Roof Replacement Permit in Howard County, Maryland
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-06 · 3 official sources
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pageIt depends
Quick answer
Howard County's local amendment to IRC Section 105.2, currently in effect via Council Bill 24-2025 (2024 IRC adoption, effective September 7, 2025; originally enacted by CB71-2021), exempts 'replacement of roof coverings with no other structural repairs' from a building permit, with an exception allowing up to 64 square feet of roof sheathing to be replaced as part of that exempt work. A permit is required if the project replaces more than 64 square feet of sheathing or involves other structural roof repairs. No roof-specific fee line item appears in the county's official fee schedule, consistent with routine re-roofing being exempt. This exemption does not apply to structures in a mapped floodplain.
Typical threshold: roof covering replacement with no other structural repairs is exempt, including up to 64 sq ft of roof sheathing; replacing more sheathing or any other structural repair requires a building permit.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
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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?
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When a permit is usually needed
If more than 64 square feet of roof sheathing is replaced, or any other structural roof repair is performed; simple covering (shingle) replacement alone does not need a permit
What roof replacement permit costs in Howard County
Howard County does not publish a fee for this permit type in a schedule we can verify. Ask Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits how the fee is calculated for your project.
How Howard County compares in Maryland
No Maryland jurisdiction we have verified sets a size threshold for this permit, so what actually differs between them is the fee.
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Howard Countythis page | It depends | Not published |
| Montgomery County | No permit needed | No fee for replacing only the roof covering since no permit is required; |
Closest roof replacement permit thresholds outside Maryland
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Howard County's 64 sq ft.
- Arlington County, Virginia, Replacing roof covering alone or with less than 256 square feet of roof decking replaced needs no permit; replacing more than 256 square feet of decking requires a building permit, and decking originally required to be fire retardant treated always requires a permit.
- Fairfax County, Virginia, replacing 256 sq ft or more of roof plywood (decking) requires a permit; shingle-only replacement and under 256 sq ft plywood replacement are exempt
- Henrico County, Virginia, like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas
- Loudoun County, Virginia, permit required if replacing more than 256 sq ft of roof decking or making structural changes or changing roofing materials
How to apply in Howard County
A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- A recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- The materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits sets the exact checklist for Howard County.
Where to apply in Howard County:
Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits
- 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
- Phone: 410-313-2455
- Email: buildingtech@howardcountymd.gov
Inspections and closing out your permit
Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- Where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- An overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- Flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- A final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- Reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Howard County permit portal or by phone at 410-313-2455.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Howard County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: roof covering replacement with no other structural repairs is exempt, including up to 64 sq ft of roof sheathing; replacing more sheathing or any other structural repair requires a building permit. Usually needed: If more than 64 square feet of roof sheathing is replaced, or any other structural roof repair is performed; simple covering (shingle) replacement alone does not need a permit.
- Budget the fee. Check the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Apply. A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Howard County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits. Phone: 410-313-2455. Address: 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
- Plan for inspections. Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-06.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Howard County?
- Howard County's local amendment to IRC Section 105.2, currently in effect via Council Bill 24-2025 (2024 IRC adoption, effective September 7, 2025; originally enacted by CB71-2021), exempts 'replacement of roof coverings with no other structural repairs' from a building permit, with an exception allowing up to 64 square feet of roof sheathing to be replaced as part of that exempt work. A permit is required if the project replaces more than 64 square feet of sheathing or involves other structural roof repairs. No roof-specific fee line item appears in the county's official fee schedule, consistent with routine re-roofing being exempt. This exemption does not apply to structures in a mapped floodplain. Roof covering replacement with no other structural repairs is exempt, including up to 64 sq ft of roof sheathing; replacing more sheathing or any other structural repair requires a building permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Howard County?
- Fees are set by Howard County and are not published here. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Howard County?
- You can apply through the Howard County permit portal or contact the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Howard County?
- Under Maryland law (Md. Code, Bus. Occ. and Prof. 12-301(b), 6-607(1); Public Safety 12-505): It depends on the trade and the county. Plumbing: state law exempts an individual who personally provides plumbing services in their own residence, but homeowners may not make final connections between the residence and public or private water supply or disposal systems, and Baltimore County plus the WSSC-area counties are largely carved out of the state plumbing title. Electrical: the Maryland Electricians Act prohibits providing electrical services for compensation without a license; it has no express homeowner exemption, so uncompensated work on one's own home falls outside the licensing prohibition, but each county decides whether it will issue an electrical permit to an unlicensed homeowner. Building permits are issued by local jurisdictions, which set their own owner-applicant rules. Confirm how Howard County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Howard County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | Not specified | Interior alterations to a single family home need a $25 filing fee plus $50 for an area... |
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $50 per structure (Miscellaneous Structures Accessory permit, FY2027 Building Permit Fe... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $50 non-refundable permit application fee, plus $50 for 25 or fewer outlets/fixtures (h... |
| EV Charger Permit | It depends | Not specified | Not itemized by name; |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fences 7 ft or under, not enclosing a pool, are exempt from a building permit; over 7 ft or enclosing a pool requires a Miscellaneous Structures building permit | $50 per structure for fences over 7 feet high or enclosing a pool (Miscellaneous Struct... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Not specified | $50 non-refundable application fee; |
| Patio Permit | No permit needed | Not specified | Patios file under miscellaneous accessory structures per the county's residential permi... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $50 non-refundable filing fee (other than Express Plumbing Permit); |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $100 for above-ground pools; |
| Shed Permit | It depends | sheds under 200 sq ft (one-story, non-conditioned, detached) are exempt from a building permit; 200 sq ft or more requires a Miscellaneous Structures building permit | $50 per structure for sheds over 200 and up to 400 sq ft (Miscellaneous Structures Acce... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $50 per structure for a residential roof- or ground-mounted solar collector (Miscellane... |
| Water Heater Permit | It depends | Not specified | Water heater replacement bills as the $50 plumbing filing fee plus the $25 fixture-repl... |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Maryland localities
Official sources
- https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/CB024-2025%20FINAL.pdf
- https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/CB71%20(IBC%20IRC)_0.pdf
- https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/FY27%20Building%20Permit%20Fee%20Schedule_0.pdf
- https://www.yorktownny.gov/media/pril1rwn/untitled.pdf
- https://www.cavecreekaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6609/Inspection-re-roof
Verified by a person against the sources above on 2026-07-06, not confirmed with Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: 2026-07-06Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Maryland localities
Maryland rule changes
- Howard County, MD raises shed and fence permit-exemption limits (CB24-2025)
CB24-2025 (Bill No. 24-2025) · 2026-07-25
- Montgomery County, MD FY27 permit fee schedules take effect
FY27 Fee Schedule (Council-approved FY27 Budget) · 2026-07-25