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

Fees are calculated as: Not published in available public sources; confirm with the town.

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

1. Download the Building Permit form from https://hillsboromd.com/forms/. The form is described as being used for all local building permissions including sheds, fences, etc. 2. Complete the form and assemble any required supporting documents. 3. Contact the town through the website or by confirming a phone contact to determine submission instructions and fees. 4. For any work on properties in the Critical Area (along Tuckahoe Creek), additionally contact the Caroline County Critical Area Program staff (Matt Kaczynski, 410-479-8100) before starting work.

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

Typical processing time is Not published.

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

The following work is generally exempt: State code exemptions apply. Note: Contact the town and confirm whether Critical Area review is required for exempt-from-permit activities on waterfront properties

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact the town through https://hillsboromd.com/, For Critical Area inspection questions, contact Caroline County Critical Area Program at 410-479-8100.

City Building Permits

Town of Hillsboro, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Caroline County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Hillsboro is a small incorporated town located along Tuckahoe Creek. Properties within the Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of Tuckahoe Creek tidal portions and tributaries) are subject to Critical Area Program requirements. A Maryland DNR Critical Area review found that most of the town's Critical Area land is designated as Limited Development Area (LDA) with a small area of Resource Conservation Area (RCA) wetlands. The town's own permitting capacity is limited; applicants should contact the town and also contact the Caroline County Department of Planning, Codes and Engineering to confirm whether town or county jurisdiction applies for their specific project.

Department: Town of Hillsboro (Town Office / Mayor and Council)
Address: Hillsboro, MD 21641
Website: https://hillsboromd.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open Forms and Permit Information Page

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Town Website

Application Process

Download the Building Permit form from https://hillsboromd.com/forms/. The form is described as being used for all local building permissions including sheds, fences, etc.
Complete the form and assemble any required supporting documents.
Contact the town through the website or by confirming a phone contact to determine submission instructions and fees.
For any work on properties in the Critical Area (along Tuckahoe Creek), additionally contact the Caroline County Critical Area Program staff (Matt Kaczynski, 410-479-8100) before starting work.

Typical processing time: Not published

Source: Town of Hillsboro (Town Office / Mayor and Council)

General Requirements

The town uses a building permit form for all local building permissions. Contact the town to confirm specific trigger thresholds.

Required Documents

Building Permit form
Site plan and construction drawings as required
Critical Area review documents if applicable

Permit validity: Not separately published; confirm with the town
Building code: Maryland Building Performance Standards (2021 IBC/IRC, 2020 NEC) with state amendments; local ordinances
Owner-builder: Not separately published
Contractor requirements: MHIC for home improvement work; HBR for new residential construction; Maryland trade licenses for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work

Fees

Permit fee formula: Not published in available public sources; confirm with the town

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Hillsboro (Town Office / Mayor and Council) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Contact the town through https://hillsboromd.com/ (phone)
For Critical Area inspection questions, contact Caroline County Critical Area Program at 410-479-8100 (other)

Additional Resources

Building code: Maryland Building Performance Standards (2021 IBC/IRC, 2020 NEC) with state amendments; local ordinances
Verify contractor license: Maryland MHIC Contractor Licensing
Town Website and Forms
Maryland DNR Critical Area Review for Hillsboro
License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Hillsboro (Town Office / Mayor and Council) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Hillsboro Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Hillsboro, MD?: The town uses a building permit form for all local building permissions. Contact the town to confirm specific trigger thresholds.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Hillsboro, MD?: Fees are calculated as: Not published in available public sources; confirm with the town.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Hillsboro, MD?: 1. Download the Building Permit form from https://hillsboromd.com/forms/. The form is described as being used for all local building permissions including sheds, fences, etc. 2. Complete the form and assemble any required supporting documents. 3. Contact the town through the website or by confirming a phone contact to determine submission instructions and fees. 4. For any work on properties in the Critical Area (along Tuckahoe Creek), additionally contact the Caroline County Critical Area Program staff (Matt Kaczynski, 410-479-8100) before starting work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Hillsboro, MD?: Typical processing time is Not published.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Hillsboro, MD?: The following work is generally exempt: State code exemptions apply. Note: Contact the town and confirm whether Critical Area review is required for exempt-from-permit activities on waterfront properties
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Hillsboro, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact the town through https://hillsboromd.com/, For Critical Area inspection questions, contact Caroline County Critical Area Program at 410-479-8100.

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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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