The office at the George Howard Building closes at 5:00 PM but try to be there by 4:30 PM to allow time for processing.

What are the days and times for "walk-through" permits?

Walk through is on Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. There are restrictions on what types of permits can be walked through on those days. Please call the Permits Office at 410-313-2455.

How do I get a copy of my house plat?

A location survey and/or plat was provided at the time of settlement. Check your settlement documentation for a copy. If you cannot locate the settlement papers your Lending Institution should also have a copy. You can also call the Clerk of the Court, Land Records Division, at 410-313-2111 to research their property.

Do I need a permit to build a shed in my back yard? What if the shed is built on skids and delivered to my house?

Building permits are required for sheds when the total square footage is greater than 200 square feet and will require a frost footing that will be at least 30 inches below finished grade. Sheds with electric or plumbing added do require electrical and plumbing permits. All sheds must meet Planning and Zoning (410-313-2393) setback requirements and sheds cannot be located in any drainage or utility easement.

How close to my neighbor's property line can I place my new shed?

Setbacks vary according to where the person's home is located. Contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-313-2393.

Do I need a permit for my deck?

ONLY decks less than 25 square feet do not require footings or permits. All other decks require permits. Footings must be a minimum size 18" in diameter or 16" x 16" at least 30" deep.

Do my deck support columns have to go into the ground?

No. The building code requires that a deck attached to the house have frost protection 30 inches in the ground and there are several ways that this can be done:

1. Fill a 30 inch deep hole with concrete to the top and use a support bracket to attach the deck column to it. (all columns must be connected to the foundation to prevent accidental movement).

2. Fill a 30 inch deep hole with 8 inches of concrete and set the deck column on top of the concrete and backfill the remaining earth (no additional support would be required for the column).

Place the support column on 8 inches of concrete and fill the remaining hole with an additional second pour of concrete around the column. (Note in all cases at least 8 inches of concrete is needed in the column support, and the diameter of the footing shall be in accordance with the minimum required size based on your deck design.)

Do I need a permit to replace just my deck boards with the same thing or the new plastic wood products?

No. This is considered ordinary repair and a permit is not required. If you just replace the decking boards and not the structural under carriage then a permit would not be required to do this type of work. You should keep in mind that if your floor joists are spaced more than 16" inches on center some of the new products may not span the required distance, especially if you put the deck boards on the diagonal.

Do I have to be home for the inspection of my deck?

No. If the yard is fenced/locked it should be left open on the day of the inspection. Pets should also be restrained from the deck area. The permit should be posted and the inspector will leave a sticker so you will know if the inspection was approved or rejected and the reason.

Do I need a permit to replace my handrails or guardrails with the same product.

Yes. This is a code issue that must be maintained at all times and they are considered a structural element. If you want to replace your old handrails or guardrails with new ones a permit is required. The spacing of picket balusters may change or the impact load may require additional supports. This requirement is to make certain the current codes are being applied.

Can I put water in my swimming pool now that I got my electrical permit final inspection and am waiting on the final inspection of the fence.

No. Only after approval of the fence and verification that the door alarms, if required, are operable, can the pool be filled. There must be request for a final inspection by the pool contractor.

Do I need a building permit for a barn?

Barns constructed in Residential Zoning areas greater than 200 square feet will require a building permit and frost footings that will be at least 30 inches below finished grade. Barns constructed on agricultural assessed land which will be used for agricultural purposes are exempt from building permit requirements. All barns constructed with electrical or plumbing added do require permits for the electrial and plumbing work. All barns must meet zoning setback requirements.

Do I need a plumbing permit to replace an electric or gas water heater?

Yes. A plumbing permit must be pulled by a master plumber and an inspection is required. These permits are generally Express Plumbing Permits although a long form plumbing permit application may be used. If you have purchased your water heater from a home improvement store they have a subcontractor who will obtain the permit.

What is the earliest date I can post a grading surety bond due to weather conditions?

Winter sureties may be posted between December 1st and April 30th. Exemptions are granted only under extreme weather conditions.