When is a Permit Required in Baltimore City

1. Here are a few general situations when a permit is required:

   1. Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, rehabilitate, demolish or move any structure

   2. Erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system

   3. Change the use of any structure or land

   4. Perform any grading or excavating

   5. Renovations, modifications, and reconstructions always require a Permit.

 

1. Here are some more specific examples of work which requires a permit: 

   1. Exceed the city’s noise ordinance for any reason

   2. Temporarily block a public road or sidewalk

   3. Any exterior modifications made to a property in a Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) district.

   4. Install a driveway

   5. Underpinning/digging out a basement

   6. Place boards on a property for security reasons

   7. Add or upgrade electrical outlets or voltage

   8. Add a gas stove

   9. Build rooftop decks or rear decks

   10. Build a swimming pool

   11. Change a building’s use or occupancy

   12. Build or alter a chimney

   13. Demolish a building or shed

   14. Erect a fence

   15. Erect or hanging signs

   16. Install a furnace or HVAC system

   17. Install a lawn irrigation system

   18. Move a building

   19. Operate a public assembly space

   20. Excavate, paving or resurfacing an area

   21. Remove an interior wall

   22. Replace pipes and sinks

   23. Replace windows, doors, and siding

   24. Any structural repairs.

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1. If you already have a permit, you are required to notify Baltimore City if the Following Changes take Place:

   1. You change your contractor.

   2. There is a change in the work scope which requires a permit

      1. Example: if you decide to change up the paint color, you don't need to alert Baltimore City, but if you decide that you will be installing new gas lines instead of keeping the existing ones, you would need to alert Baltimore city.

 

1. Other Information:

   1. Homeowners who are performing work on their own homes and properties are not exempt from any permit requirements which would be applicable to a contractor.

   2. If caught working without a permit, In addition to paying any assessed administrative penalties, you must apply for the appropriate permit.

      1. You will be required to apply for the proper permits and pay the appropriate fees. You will be penalized by the greater of: a fine up to $1,000 or 50% of the total permit fee. If the work you have done is code compliant, the permit will be issued and appropriate inspections will be made. 

      2. If the construction does not on form to code, you have two options: construction may be brought into compliance under a newly issued permit, or construction may be removed. 

      3. For removal of especially large projects, a demolition permit is required along with an inspection to ensure proper debris removal. 

      4. Work without a permit is a misdemeanor and may be prosecuted at any time. It is punishable by up to one year in jail or a criminal fine up to $1,000

 

See our Permit Guides page for information on how to obtain different types of Baltimore City permits.