Permits, Approvals and Inspections

Overview

With over 600 square miles and approximately 847,562 people in Baltimore County, the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) oversees the development and use of land.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Forms
• Fee Schedule
• Data Dashboard

Notices

Helping Restaurants and Bars Provide Expanded Outdoor Table Service

Baltimore County is expediting approvals to temporarily allow establishments to expand outdoor table service into areas not previously authorized, in a manner that ensures the safety of their customers and staff. Find more information. 

Status of Services and Operations

The County is taking a number of actions to keep residents safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Find the status of services and changes in process for the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections.

Temporary Conditional Approval of Expanded Outdoor Table Service for Restaurants and Bars

Baltimore County is expediting necessary approvals to temporarily allow establishments to expand outdoor table service into areas not previously authorized, in a manner that ensures the safety of their customers and staff. Find more information about requirements and how to apply.  

New Third-Party Inspection Program for Sediment and Erosion Control

Developers may now utilize a County-approved third-party inspector to monitor and enforce sediment and erosion controls.

New Program Authorizing Third Party Inspections of Solar Systems

Applicants for electrical permits may elect to utilize private sector inspectors to certify code compliance in accordance with the new County policy.

New Expedited Building Plan Review Program

Applicants for commercial building permits may elect to utilize private sector design professionals to peer review construction plans—which receive priority status during the plan review process—and specifications for code compliance prior to submission.

PAI Department Directory

Building Inspection Division

Phone: 410-887-3953
Fax: 410-887-8081
Room: G-24

Building Inspection Division conducts building code prescribed inspections, inspections of sediment and erosion controls, and corrective enforcement of code violations and related complaints.

Building Plans Review

Phone: 410-887-3987
Fax: 410-887-4217
Room: 110

Building Plans Review assures public safety by examining building plans to ensure that the designs of proposed projects meet the requirements of the building code.

Code Enforcement

Phone: 410-887-3351
Fax: 410-842-2642
Room: 216

Code Enforcement inspects properties for compliance with the zoning regulations, livability code, investment property maintenance regulations, rental housing, rat program and other laws relating to the use of existing property.

• Housing and Urban Development Inspections
  • Phone: 410-887-3375
    Room: 213

Inclement weather procedure:

• If Baltimore County Government offices are closed, or have a delayed opening, all Code Enforcement hearings will be rescheduled.
• Reschedule letters will be mailed to the property owner of that record.
• Please call the Code Enforcement office at 410-887-3351 with any questions.

Development Management

Phone: 410-887-3321
Fax: 410-887-2877
Room: 111

Development Management handles the coordination of County agencies' review of proposed residential and commercial subdivisions, and other land development.

• Search for development projects.

Development Plans Review

Phone: 410-887-3751
Fax: 410-823-4423
Room: 107

Development Plans Review checks the development plans from an engineering point-of-view, making sure the layout meets design standards for traffic control, storm drainage and various public improvements, such as roads, sidewalks, streetlights and curbing.

Electrical Inspection Division

Phone: 410-887-3960
Fax: 410-853-1892
Room: G-24

Electrical Inspection Division inspects electrical installations of permitted work to meet the minimum electrical safety requirements, manages the issuance of electrical licenses, and undertakes corrective enforcement of code violations and related complaints.

Inspection Connection

Inspection Connection: Schedule, reschedule, cancel and inquire about building, plumbing, and electrical permits and inspections.

Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses

Phone: 410-887-3616
Fax: 410-887-4578
Room: 114

Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses issues non-building related permits and licenses, such as gathering permits, bingo licenses, animal licenses, hotel and motel licenses, and residential parking permits.

Permit Processing

Phone: 410-887-3900
Fax: 410-337-5039
Room: 100

Permit Processing accepts building, electrical, and plumbing permit applications and coordinates their review by various County agencies.

Plumbing and Gasfitting Inspection Division

Phone: 410-887-3620
Fax: 410-853-1892
Room: G-24

Plumbing and Gasfitting Inspection Division inspects plumbing and gasfitting installations of permitted work to meet the minimum plumbing and gasfitting safety requirements, manages the issuance of plumbing and gasfitting licenses, and undertakes corrective enforcement of code violations and related complaints.

Real Estate Compliance

Phone: 410-887-3251
Fax: 410-887-3270
Room: 127

Real Estate Compliance handles right-of-ways, easements, and other related property matters for both private development and public use.

Rental Housing Registration

Phone: 410-887-6060
Fax: 410-887-3970
Room: G-7

Rental Housing Registration registers and licenses buildings and landlords with six dwelling units or less.

Sediment and Erosion Control Inspection Division

Phone: 410-887-3226
Fax: 410-887-8081
Room: G-24

Sediment and Erosion Control Inspection Division inspectors check earth-moving activities to insure the disturbed area is stabilized sufficiently to minimize the potential for erosion and sediment transport from the work site as specified by an approved sediment and erosion control plan.

Zoning Review

Phone: 410-887-3391
Fax: 410-887-3048
Room: 124

Zoning Review processes all zoning petitions, reviews all residential, commercial and industrial building permits, and answers all citizen inquiries regarding the interpretation and application of the zoning regulations.

Director

C. Pete Gutwald, Director
County Office Building
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204