City Building Permits

Annapolis, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Annapolis, Maryland. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maryland Anne Arundel County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The City of Annapolis runs its own building, trade, sign, grading, and related permitting within city limits. Historic District work, Critical Area review, stormwater, and floodplain issues can add separate review layers. Anne Arundel County Health Department may still review certain food and pool projects.

Department
City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning, Planning, Zoning and Building
Address
145 Gorman Street, 3rd Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone
410-260-2200
Website
https://www.annapolis.gov/398/Planning-Zoning-and-Building

Online Permit Portal

Open Citizen Self-Service (CSS)

Platform: Citizen Self-Service • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit and what parallel approvals apply by using the Building Permit Information page and the Permit Review Guide. Historic District exterior work needs a certificate of approval even when otherwise exempt from a building permit.
  2. Create or log into a CSS account.
  3. Start the permit, plan, or license application in CSS and upload project documents. The City maintains separate residential and non-residential plan requirement checklists.
  4. City staff review the application for completeness and then generate an invoice. Fees cannot be paid before staff completeness review.
  5. Pay the invoice through CSS after receiving the email notice.
  6. Respond to review comments and resubmit files in CSS if corrections are required.
  7. Once reviews are approved and fees are paid, the permit is issued in CSS and inspections can be scheduled through the portal.

Typical processing time: Permit Review Guide target review times vary by work type. Many simple residential and trade items are listed at same day or 5 business days; decks at 10 business days; additions at 15 business days; new commercial buildings at 20 business days. Fire protection plan review can take up to 2 weeks.

Source: City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning, Planning, Zoning and Building

General Requirements

A permit is required when an owner intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Demolition also requires a permit. Exterior Historic District work still requires certificate of approval review even when exempt from a building permit.

Required Documents

  • Project-specific plans and submittals
  • Residential building permit plan requirements or non-residential building permit plan requirements
  • Tenant layout drawings where applicable
  • FEMA elevation certificate where applicable
  • Fire protection permit applications require plans and manufacturer specs
Permit validity
The public permit information page references a permit-expiration FAQ. For fire protection permits, work must commence within 120 days after issuance and the permit period may not exceed 1 year.
Building code
2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 Existing Building Code; 2021 Energy Conservation Code; 2021 National Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Plumbing Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code; 2021 Swimming Pool and Spa Code; 2020 National Electrical Code; 2023 National Electrical Safety Code, all with local amendments.
Owner-builder
Public-facing city guidance does not clearly summarize a separate owner-builder rule. Applications may be made by the owner or an authorized agent.
Contractor requirements
The City licenses contractors doing business in Annapolis, and trade work must also comply with applicable Maryland licensing rules. Electrical contractor license fees appear in City Code fee schedules.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$25 for work valued at $0 to $500; nonrefundable building application fee also starts at $25 for work valued at $0 to $500
Plan check fee
Construction drawing review fee is valuation-based under City Code section 17.05.070, from $100 up to $350 plus 0.1% over $100,000. Revised outside review is $100 plus $150 per hour charged in quarter-hour increments at the Director's option.
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based. For example, work over $10,000 is $250 plus 0.8% of estimated value above $10,000. A separate nonrefundable application fee is also valuation-based and tops out at $200 plus 0.25% above $75,000.
Reinspection fee
$100 residential and $150 commercial. Trade-specific reinspection fees also apply. Fire protection process guidance states a $150 reinspection fee if work is not ready, accessible, or required safety materials are missing.
Payment note
The City does not allow payment before staff review for completeness. Invoices are sent by email, then paid through CSS.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Non-structural replacement or repair of windows, doors, and siding on residential projects outside the Historic District
  • Bathroom fixture replacements in kind (though plumbing permit requirements may still apply)
  • Cabinets not attached to the floor, with no plumbing or electrical work
  • Countertops
  • Some minor work shown in the Permit Review Guide as 'N' for no building permit

Important: Verify case by case because Historic District, Critical Area, trade, and zoning review can still apply even to exempt items. Exterior Historic District work always requires certificate of approval review even when exempt from a building permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Time windows
AM or PM inspection windows. Same-day inspections are no longer accepted.

Typical inspection sequence: Public building permit guidance lists footing, drain tile, waterproofing, wall check survey, slab, backfill, trade inspections, framing, insulation, ceiling close, wall close, air seal, and final, depending on project scope.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning, Planning, Zoning and Building before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Annapolis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Annapolis, MD?
A permit is required when an owner intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Demolition also requires a permit. Exterior Historic District work still requires certificate of approval review even when exempt from a building permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Annapolis, MD?
The minimum permit fee is $25 for work valued at $0 to $500; nonrefundable building application fee also starts at $25 for work valued at $0 to $500. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based. For example, work over $10,000 is $250 plus 0.8% of estimated value above $10,000. A separate nonrefundable application fee is also valuation-based and tops out at $200 plus 0.25% above $75,000.. Plan check fee: Construction drawing review fee is valuation-based under City Code section 17.05.070, from $100 up to $350 plus 0.1% over $100,000. Revised outside review is $100 plus $150 per hour charged in quarter-hour increments at the Director's option..
How do I apply for a building permit in Annapolis, MD?
1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit and what parallel approvals apply by using the Building Permit Information page and the Permit Review Guide. Historic District exterior work needs a certificate of approval even when otherwise exempt from a building permit. 2. Create or log into a CSS account. 3. Start the permit, plan, or license application in CSS and upload project documents. The City maintains separate residential and non-residential plan requirement checklists. 4. City staff review the application for completeness and then generate an invoice. Fees cannot be paid before staff completeness review. 5. Pay the invoice through CSS after receiving the email notice. 6. Respond to review comments and resubmit files in CSS if corrections are required. 7. Once reviews are approved and fees are paid, the permit is issued in CSS and inspections can be scheduled through the portal.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Annapolis, MD?
Typical processing time is Permit Review Guide target review times vary by work type. Many simple residential and trade items are listed at same day or 5 business days; decks at 10 business days; additions at 15 business days; new commercial buildings at 20 business days. Fire protection plan review can take up to 2 weeks..
What work is exempt from building permits in Annapolis, MD?
The following work is generally exempt: Non-structural replacement or repair of windows, doors, and siding on residential projects outside the Historic District; Bathroom fixture replacements in kind (though plumbing permit requirements may still apply); Cabinets not attached to the floor, with no plumbing or electrical work; Countertops; Some minor work shown in the Permit Review Guide as 'N' for no building permit. Note: Verify case by case because Historic District, Critical Area, trade, and zoning review can still apply even to exempt items. Exterior Historic District work always requires certificate of approval review even when exempt from a building permit.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Annapolis, MD?
Inspections can be scheduled via: CSS portal after permit issuance and payment, Fire Marshal's Office.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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