Records Search and Request
Before submitting a request for records, be sure that your request falls within the parameters of the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA). The following types of information requests are not within the parameters:
- Active development
- Building, electrical, gas and plumbing permits
- Code Enforcement cases
- County-owned properties
- Rental licenses
- Use of occupancy
- Vacant properties
- Zoning case history and verification
CITIZENS DATA RECORD SEARCH
The above records can be found via the public search tools listed below.
| Search Type | Search For | Search Tools and Others Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Code Enforcement Cases | The status of a specific complaint or violation using the case number or street address. | Citizen Access Dashboard |
| Open Data |
|
Open Data |
| Permits | Building, electrical, gas and plumbing permits | |
| Zoning |
|
CONFIRMATION OF RECORDS REQUEST
A Confirmation of Records request is an examination of documents associated with a property to confirm its authenticity and identify the following:
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Code Enforcement cases—These are copies of property case history or current/open violations of the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations; including, but not limited to the following.
- Tall grass or weeds
- Trash or debris
- Unsanitary conditions
- Untagged vehicles on private property
- Zoning code violations
- Important Note: For specific documents, including pictures, notices and inspection reports, review the Public Information Request section below.
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Building, electrical, gas, plumbing, sediment erosion inspections—The case requests are copies of:
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The application for permits
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Permits issued
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Inspections performed
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Use of occupancy
-
-
Permits
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Use of occupancy
Turnaround Time
PAI has 21 days from the date the request is received to fulfill this request for information.
FEES
All fees are applied per address, suite or unit number:
| Confirmation Of | Cost |
|---|---|
| Code Enforcement Case History Report | $20 |
| Commercial Application, Permit and Inspections | $50 |
| Current/Open Violation Cases | $20 |
| Residential Application, Permit and Inspections | $20 |
| Use of Occupancy | $50 |
PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT (PIA) REQUESTs
PIA requests grant you the right to review available and obtain copies of disclosed records. A public record is defined as the original or copy of any documentary material in any form created or received by the agency in connection with the transaction of public business. However, some public records are confidential under federal or state statutes, under court rules, or under various common law privileges, such as attorney-client privilege and executive privilege.
Turnaround Time
PAI has 30 days to fulfill this request for information. If the request cannot be honored, you will be notified within 10 days regarding the denial.
Divisions to contact for records
PAI divisions are available to provide the following information. Most files are retained for three years, then destroyed.
| Division to Contact | Requested Records |
|---|---|
| Building Plans Review | Commercial and residential building plans |
| Code Enforcement |
|
| Development Management |
|
| Development Plans Review |
|
| Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses |
Permits and licenses related to:
|
| Zoning Review |
|
FEES
Research will not begin until payment is received.
- $1 per 8.5" by 11"
- $9 per large print
- $10.48 per box for archive documents
- Staff time is charged at $35 an hour after the first two hours of research.
Making Payment for Requests
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Complete the required form for your request type. All documents are subject to the County fee schedule.
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Mail or deliver payment. The check should be made payable to Baltimore County, Maryland:
Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Room 120
Towson, Maryland 21204 -
The requested search will begin after payment is received.
Additional Information
For lien searches, contact the Office of Budget and Finance.