Maryland building departments

How permitting works in Maryland

Statewide standards, county and municipal enforcement. Maryland adopts the International Codes statewide, and counties and municipalities enforce them with local amendments. Home improvement contractors must hold a state license.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

Maryland building codes and licensing

Residential code

Maryland Building Performance Standards: 2021 IRC with state modifications (COMAR 09.12.51); effective May 29, 2023

Commercial code

2021 IBC and 2021 IECC with state modifications (COMAR 09.12.51); effective May 29, 2023

Adopted by

Maryland Department of Labor, Building Codes Administration (opens in a new tab)

Outside city limits

Counties and municipalities are responsible for enforcing the Maryland Building Performance Standards, including plan review, permits, inspections and use and occupancy certificates.

Contractor licensing

Home improvement contractors and salespersons must be licensed by the MHIC for alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement work on residences. Plumbers, master electricians and HVACR contractors are licensed by separate state boards. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (Maryland Department of Labor) (opens in a new tab)

What is different in Maryland

• Local jurisdictions may amend the IBC and IRC, but the energy code and the Maryland Accessibility Code can only be made more stringent, not less.
• The state must adopt each new model code edition within 18 months of its publication, and local jurisdictions must enforce it within 12 months after the state changes take effect.
• Homeowners who hire a licensed MHIC contractor can recover actual losses from the Guaranty Fund, up to the amount paid and capped at $30,000.
• Baltimore County and areas served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission are exempt from state plumbing laws and follow their own plumbing codes.

Maryland department guides

Browse Maryland counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in Maryland?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. Maryland Department of Labor, Building Codes Administration
2. Maryland Department of Labor – Maryland Building Codes (MBPS)
3. Maryland Department of Labor – Effective Dates of Codes
4. Maryland Department of Labor – Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes
5. COMAR 09.12.51.04 Incorporation by Reference
6. COMAR 09.12.51.03 Definitions
7. Maryland Home Improvement Commission

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.