Building permits in Baltimore County, Maryland
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Baltimore County, 2 need a permit outright and 7 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources- Project types verified
- 10
- in Baltimore County
Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI)
- County Office Building, 111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204
- Phone: 410-887-3900
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Baltimore County
Baltimore County runs an online permit portal. Many local portals let you check application status, search permit records, and view inspection results without calling the office.
What needs a permit in Baltimore County
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Baltimore County, 2 need a permit outright and 7 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | deck floor area, with a permit also required for any deck more than 16 inches above the lowest grade | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26: Decks (Open Deck) (under 600 sf) $105.00 |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Not specified | Electrical Permit Fee Schedule effective 11/26/18: Residential Service (each meter)... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fence height measured vertical to ground, including a fence set on top of a wall | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26 lists Fences, Residential: $35.00 +... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Not specified | The Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26 prices Mechanical, HVAC System Only... |
| Patio Permit | Not confirmed | Not specified | Not published |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Plumbing Inspection Fee Schedule effective 11/26/18: Inspection, New, for 1st fixture... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | above-ground pool surface area, where the water depth is 24 inches or more; in-ground pools require a permit at any size | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26: Swimming Pool, Residential, Above... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | share of the sheathing or deck being replaced in a roofing job | The Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26 publishes no roofing line item. |
| Shed Permit | It depends | accessory structure floor area | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26: Accessory Structure, Under 1000 sf... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26: Solar Power System, Residential (Roof... |
Planning a project in Baltimore County?
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
Planning several things at once? Check your whole project