Overview
The Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (DILP) is responsible for the approval and issuance of various permits, licenses and the enforcement of County building codes and standards. These include building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, sign and property maintenance codes.
DILP inspects and licenses rental housing properties, mobile home parks, and animals. It is responsible for staff duties associated with the Board of Electrical Examiners and the Plumbing Advisory Board.
The department is organized into four divisions:
- Inspections & Enforcement
- Licenses & Permits
- Operations
- Plan Review
May is Building Safety Month: Built to Last
May is Building Safety Month, and the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (DILP) is proud to join the International Code Council (ICC) in promoting safe, resilient, and sustainable construction practices across our community. This year’s theme, "Built to Last," emphasizes how modern building codes, resilient infrastructure, and professional oversight protect our homes, workplaces, and public spaces. From home remodeling to major commercial developments, structural integrity and public safety remain our highest priorities.
Our dedicated DILP team works year-round to ensure that all local construction complies with rigorous safety standards. We support the community through:
- Plan Reviews: Ensuring design safety before construction begins.
- Permit Issuance: Validating projects meet requirements.
- Field Inspections: Verification of safety standards for various types of work.
Get Involved
Building safety is a shared responsibility. Residents and business owners can participate by focusing on core safety themes:
- Home Safety Updates: Check smoke alarms, clear emergency exits, and mitigate common household hazards.
- Permit Compliance: Protect your property value by using our Online Permitting System (Citizens Access Portal) to secure proper permits.
- Disaster Preparedness: Build resilience against extreme weather events and structural failures.
For questions about active projects, code requirements, or applications, contact DILP Inspections & Enforcement at 410-313-1823 or the Permits division at 410-313-2455.
The Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits Citizen’s Access Portal will be unavailable from Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. until (no later than) 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for system updates.
For in person submittals, please plan to visit the Licenses & Permits Front Counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, for assistance.
Please note that the Front Counter at the George Howard Building will be closed from June 29, 2026 – July 2, 2026, for scheduled Energy Saving Days. The Department will be available during this time via phone and email.
Please plan accordingly and we apologize for any inconvenience.
For questions please call:
- Inspections & Enforcement at 410-313-1823
- Licenses & Permits at 410-313-2455, option #4
- Plan Review at 410-313-2436
Departmental Operations Updates
In an effort to be proactive regarding budget challenges, Howard County has implemented "Energy Saving Days". During these dates many County buildings, including the George Howard Building, will be closed and/or energy use will be drastically reduced. DILP will remain operational with employees available by phone, email and off-site meetings, as needed. Please plan ahead to ensure that you meet submission deadlines; Energy Saving Days do not impact electronic submissions.
The remaining 2026 Energy Savings Day are below:
- June 29th, 30th
- July 1st, 2nd
- August 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
- November 23rd, 24th, 25th
Effective February 1, 2025, the County ceased absorbing merchant services fees associated with all payments made by credit card or ACH. These fees are now paid by the customer and are clearly shown during checkout at the completion of the transaction.
Howard County has adopted three new Council Bills, effective September 7th, 2025 (Adopted Codes):
- CB 24-2025: covers the 2024 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code and International Swimming Pool & Spa Code.
- CB 25-2025 covers the Howard County Property Management Code for Rental Housing.
- CB 26-2025 covers the International Plumbing Code & the National Fuel & Gas Code (NFPA 54-2024).
Boards Information
The Board of Electrical Examiners make recommendations to the Director of Inspections, Licenses & Permits, the County Executive and the County Council on all matters relating to electrical work in Howard County, including the conduct of electrical business and licenses.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking licensed electricians and members of the general public interested in serving a five-year term on the county’s Board of Electrical Examiners.
“Especially with alternative sources of energy, our Board of Electrical Examiners serves an important role to help maintain high standards of building codes and practices for electric in our community,” said Ball. “With this vital professional and community input, we can ensure that Howard County Government is keeping homes, businesses, and public spaces functional and safe in a dynamic and evolving field.”
The Board is composed of seven members, two members of the public who do NOT derive income from the electric industry, four who are licensed and practicing Master Electricians, and one electrical engineer. Board member responsibilities include reviewing and making recommendations to county elected leaders in all matters related to electrical work in the county, including the conduct of electrical business and licenses.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be a Howard County resident, 18 years of age or older (for general membership), and be able to attend the Board’s meetings and hearings, which are held at least twice per year in the George Howard Building located at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, or virtually.
Interested applicants should complete an application online by visiting the Howard County Boards Application website and selecting “Board of Electrical Examiners” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation. For any questions regarding the application process, please email applybc@howardcountymd.gov.
For more information about the Board for Electrical Examiners, visit the Howard County Board of Electrical Examiners informational website, or contact the County’s Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits at 410-313-2455.
The Plumbing Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Director of Inspections, Licenses & Permits, the County Executive and the County Council in all matters relating to the conduct of the plumbing business in Howard County.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking licensed plumbers and members of the general public interested in serving a five-year term on the county’s Plumbing Advisory Board.
The Board is composed of five members, three members of the public who do NOT derive income from the plumbing industry and two who are licensed and practicing master plumbers. Board member responsibilities include reviewing and making recommendations to County elected leaders in all matters related to the conduct of the plumbing business in Howard County.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be a Howard County resident, 18 years of age or older (for general membership), and be able to attend the Board’s meetings and hearings, which are held at least twice per year in the George Howard Building located at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, or virtually.
Interested applicants should apply online at www.howardcountymd.gov/applybc, and selecting “Plumbing Advisory Board” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation. For any questions regarding the application process, please email applybc@howardcountymd.gov.
For more information about the Plumbing Advisory Board, visit Howard County's Plumbing Advisory Board informational website, or contact the County’s Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits at 410-313-2455.
What's New
Grading Permit Application and Payments Now Available Online:
As of August 1, 2023, in an effort to make it more efficient for contractors and homeowners, the Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits began accepting electronic submissions of all residential and commercial permit types.
Howard County has Launched a New Commercial HVAC/Mechanical Program:
Please visit our Adopted Codes webpage for the current (and historical) codes.
Licensed Contractor for Residential Construction:
Section 105.8 Contractor Licensing requirements in residential one and two-family dwellings:
"Homeowners of one and two-family dwellings, as defined by the Howard County Building Code, may act as their own general contractor for alterations and additions if they own the property in questions and the property is their primary residence. If the property is a rental property, or not their primary residence, they must have a Maryland Home Improvement Contractors License or a Maryland Home Builders License in accordance with the State of Maryland licensing laws."
All properties served by private well and septic require prior Health Department approval. For information on obtaining approval, please contact the Howard County Health Department by phone at 410-313-6300.
General Contact Information
For more information and direction, call (option #4) General Permits Related Information by phone at 410-313-2455.
Contact Electrical Licensing Information by phone at 410-313-2455.
Contact Automated Inspections Requests by phone at:
- 410-313-3800 (Main)
- 410-313-1861 (Fax)
Contact General Building & Fire Protection Information by phone at 410-313-1810.
Contact General Electrical Information by phone at:
- 410-313-1820 (Main)
- 410-313-1861 (Fax)
Contact General Plumbing and Mechanical Information by phone at 410-313-1840.
Contact General Rental Housing & Signs Information by phone at:
- 410-313-1830 (Main)
- 410-313-1861 (Fax)
FAQs
Every dwelling or dwelling unit in Howard County which is not occupied solely by the owner or owner's immediate family must be licensed. A license is also required if more than one boarder, roomer or renter occupies the dwelling with the owner. This requirement applies whether or not rent money changes hands. Rental Licenses ensure that the Howard County Property Maintenance Code standards are met. The requirement applies to apartments, individually owned condominiums, duplexes, mobile homes, townhomes, hotels, motels, assisted living unit and facilities.
The smoke detector requirements are determined by the date the house was originally built. See this smoke alarm requirements chart for specifications on the type of smoke detector and location of smoke detector based on the date of construction. Smoke detectors can be no more than ten (10) years old. Every ten (10) years they must be replaced. AC electrically wired (hard-wired) detectors must be replaced at ten (10) years with new AC wired detectors. In addition to the requirements listed in the chart, there must also be a smoke detector INSIDE EVERY BEDROOM. Those inside the bedrooms must be ten (10) year sealed-in Lithium battery detectors (non-removable battery).
Setbacks vary according to where the person's home is located. Contact the Department of Planning and Zoning for further guidance.
The office closes at 5:00 p.m., but please arrive by 4:00 p.m. to allow time for processing.
Winter sureties may be posted between December 1st and April 30th. Exemptions are granted only under extreme weather conditions.
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.
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. Please see the Deck Guide.
A plumbing permit must be pulled by a Master Plumber and an inspection is required for all water heaters (gas and electric).
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.
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.
Building permits are required for sheds when the total square footage is greater than 200 square feet and for sheds larger than 400 square feet that will require a frost footing that will be at least 30 inches below grade.
Yes. ONLY decks less than 25 square feet do not require footings or permits. All other decks require permits. Footings must be a minimum size of 18" in diameter or 16" x 16" and at least 30" deep.
Barns constructed in Residential Zoning areas greater than 200 square feet will require a building permit. Barns larger than 400 square feet will require frost footings that will be at least 30 inches below finished grade.
No. If the yard is fenced and/or 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.
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.
