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- How much does a building permit cost?
See fee schedule.
- Will getting a building permit increase my property
taxes?
We have no control over property taxes and the impact
of a building permit. We suggest you contact the
Department of
Assessment and Taxation at 410-479-5850.
- When is a building permit not required?
A permit is not required for an accessory structure 100
square feet or less (all additions to residential
structures require a permit regardless of size),
replacing siding, shingles and windows provided there is
no increase in square footage.
Alterations/Renovations - Permits are required for
interior projects including, but not limited to, new
interior walls, removal of interior structural walls,
addition or removal of beams or headers, finished
basements, finished attics and bonus rooms, and new
bathrooms. Permits are not required for exterior siding
or replacement windows and doors provided they are the
same size (no smaller or larger). Permits are also not
required for roof repair/replacement provided the
sheathing is not removed.
When in doubt, call the office at 410-479-8100.
- Can the application be taken care of by the mail?
No. We do not mail the application form to property
owners because much of the information required is not
readily accessible to property owners.
- Why do I have to draw a site plan?
It is necessary for us to have a site plan, drawn to
scale, of the property and the existing and proposed
structures so that we can detect any problems with the
location of the proposed structure at the time of
application. Also, for properties which do not have a
premise address we must have the exact location of the
driveway and the location of the structures. It is also
important for all site plans show any streams, ditches,
wetlands, easements, etc.
- When do I get my new address?
A new premise address will be issued when a building
permit application has been made. It is necessary to
have a site plan indicating the location of the driveway.
The address will be assigned to properties based on the
location of their entrance along the roadway. The address
must be posted on the property immediately.
- What inspections do I need?
Possible required inspections include preliminary,
footer, foundation, rough-in, plumbing, electrical,
framing, insulation, final, etc.
- What do I need to request a final inspection and
obtain an occupancy permit?
In order to request a final inspection and occupancy
permit for a dwelling there must be an approved well
certificate (Certificate of Potability) from the
Environmental Health Department, approved electrical and
plumbing finals, working smoke detectors, seeding and
grading completed or scheduled (seeding and grading is
at the discretion of the codes inspector). All permits
require final inspections.
- Who does the electric and plumbing inspections and
where do I get an application form?
The
First State Inspection Agency (800-468-7338) and the
Middle Department Inspection Agency (410-822-8300) do
the electrical and plumbing inspections for Caroline
County. You must contact their offices directly in order
to schedule the required plumbing and electrical
inspections. Applications/Request for inspection forms
are available at this office.
- Can I put a single-wide mobile home on my property?
The first step to determining where a mobile home may be
placed is to contact this office. We will need to know
what structures are on the property at this time, and the
exact location of the subject property. The first step
is to determine the zoning of the property and should the
property be zoned to allow a mobile home, a thirty day
mobile home procedure may be conducted. The thirty day
mobile home procedure consists of mailing out notices
to adjoining property owners within 1,000 feet of the
property, if within 30 days after the last person picks
up their certified letter there is no objection, then we
issue a permit for a single-wide mobile home. If someone
does object the mobile home may not be placed on the
property, however the applicant may choose to appeal the
application to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Can I turn my garage into an apartment?
A garage can be converted into an apartment provided that
it meets all the requirements outlined in the Zoning
Ordinance, including going through a thirty-day accessory
dwelling procedure. Notices are mailed to adjoining
property owners within 500 feet of the property, if
within 30 days after the last person picks up their
certified letter there is no objection, then a permit will
be issued. If someone does object there can be no
accessory dwelling on the property (ex. garage apartment),
however the applicant may choose to appeal the
application to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- What is my zoning?
To determine your zoning, call the office at 410-479-8100.
Be sure to have your map, block and parcel or your
premise address ready.
- If I live in a subdivision, who is responsible for the
covenants and can I get a building permit for a
structure that my covenants disallow?
Private covenants in a subdivision are not under our
jurisdiction. Generally, there is a homeowners'
association that enforces the covenants, however if there
is none then the case is a civil matter and is handled
as such. This office will issue a permit for any
structure that is in accordance with our regulations,
even if it is contrary to your covenants. The office
does not enforce covenants therefore we strongly suggest
that you review your covenants when planning new
structures.
- How many lots can I subdivide off of my property?
In order to determine the number of lots that may be
subdivided, we need to find the number of lots that have
previously been subdivided since December 1, 1972. Once
the number of previous lots has been determined we will
know the subdivision potential of the property. In order
to determine the subdivision potential of your property,
first you may call to see if we have that information
on file. If it is not on file, you must contact a
surveyor or lawyer.
- How long does it take to have plats approved?
The procedure for minor subdivision, addition and/or
sewage reserve area relocation plats take 12 weeks on
average from submittal to recordation. The plats are
routed to various different agencies for comments and
approvals which must be obtained prior to recording the
plats. The 12 weeks includes the time waiting for
responses from the different agencies and revisions from
surveyors, however this process can be shorter or
longer.
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Health & Public Services Building, 403 South 7th Street, Suite 210,
Denton, Maryland 21629-1335
410-479-8100 (Phone) 410-479-4187 (Fax)
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