Annapolis, MD — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

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

Street address

145 Gorman Street, 3rd Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone

410-260-2200

permitting@annapolis.gov

Coverage

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.

Online portal

Citizen Self-Service (CSS)

Citizen Self-Service

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Annapolis

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Non-structural replacement or repair of windows, doors, and siding on residential projects outside the Historic District

Exempt

Bathroom fixture replacements in kind (though plumbing permit requirements may still apply)

Exempt

Cabinets not attached to the floor, with no plumbing or electrical work

Exempt

Countertops

Exempt

Some minor work shown in the Permit Review Guide as 'N' for no building permit

Exempt

Exempt Non-structural replacement or repair of windows, doors, and siding on residential projects outside the Historic District
Exempt Bathroom fixture replacements in kind (though plumbing permit requirements may still apply)
Exempt Cabinets not attached to the floor, with no plumbing or electrical work
Exempt Countertops
Exempt 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.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 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.

01

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.
02

Create or log into a CSS account.
03

Start the permit, plan, or license application in CSS and upload project documents. The City maintains separate residential and non-residential plan requirement checklists.
04

City staff review the application for completeness and then generate an invoice. Fees cannot be paid before staff completeness review.
05

Pay the invoice through CSS after receiving the email notice.
06

Respond to review comments and resubmit files in CSS if corrections are required.
07

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2026

Fee type

Amount

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.

The City does not allow payment before staff review for completeness. Invoices are sent by email, then paid through CSS.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

CSS portal after permit issuance and payment (online)
Fire Marshal's Office (phone)

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 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.

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Annapolis permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Annapolis, MD? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Annapolis, MD? ▸

Building permit fees in Annapolis, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Annapolis, MD? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Annapolis, MD, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Annapolis, MD? ▸

Building permit processing times in Annapolis, MD typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Annapolis, MD? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Annapolis, MD? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Annapolis, MD via: CSS portal after permit issuance and payment, Fire Marshal's Office.

last verified April 2026 source City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning, Planning, Zoning and Building ↗ entry id permits/maryland/anne-arundel/annapolis

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning, Planning, Zoning and Building before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Annapolis

Other jurisdictions in Anne Arundel County.