Town of Federalsburg, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The Town of Federalsburg administers its own building permits and code enforcement within incorporated town limits. The Permitting Coordinator/Planning and Zoning Administrator manages the full permitting process for construction projects. Critical Area regulations apply to properties within 1,000 feet of tidal tributaries.

Department

Town of Federalsburg Code Enforcement / Permitting Coordinator

Address

118 North Main Street, P.O. Box 471, Federalsburg, MD 21632

Phone

410-754-8173

Website

https://www.townoffederalsburg.org/departments/code_enforcement.php

Application Process

1. Contact the Permitting Coordinator at the town office (410-754-8173) prior to starting any project to determine whether a permit is required and what documents are needed.
2. For new buildings, additions, and alterations to structures other than detached one- and two-family dwellings, prepare two complete sets of architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans bearing the seal and signature of a Maryland-licensed PE or architect.
3. For one- and two-family dwellings, plans and documents per the 2021 IRC and state requirements apply; confirm with the Permitting Coordinator.
4. Submit the completed permit application and all required documents to the town office.
5. The Permitting Coordinator (who also serves as Planning and Zoning Administrator) reviews the application and coordinates any required approvals.
6. Pay required permit fees after application review.
7. After permit issuance, schedule required inspections with the town building official or assigned inspection agency.

Typical processing time: Not separately published; contact the Permitting Coordinator at 410-754-8173

Source: Town of Federalsburg Code Enforcement / Permitting Coordinator

General Requirements

All new construction within town limits requires a building permit. Alterations, enlargements, changes of use, demolitions, and installations or alterations of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems also require permits. The building official must be notified prior to any construction work.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Site plan
• Construction plans (two sets with PE/RA seal for commercial and multi-family; residential requirements per IRC and state standards)
• Critical Area plan if the property is in the Critical Area
• Stormwater management plan where required

Permit validity

Not separately published in available public-facing sources; confirm with the town office

Building code

2021 IRC for one- and two-family dwellings (with Maryland amendments); 2021 IBC for commercial and multi-family; 2020 NEC for electrical; other state-adopted I-Codes as applicable. The town has adopted the Maryland Building Performance Standards. Critical Area provisions are implemented through Chapter 116 of the Town Code.

Owner-builder

Not separately addressed in available public sources beyond state law defaults; contact 410-754-8173 for guidance

Contractor requirements

MHIC license required for home improvement work over $100; HBR registration required for new residential construction; applicable Maryland trade licenses required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in the permit fee schedule set by the Mayor and Council; confirm current amounts with the town office

Permit fee formula

Per the town code, a permit fee schedule is established by the Mayor and Council based on the relative complexity of the project and may be amended from time to time; stormwater and property maintenance fees are similarly set by Council resolution

Reinspection fee

If a contractor, developer, or owner has violated code provisions, the building official may refuse further inspections or permits until violations are corrected and fees paid; specific reinspection fee amounts are not published in available public sources

Payment note

Stormwater permit fees and all project-related fees must be paid before permits are issued and plans are approved; no permits are issued until all applicable fees are current

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Federalsburg Code Enforcement / Permitting Coordinator to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 410-754-8173 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24-hour advance notice is typical per state standards

Inspection hours

Town office hours

Typical inspection sequence: Determined by project scope per IBC/IRC requirements; includes footing/foundation, framing, rough trade inspections, and final as applicable

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IRC for one- and two-family dwellings (with Maryland amendments); 2021 IBC for commercial and multi-family; 2020 NEC for electrical; other state-adopted I-Codes as applicable. The town has adopted the Maryland Building Performance Standards. Critical Area provisions are implemented through Chapter 116 of the Town Code.
• Verify contractor license: Maryland MHIC Contractor Licensing
• Town Code on eCode360
• Planning and Zoning
• Critical Area Provisions
• Property Maintenance
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Federalsburg Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Federalsburg, MD?

All new construction within town limits requires a building permit. Alterations, enlargements, changes of use, demolitions, and installations or alterations of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems also require permits. The building official must be notified prior to any construction work.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Federalsburg, MD?

Fees are calculated as: Per the town code, a permit fee schedule is established by the Mayor and Council based on the relative complexity of the project and may be amended from time to time; stormwater and property maintenance fees are similarly set by Council resolution. Plan check fee: Included in the permit fee schedule set by the Mayor and Council; confirm current amounts with the town office.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Federalsburg, MD?

1. Contact the Permitting Coordinator at the town office (410-754-8173) prior to starting any project to determine whether a permit is required and what documents are needed. 2. For new buildings, additions, and alterations to structures other than detached one- and two-family dwellings, prepare two complete sets of architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans bearing the seal and signature of a Maryland-licensed PE or architect. 3. For one- and two-family dwellings, plans and documents per the 2021 IRC and state requirements apply; confirm with the Permitting Coordinator. 4. Submit the completed permit application and all required documents to the town office. 5. The Permitting Coordinator (who also serves as Planning and Zoning Administrator) reviews the application and coordinates any required approvals. 6. Pay required permit fees after application review. 7. After permit issuance, schedule required inspections with the town building official or assigned inspection agency.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Federalsburg, MD?

Typical processing time is Not separately published; contact the Permitting Coordinator at 410-754-8173.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Federalsburg, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not involve structural components, change of use, or trade system alterations may not require a permit under state code.; Small accessory structures below state-minimum thresholds (generally under 200 square feet for residential) may be exempt from a building permit but still require compliance with zoning setbacks and Critical Area rules if applicable. Note: Confirm with the Permitting Coordinator before starting any work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Federalsburg, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-754-8173. At least 24-hour advance notice is typical per state standards.

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