BUILDING PERMIT

WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED?

A building permit is required for all new construction, addition, alterations, including decks, sheds, retaining walls, and fences in Montgomery County and municipalities, with the exceptions of the City of Rockville and the City of Gaithersburg.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BUILDING PERMIT?

Building permits are required to ensure public safety, health, and welfare as they are affected by building construction, through structural strength, adequate egress facilities, sanitary equipment, light, ventilation and fire safety.

WHAT IS THE PERMIT PROCESS?

For all new construction:

• Submission of a completed Sediment Control application (including two site plans showing topography)
• Submission of a Right-of-Way application (including one site plan)
• Submission of a completed Commercial/Residential Building application
• Two complete sets of construction drawings (engineer/architect signed/sealed with certification and title block)
• Submission of a completed Use and Occupancy application (if Commercial, include one site plan)
• Four site plans (five site plans if the lot has a well and/or septic system)
• Two complete sets of drainage plans (if lot size is 15,000 and less)
• Two completed Energy Worksheets (IBC/IRC 2006)

For all additions, alterations, decks, retaining walls, sheds & fences:

• Submission of a Commercial/Residential Building application
• Two complete sets of construction drawings (drawn to scale, with details, including dimensions)
• Two site plans
• Two complete sets of drainage plans (for additions over 400 sq. ft. and lot size of 15,000 sq. ft. and less)
• Two completed Energy Worksheets (IBC/IRC 2006)
• For sheds (less than 200 sq. ft.) and fences, submit two site plans (to scale with dimensions) and a completed Residential Building application
• For retaining walls, if 4 feet high or more, plans must be signed and sealed by a State of Maryland registered engineer with certification and title block.

OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED

• SHA (State Highway Administration)
• Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
• WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission)
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Townships

INSPECTIONS INFORMATION

Inspection requirements are attached to the approved set of plans. Inspection requests received before 12:00 noon are scheduled for the next business day (Monday – Friday). Inspection requests received after 12:00 noon are scheduled within two business days (Monday – Friday).

WHAT WILL THE PERMIT COST?

Permit fees are assessed in accordance with Executive Regulation No. 11-05, Schedule of Fees for Permits, Licenses and Certifications. A 10% Automation Enhancement Fee will be added to the above cost.

PERMIT DURATION:

The permit is valid for one (1) year from the date of issue. An extension may be applied for prior to permit expiration. For further information, contact (240) 777-6370.