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COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates and Guidance
The County is taking a number of actions to keep residents safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Find status information for County operations and services.
Permit Processing Information and Forms
Online Payment Available for Select Services
The County Office Building is closed to the public, with the exception of the lobby, until further notice. The Department will continue to accept and process permits, reviews and licenses. Online payments are now accepted for select services. Find more information about how to pay your submission fee online.
Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
County Office Building
111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Room 100
Towson, Maryland 21204
Map This Location
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 410-887-3900
The Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) publishes downloadable forms and information to be used in the permit process.
How to Apply for a Building Permit
Applications for building permits must be applied for in person. Here's how to get started.
Step 1
Download and complete the Building Permit Application (PDF). Print a copy to bring with you when you apply for your building permit in Step 4.
Step 2
Print your property reports to bring with you when you apply for your building permit in Step 4.
- Use the Permit Review Tool to search for your property's address or 10-digit tax pin. You can also select your property on the map.
- Select the "click here" links next to the "Residential" and "Commercial" labels to view the PDFs.
- Print a copy of each report.
Step 3
Review your property report and make sure you have signed the application. Applications submitted without a signature will be rejected.
Step 4
Visit the PAI office in person to meet with an Engineering Assistant, who will provide instructions on how to get your permit approved. You must bring a copy of your completed application and the printed reports for your property, as well as any additional required paperwork.
Learn more about permit applications and processing.
Schedule an Inspection
Use Inspection Connection to schedule, reschedule, cancel or inquire about an inspection for your building, electrical or plumbing permit.
Important Notice
Permit Information and Forms
- Affirmation of Landowner (PDF)
- Appeal Fees (PDF)
- Building Permit Application (PDF)
- Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)
- Electrical Application (PDF)
- Facts You Should Know Before Proceeding (PDF)
- Fence Permit Application (PDF)
- Fire Hydrant Connection Permit and Regulations
- Floodplain Determination for Tank Anchoring and Owner's Floodplain Certification (PDF)
- Grinder Pump Installation (PDF)
- Ground Water Management—Removal (PDF)
- Pattern Book: Permit Process for a Lot in a Development (PDF)
- Plans Review Data Sheet (PDF)
- Plot Plan (PDF)
- Plumbing Permit Application (PDF)
- Power of Attorney (PDF)
- Residential Swimming Pool Requirements (PDF)
- Retaining Wall Data Sheet (PDF)
- Retaining Wall Checklist (PDF)
- Retaining Wall: Design Manual (PDF)
- Retaining Wall Owner Form (PDF)
- Sediment and Erosion Control Standard Letter: All Other Permits Under 20,000 Square Feet (PDF)
- Sediment and Erosion Control Standard Letter: Only for Single-Family Dwelling Permits Under 30,000 Square Feet (PDF)
- Shed and Accessory Storage Structure (PDF)
Building Code and Construction Information
- Anchoring Systems for Fuel Tanks (Recommended) (PDF)
- 2015 Baltimore County Building Code (PDF)
- Joists Spans for Grades and Sizes of Species (Maximum) (PDF)
- Residential Wood Frame Construction: Center Girder Spans (Allowable) (PDF)
- Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tub Barrier Requirements (PDF)
Energy Conservation Information and Forms
- Residential Energy Conservation Code Introduction (PDF)
- Energy Efficiency Certificate of Compliance (PDF)
- Building Thermal Envelope: One-Story Additions 600 Square Feet or Less (PDF)
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