Residential Rooftop Deck Permits

When is this permit required?

Any time you want to construct, modify, remove, or significantly repair a rooftop deck

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Criteria for Approval:

1. If a rooftop deck is to be supported by party walls (walls shared with other houses): The owners of the adjoining properties must be notified in writing, and evidence of this notice must be submitted with the construction documents.

2. Must have signed and sealed plans created by a professional architect or engineer licensed in maryland

3. These need to be built in accordance with the engineered plans, but don't need to be built by a licensed contractor.

4. Plans must be in accordance with Baltimore City building code.

5. Generally, these are not allowed in historic districts.

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Fees:

$150 Application Fee

$250 Minimum Permit Fee

Checkout our permit fee calculator for a more accurate cost estimate (permit type is accessory structure).

 

How to Apply:

1. Acquire plans that are signed and sealed by a professional architect or engineer licensed in Maryland.

2. Submit your initial permit application online via ePermits.

3. After your application is pre-screened you will be asked to submit your plans and supplemental documents online via ePlans.

 

Approval Timeline:

Over 98% of permit applications submitted with plans are reviewed in less than 30 days

 

Department Contact Info:

Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development

Phone: 443-984-1809

Email: dhcd.permits@baltimorecity.gov

 

Additional Information:

1. See Baltimore City Article 00 Building Fire, and Related Codes section 1510 for more information

   1. https://legislativereference.baltimorecity.gov/city-codes

2. If a rooftop deck is to be supported by party walls (walls shared with other houses): The owners of the adjoining properties must be notified in writing, and evidence of this notice must be submitted with the construction documents.

3. Must have signed and sealed plans created by a professional architect or engineer licensed in maryland

4. These need to be built in accordance with the engineered plans, but don't need to be built by a licensed contractor.

5. Plans must be in accordance with Baltimore City building code.

6. Generally, these are not allowed in historic districts.

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