Construction Inspection Division

About the Construction Inspection Division

The Construction Inspection Division (CID) includes a combination of field inspectors and administrative staff. Site Construction Inspection Work is divided regionally into three inspection teams: East, Central, and West. Right-of-Way Utility Permits (RUP) for power and communications improvements within Howard County Right-of-Way are reviewed, issued, and the construction inspected by CID.

CID inspection teams ensure that capital and developer projects are constructed in accordance with the contract documents which include written agreements, approved plans, and specifications. All team members endeavor to assure contractor and developer site construction compliance to County standards as established in the Howard County Design Manual, Volume IV. CID inspects a number of construction improvements: capital projects, developer projects, all grading permits, large diameter pipe plumbing permits, and underground utility permits.

CID is responsible for inspection of construction improvements to roads, bridges, utilities, and grass areas, all of which are outside of residential or commercial buildings. Please see the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits (DILP) for inspection of residential or commercial buildings. Grading Permits can be obtained by way of application through the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits. You can apply for a grading permit online at https://dilp.howardcountymd.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx or at the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. For requirements and forms related to Grading Permits, you can find information at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/inspections-licenses-permits/forms-fees.

Once a Grading Permit has been applied for, reviewed and has been published by the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits, it will then be sent to the Construction Inspection Division by the next business day. Please allow for up to 5 business days for CID to complete their intake process, permit assignment, and plan review of the grading permit, after which the grading inspector will call you to set up the Pre-Con meeting for issuance of the permit. The flowchart of CID's process describes these steps. To view the flowchart, click here.

Capital projects are managed by Howard County Government to improve transportation, park, water and wastewater projects. These projects include: bridges, parks, roads, sidewalks, storm water management facilities, storm drain systems, water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, elevated water tanks and pumping facilities.

Developer Projects are managed by private entities to construct housing or businesses. These projects include residential neighborhoods, commercial areas for retail or business use, and industrial areas for manufacturing or processing. Construction on these projects often includes roads and utility systems that are dedicated to public use as well as site grading and storm water management facilities.

The Developer Process Flowchart outlines the steps that a typical developer project takes to fulfill the developer agreement for the construction of a community or neighborhood.

If you have any questions, please call the Construction Inspection Division at 410-313-1855.