2021 IBC & IRC with local amendments

Residential Sprinkler Requirements for New One or Two Family Home Building Permit
Maryland State Law

Permits applied for after January 1, 2016

All new one and two family homes shall have a residential sprinkler system.

Building Permits are required for:

This list is NOT all inclusive.  Please contact the Permit Office for any permit requirement clarification.

• Additions
• All new buildings (excluding storage sheds not greater than 100 square feet in size)
• Decks
• Other structures
• Pools greater than 24 inches in depth
• Porch enclosures
• Renovations involving structural modifications, fire-rated construction, or changes in floor plans
• Retaining walls
• Skylights
• Structural component repairs/replacements
• Roof repair or roof replacement if:
  • greater than 20% of the roof sheathing/decking is to be replaced;
  • the type of roofing material is changing;
  • a new roof is to be installed over an existing roof such as metal over existing shingles;
  • no more than two layers of shingles shall be applied to any roof structure;
  • built-up roof replacements where the insulation is entirely above the roof deck and the replacement must comply with the currently adopted Energy Conservation Code

 Work Exempt from Building Permits

Building permits are available online and can be applied for in person, APPOINTMENTS ARE RECOMMENDED. Appointments can be made Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. 

  Information Included

Building Permit Applications should include all of the following:

• Plot Plan
• Two paper and two electronic copies of construction drawings
  • Drawings are to be complete sets of scaled plans minimum quarter (1/4) inch to one foot scale on minimum 24"x36" paper

Required Documents

At the time of building permit application one or more of the following may be required:

• 2021 IBC & IRC with local amendments – Required for signed / sealed drawings
• Important Inspection Requirements - Required for all permit applications
• Owner’s Representative Affidavit – Required when owner is not the applicant

Contractor License

Contractor license is required for the following projects:

• All projects located on a Commercial Use Property
• All signs
• All structures with 3 or more dwellings

Contractor License Application

 Process Time

Building permits are usually issued approximately two-three weeks after a complete application is submitted, but processing time may take longer if application is incomplete or project is more complex.

Inspection Requests

Once a permit has been issued and work requiring an inspection has been completed, contractors must use the City's online inspection portal to request an inspection.

Online Inspection Request Portal