paving for commercial properties

  6. Fence for commercial properties

  7. Ramps for commercial properties

  8. Retaining Walls for commercial properties

  9. Signs, Free Standing > 6 ft

  10. Swimming Pool - Inground for commercial properties

  11. Tanks - new and replacement > 660

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System

  • Permit requiring plans review in the ProjectDox process.

Special Requirements:

Additional Resources:
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:

  1. Residential Underpinning, for 1 & 2 family dwelling

  2. Residential Underpinning for multi-family dwellings

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System:

  • Underpinning only (1 & 2 family dwelling units only)

Documents Required:

Contractor Information:

  • contractor’s name and registered license

Special Requirements:

Additional Resources:

  1. Underpinning for Non-Residential / Commercial Buildings

Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System:

  • Permit requiring plans review in the ProjectDox process.

Documents required:

Contractor information:

Special Requirements:

Additional Resources:

 

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:

    1. 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 E-Permits system:

    • Residential (1 & 2 family dwelling units only): Add and/or replace plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical fixtures/devices (drawings NOT required)

    Documents Required:

    Contractor Information:

    • contractor’s name and registered license

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:

    The list of work below needs a permit:

    1. 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 

    2. Multi-family residential properties work that is:

      • adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices

    3. Tanks - new and replacement > 660

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System:

    • Permit requiring plans review in the ProjectDox process
    		  

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:
    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 Work
    Useful Information and Resources 

    The list of work below needs a permit:

    1. 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 E-Permits System:

    • Non-Residential: Add and/or replace plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical fixtures/devices (drawings NOT required)

    Documents Required:

    Contractor Information:

    • contractor’s name and registered license

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:

    The list of work below needs a permit:

    1. Commercial/Non-residential work that is:

      • Not same size and location: adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices

    2. Fire sprinklers

      • Replacement of more than 10 new sprinkler heads

      • Replacement of more than 50 relocated sprinkler heads

    3. Tanks - new and replacement > 660

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System:

    • Permit requiring plans review 

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:

     

    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:

    1. Emergency Radio system installation

    2. Fire alarms

    3. Fire escape

    4. Fire supression

    5. Fire pump replacement

    6. 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:

    • Permit requiring plans review 

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:

     

    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 Category
    Useful Information and Resources

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System:

    • Use and occupancy permit

    Information Required:

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:

     

    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
    1. Non-structural minor interior demolition that does not impact the building's foundation or structural integrity.

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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:

    Additional Resources:
    1. Interior demolition that impacts the structural integrity of the residential building’s foundation or physical structure.

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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

    • Required drawings made to scale by work 

    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:

    Additional Resources:

    Non-Residential / Commercial

    Type of Work Useful Information and Resources
    1. Small non-structural demolitions (under 200 square feet) 

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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:

    Additional Resources:

    The list of work needs a permit:

    1. Large non-structural interior demolition (over 200 square feet)

    2. Structural interior demolitions

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System:

    • Permit requiring plans review

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:
    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:

    1. Demolition of buildings and accessory structures.

    2. Moving Buildings

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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

    Additional Resources:

     

    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

    1. Temporary events on private property

      • Events may include temporary structures erected for less than 180 days

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits System

    • Temporary Event Permit

    Documents required:

    Contractor information:

    • If electrical work is added:

      • contractor’s name and registered license

    Special Requirements:

    Additional Resources:

     

    Other Services via the E-Permits system

    Baltimore City’s E-Permits 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 E-Permits System Useful Information and Resources
    1. Permit Extension

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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:

    1. Add or change a contractor for an existing permit

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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 E-Permits system.

    Additional Resouces:
    Permit Reinstatement

    A permit can be request for reinstatement for final inspection.

    Select this category when applying in the E-Permits 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

    Manage Your Contractor's License

    Contractors can manage their licenses registered in the E-Permit system. You can manage your license by:

    • Log into your E-Permits account
    Service through the E-Permits System Useful Information and Resources

    In the permit system, you can:

    1. Register your license

    2. Renew licenses via e-Permits

    3. Approve, deny, or edit authorization for use of license

    Additional Resources:

     

    Schedule an Inspection

    Inspections can be scheduled online through the E-Permits System, by clicking on the Inspection Scheduler button, after logging into your account. 

    Additional Resources: