Anne Arundel County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County-administered permitting in unincorporated areas of Anne Arundel County outside the City of Annapolis. County permitting frequently intersects with county zoning, Critical Area, floodplain, grading, stormwater, subdivision, and right-of-way approvals.

Department

Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits

Address

Permit Center, 2664 Riva Road, Heritage Office Complex, Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone

410-222-7730

Email

ipmailbox@aacounty.org

Website

https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Use the county 'Do I Need a Permit?' tool to identify the correct permit type and check whether related zoning, grading, trade, or right-of-way approvals also apply.
2. Collect parcel and site information, including zoning, floodplain, Critical Area, bog, and utility conditions.
3. Create a Land Use Navigator (LUN) account, select the proper record type, and enter contacts.
4. Complete application fields and upload all required PDF documents.
5. Review and certify the filing, then submit and pay through the LUN cart.
6. Review comments and processing status in LUN, which can show an approximate due date; submit revisions if required.
7. After issuance, schedule inspections, pass all required finals, and close out associated trade permits.

Typical processing time: No countywide universal review-time table was located for all permit classes. LUN shows an approximate due date during review.

Source: Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits

General Requirements

The county requires a building permit for a wide range of projects, depending on work scope and site conditions. Separate permits and approvals may also be needed from Planning and Zoning or Public Works.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plans and plans as required by record type
• Grading applications and worksheets where applicable
• Contractor information and license verification
• Supporting documents specific to permit type

Permit validity

Permit expires if no work is commenced within 1 year after issuance.

Building code

2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 ISPSC, 2018 NFPA 1, 2018 NFPA 101, and related county amendments effective June 23, 2024.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may apply for ordinary repairs or construction on their owner-occupied dwelling. Owner-builders of new homes may avoid the Home Builder Guaranty Fund fee by filing a Landowner Affidavit where eligible.

Contractor requirements

Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work need separate trade permits and county-licensed tradesmen. County intake also verifies certain Maryland-issued licenses.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$86 minimum building permit fee plus $43 nonrefundable building application fee

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based for general building permits, culminating in $242 plus 0.010 times estimated cost above $25,000

Reinspection fee

$150 reinspection fee if the scheduled inspection is not canceled at least 24 hours in advance or the job is inaccessible

Payment note

The county directs applicants to use LUN to determine cost. Online submission is now the standard path for most new applications.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Residential patios, though grading review may still be needed
• Detached decks under 200 square feet and under 3 feet high if outside the Critical Area and Bog Contribution Drainage Area
• Gazebos up to 150 square feet and 10 feet high outside the Critical Area
• Shingle-only roof replacement
• Solar panel removal
• In-kind solar removal and reinstallation without a building permit, though with electrical permit still required
• Sheds up to 150 square feet and 10 feet high outside the Critical Area

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other county review requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Department of Inspections and Permits before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Land Use Navigator (LUN) portal (online)
• 410-222-7784 (phone)

Inspection hours

7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Time windows

LUN shows available blue dates and all-day availability where slots remain

Typical inspection sequence: Permit must be active for 24 hours before the first inspection. All associated trade permits must pass final inspections before the final building inspection. Commercial and tenant-improvement jobs also require Fire Marshal final first.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 ISPSC, 2018 NFPA 1, 2018 NFPA 101, and related county amendments effective June 23, 2024.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Codes
• Planning and Zoning Research and GIS
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Anne Arundel County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Anne Arundel County, MD?

The county requires a building permit for a wide range of projects, depending on work scope and site conditions. Separate permits and approvals may also be needed from Planning and Zoning or Public Works.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Anne Arundel County, MD?

The minimum permit fee is $86 minimum building permit fee plus $43 nonrefundable building application fee. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for general building permits, culminating in $242 plus 0.010 times estimated cost above $25,000.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Anne Arundel County, MD?

1. Use the county 'Do I Need a Permit?' tool to identify the correct permit type and check whether related zoning, grading, trade, or right-of-way approvals also apply. 2. Collect parcel and site information, including zoning, floodplain, Critical Area, bog, and utility conditions. 3. Create a Land Use Navigator (LUN) account, select the proper record type, and enter contacts. 4. Complete application fields and upload all required PDF documents. 5. Review and certify the filing, then submit and pay through the LUN cart. 6. Review comments and processing status in LUN, which can show an approximate due date; submit revisions if required. 7. After issuance, schedule inspections, pass all required finals, and close out associated trade permits.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Anne Arundel County, MD?

Typical processing time is No countywide universal review-time table was located for all permit classes. LUN shows an approximate due date during review..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Anne Arundel County, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Residential patios, though grading review may still be needed; Detached decks under 200 square feet and under 3 feet high if outside the Critical Area and Bog Contribution Drainage Area; Gazebos up to 150 square feet and 10 feet high outside the Critical Area; Shingle-only roof replacement; Solar panel removal; In-kind solar removal and reinstallation without a building permit, though with electrical permit still required; Sheds up to 150 square feet and 10 feet high outside the Critical Area. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other county review requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Department of Inspections and Permits before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Anne Arundel County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Land Use Navigator (LUN) portal, 410-222-7784.