Permits within the Department of Housing and Community Development are processed online, via the E-Permits 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.

On This Page

• Apply for a Permit

• General Information

• ProjectDox Plans Review Process 

• Permit Requiring Special Referrals

• Reporting Construction Without a Permit

• Contact Us

Apply for a Permit

Create an E-Permits 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:

• 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 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 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

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.

ProjectDox Review Process

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

For more information on plans review, please check the ProjectDox 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:

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.

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:

  • Complete the Request for Reduction of Surcharge form.

  • Submit the form to the Building Official at 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 202, Baltimore, MD 21202.

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

• For permit related questions, email  DHCD.Permits@baltimorecity.gov
• For construction and trade licensing questions, email DHCD.Tradeslicense@baltimorecity.gov
• For construction inspection questions related to issued permits, email DHCD.ConstructionInspection@baltimorecity.gov
• Phone number: 443-984-1809
• Visit us in person at 417 E Fayette St to ask a permit tech or complete an application at our kiosk

Zoning office

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

Plans Review office

• Call Plans Review Office at : 410-396-3460.

Green Building Compliance

• Send an email to DHCD.Permits@baltimorecity.gov

Building Inspections 

• Call: 410-396-3470