Baltimore building permits
Building permits in Baltimore are issued by the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), Permits / E-Permits1. You can apply and request inspections online through aca-prod.accela.com1.
On this page
- Building department contacts
- Building codes in force in Baltimore
- Baltimore building permit fees
- How to get a building permit in Baltimore
- Permit expiration and extensions
- Inspections in Baltimore
- Building without a permit in Baltimore
- Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Maryland rules that also apply in Baltimore
- Sources
Building department contacts
Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), Permits / E-Permits1
Building permits
- Website
- baltimorecity.gov1
- Apply online
- aca-prod.accela.com1
- Phone
- (443) 984-18092
- [email protected]1
- Address
- 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 100, Baltimore, MD (One Stop Shop)2
- Hours
- In person: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm; no in-person assistance Wednesdays2
- Inspections
- Online through the E-Permits account1
To look up permits already issued for an address (useful before you buy, or to check a contractor's work), use the city's official permit search: cels.baltimorehousing.org1.
Building codes in force in Baltimore
These are the model codes Baltimore enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Maryland building codes.
| Code | Title as adopted | Model edition | Effective | Adopted by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State code | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part I Maryland Building Performance Standards5 | – | 6 | Maryland Department of Labor (State); incorporated by City Ordinance 24-3415 |
| International Building Code (IBC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part II International Building Code6 | 20217 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part X International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings6 | 20218 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part III National Electrical Code6 | 20209 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part IV International Fuel Gas Code6 | 202110 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part V International Mechanical Code6 | 202111 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part VI International Plumbing Code6 | 202112 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part VII International Property Maintenance Code6 | 202113 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| International Fire Code (IFC) | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part VIII International Fire Code6 | 202114 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| Energy code, commercial | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part IX-A International Energy Conservation Code – Commercial Provisions6 | 202115 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| Energy code, residential | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part IX-B International Energy Conservation Code – Residential Provisions6 | 202116 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
| State code | Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Edition), Part XI International Green Construction Code6 | 202117 | 6 | Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Ordinance 24-3416 |
Transition rules. Applies to permit applications filed on or after May 22, 20246.
Baltimore building permit fees
Fees come from the Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City, Building Code § 109 (Fees)1, effective 18.
How valuation is set. Mostly area/volume/fixture-based; estimated cost used for exterior-only alterations and miscellaneous work1.
Each line is worded as in Baltimore’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum fee or service charge | Minimum fee | Unless otherwise specified, the minimum fee or service charge is $25. All fees are to be rounded to the nearest dollar.19 |
| Application fee, no plan review, 1- and 2-family dwellings | Flat fee | 1. For applications that do not require the submission of construction documents for plan review: a. 1- and 2-family dwellings $2519 |
| Application fee, with plan review, 1- and 2-family dwellings | Plan review | 2. For applications that require the submission of construction documents for plan review: a. 1- and 2-family dwellings $12519 |
| New buildings and additions, 1- and 2-family dwellings | – | 1. 1- and 2-family dwellings $10 for each 1,000 cubic feet (28.31 cu. m.) or fraction of 1,000 cubic feet (28.31 cu. m.) of gross volume, including all basements and cellars. Minimums – New building $150 Additions $7519 |
| Accessory structures, 100 sq ft or less | Flat fee | Each structure of 100 square feet (9.29 sq. m.) or less of gross floor area $2519 |
| Accessory structures, over 100 sq ft | Flat fee | Each structure over 100 square feet (9.29 sq. m.) of gross floor area $5019 |
| Alterations and repairs, 1- and 2-family dwellings | Per square foot | 1. 1- and 2-family dwellings $0.30 per square foot or fraction of a square foot of affected gross floor area Minimum $5019 |
| Exterior-only alterations / interior doors only, 1- and 2-family | Based on project valuation | Exception: For the following, the fee is $10 for each $1,000 or fraction of $1,000 estimated cost, subject to a minimum fee of $50 –19 |
| Interior only demolition | Per square foot | $0.02 per square foot or fraction of a square foot of affected gross floor area Minimums – 1- and 2-family dwellings $2519 |
| Retaining walls | Per square foot | $10 for each 100 square feet (9.29 sq. m.) or fraction of 100 square feet (9.29 sq. m.) of area above footing.19 |
| Fences | – | $10 for each 100 linear feet (30.38 m) or fraction of 100 linear feet (30.38 m).19 |
| Paving or surfacing, 0 to 1,000 sq ft | Flat fee | 0 to 1,000 sq. ft. (92.90 sq. m.) $2519 |
| Demolition (other than interior only), 1- and 2-family dwellings | – | 1- and 2-family dwellings $0.03 per cubic foot volume of structure Minimum $30019 |
| Swimming pools, 1- and 2-family dwellings | Flat fee | o. Swimming pools. 1- and 2-family dwellings $5019 |
| Occupancy permit | Flat fee | For each use in each building or part of a building $4519 |
| DPW and DoT review charges | Plan review | A fee of $100 will be charged for each review of a permit application by the Department of Public Works or by the Department of Transportation.19 |
| Electrical service, over 100 to 200 amperes | Flat fee | Over 100 to 200 $3019 |
| Photovoltaic system | – | 1 to 25 photovoltaic panels $25 For each additional 10 or fraction of 10 panels $519 |
| Electrical branch circuits | Flat fee | For each circuit $619 |
| Fuel-burning equipment, 0 to 200,000 BTU/h per unit | Flat fee | 0 to 200,000 $3019 |
| Air conditioning systems (other than cooling towers) | – | All others $5 a ton (1 ton = 12,000 BTU per hour) Minimum $30 Maximum $300 per unit19 |
| Plumbing fixtures | Per fixture or item | Install, replace, or reconstruct plumbing fixtures $5 each19 |
| Electrical water heaters | Flat fee | Electrical water heaters, new construction or replacement $20 each19 |
| Miscellaneous work | Based on project valuation | Permit fees for miscellaneous work, operations, and other purposes, not elsewhere provided for in this Code, are charged at the rate of $10 for each $1,000 or fraction of $1,000 of estimated cost.19 |
| Building Code Permit Tax | State surcharge | The amount of the tax is 5% of the final cost of that permit rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.19 |
| Permit extension (application within 90 days after expiry) | Flat fee | 1. If the application for extension is made within 90 days after the permit expires, the fee for the extension is $25.19 |
| Permit extension (31-90 days after expiry) | Percent of the permit fee | 2. If the application for extension is made between 31-90 days after the permit expires, the fee for the extension is 50% of the original permit fee.19 |
| Add or change a contractor | Flat fee | 3. To add or change a contractor, the charge is $25 per application.19 |
| Overtime inspection | After-hours inspection | For each inspection or reinspection that, at the request of the owner or owner’s agent, is made outside normal working hours, a charge is imposed at the rate of $50 an hour for each inspector, with a minimum charge, payable in advance, of $200 for each inspector.19 |
How to get a building permit in Baltimore
- To begin your permit application, you'll need to create an online E-Permits account.1
- When you apply for a permit, you'll need to give more information about the work you are performing.20
- To add a contractor to your permit application, you will need their registered name and license number from the permits database.1
- Permits applications for locations in Planning and Historic districts need referral to another agency for extra review and approval.1
- You can pay your permit fees using the E-Permits online system or at the One-Stop Shop Permit Center before your permit can be issued.1
- Once payment is made you will receive your permit via email.1
- All permits require inspections to be scheduled with the Department of Housing Building and Trade Inspectors.1
- All work permits must have a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued3
Permit expiration and extensions
- How long a permit lasts
- 180 days21
- Extensions
- Apply within 90 days after expiry; each extension up to 180 days21
Inspections in Baltimore
Baltimore’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).
- Decks: footing; final3
- New building/addition: footing; foundation; slab; framing; insulation; final3
- Alterations: framing; insulation; final3
- Fencing/temporaries/signs: footing (as needed); final3
- Razing: on-site consultation before permit; inspector at start of demolition; slab removal; footing; backfill; final3
- Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVACR: rough-in (most) and final (all)3
- How to schedule
- Online through E-Permits; cutoff 2:30 p.m. the prior day3
- Re-inspection fee
- $50 1st, $100 2nd, $125 3rd and later19
- After the final inspection
- Occupancy permit (Baltimore's name for a certificate of occupancy)22
Building without a permit in Baltimore
| Consequence | Applies to | As the city states it | Way to fix it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil penalty Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 109.5.9.1 | Permit issued for work begun or completed without a permit, beyond its scope, or during suspension/after revocation19 | Greater of $1,000 or 50% of the permit fee19 | Obtain a permit for the work even if completed, pay the permit fee and penalty surcharge21 |
| Civil penalty Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 109.5.9.2 | Demolition without the proper permit19 | 50 cents per cubic foot of the structure19 | – |
| Criminal penalty Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 114.4.3 | Violation of the Code, a permit, plan or order23 | Fine of not more than $500 per offense23 | – |
| Daily fine Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 114.5 | Equity proceedings23 | Civil fine up to $500 per day the violation continues23 | – |
| Stop-work order Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 115.2 | Cited work24 | Written, posted order; work must stop immediately24 | – |
| Removal order Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 114.14 | Work without a permit or beyond its scope23 | Must stop work, obtain permit and pay fees and penalties, and restore original condition unless the work conforms and the Building Official allows it to remain23 | – |
| Permit revoked Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 114.11.2 | Owner, agent, contractor or design professional who violated the Code or failed to pay citations/fees23 | Revoke existing permits without notice; refuse further permits for up to 5 years23 | – |
| Lien or recorded notice Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City (2024 Ed.), Building Code § 109.5.9.5 | Unpaid penalty surcharge19 | Lien placed for unpaid surcharge19 | – |
For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.
Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Homeowner may pull a building permit
- Yes (code): owner or lessee may apply for permits other than demolition/moving, formstone removal, underpinning21
- Homeowner electrical work
- No25
- Homeowner plumbing work
- No26
Maryland's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Maryland permit guide.
Maryland rules that also apply in Baltimore
- Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections in Maryland
- Contractor licensing in Maryland
- Selling a home with unpermitted work in Maryland
- Private plan review and inspections in Maryland
Sources
- Building Permits - Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentCity of Baltimore, Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentLast updated October 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Permits, Inspections, Registrations, and Licensing - DHCDCity of Baltimore, Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentLast updated August 1, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
- Inspection Guidelines and Other Permit InformationCity of Baltimore, Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentRevised January 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Contact Us - DHCDCity of Baltimore, Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentLast updated September 24, 2025Checked November 6, 2026
- § 1-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- Building, Fire, and Related Codes 2024 EditionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Effective May 22, 2024Checked November 6, 2026
- § 2-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 10-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 3-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 4-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 5-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 6-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 7-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 8-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 9a-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 9b-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- § 11-101 City adoptionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 6, 2026
- Ord. 24-437. Building, Fire, and Related Codes - Corrective Amendment | City of Baltimore Law LibraryCity of Baltimore, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov)Effective December 2, 2024Checked November 6, 2026
- Section 109. Fees (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
- Permit Information and Requirements - DHCDCity of Baltimore, Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentLast updated October 13, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Section 105. Permits (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
- Section 111. Occupancy Permit; Certificate of CompletionCity of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
- Section 114. Violations (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
- Section 115. Stop-Work Order (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
- Section 2706. Permits (Electrical)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
- Section 2903. Permits (Plumbing Systems)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026