Baltimore Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Baltimore City is an independent city, not part of Baltimore County for building-permit purposes. The City of Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), through its permits and building inspections functions, administers the city’s building, use, occupancy, and related code requirements. A property inside city limits should use Baltimore City DHCD even though it is commonly described as being in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Baltimore City building permits and ePermits

DHCD’s permit handbook says permits are generally required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, rehabilitate, demolish, or move a structure; install or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems; change a building or land use; and perform grading or excavation. Start with the City’s permit guidance, then use the official ePermits and ePlans system to create an application, upload information, pay fees, communicate with reviewers, and check an application.

Baltimore City inspections and occupancy

All permitted work is subject to inspection. The City’s inspection guidance identifies typical sequences for decks, additions, new buildings, alterations, razing, and trade work. Before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the required final building inspection and any applicable fire, health, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or other agency inspections must be complete. Use the ePermits account to schedule inspections or the City’s QuickTrac instructions when that option applies.

Zoning, plan review, and code compliance

Baltimore City reviews zoning and development issues through its municipal agencies and may route a project to Planning, transportation, public works, fire, health, or the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals. The state’s local-code directory lists Baltimore City separately from Baltimore County and links to the City’s adopted code and amendments. Confirm zoning, historic-district, use, and occupancy requirements before treating a permit as ready to issue.

Official Baltimore City contact information

Maryland’s Building Codes Administration lists the DHCD permits and code-enforcement contact at 417 East Fayette Street, Room 301, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, with a listed phone of (443) 984-1806. Use the official DHCD permit page and ePermits links above for current forms, fees, permit searches, and inspection instructions.