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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Caroline County
A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical or plumbing system. A zoning certificate is also required for certain land uses and accessory structures even when no building permit is needed. All development in the Critical Area requires Critical Area review.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet in floor area (residential) or under 120 square feet (commercial); however, any trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) associated with those structures still requires the applicable trade permit.
Construction of poultry houses, greenhouses, stables, and run-in sheds used exclusively for agriculture is exempt from the building permit requirement. If the agricultural structure is later altered, repaired, modified, or converted to any non-agricultural use, a permit and full code compliance are required.
Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not involve structural elements, change of use, or trade system alterations may not require a permit.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet in floor area (residential) or under 120 square feet (commercial); however, any trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) associated with those structures still requires the applicable trade permit.
- Exempt Construction of poultry houses, greenhouses, stables, and run-in sheds used exclusively for agriculture is exempt from the building permit requirement. If the agricultural structure is later altered, repaired, modified, or converted to any non-agricultural use, a permit and full code compliance are required.
- Exempt Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not involve structural elements, change of use, or trade system alterations may not require a permit.
Note: Development activities on waterfront properties within the Critical Area that would not otherwise require a building permit (such as patios, driveways, small retaining walls, and sheds under 200 square feet) must still be reviewed under the Critical Area Program. Contact 410-479-8100 before starting any work on Critical Area properties.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan drawn to scale
- Construction drawings
- Stormwater management plan if land disturbance exceeds 5,000 square feet
- Forest conservation plan if clearing exceeds 40,000 square feet
- Critical Area plan if in the Critical Area
- Separate trade applications for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- Development impact fee payment
- Building code
- Maryland Building Performance Standards based on the 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IEBC, 2020 NEC, and 2021 IFC, all with state and local amendments. Caroline County Ordinance #2020-1 addresses local building code amendments.
- Permit validity
- Permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance. A permit extension may be requested using the county Permit Extension Request form.
- Owner-builder
- Maryland state law and county practice allow a property owner to apply for a permit for work on their own owner-occupied dwelling. However, trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) that is performed by a licensed contractor must still be performed under a trade permit.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold an MHIC license for home improvement work over $100 and an HBR registration for new residential construction. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work must be performed by contractors holding applicable Maryland trade licenses.
Source: Caroline County Department of Planning, Codes and Engineering ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: County goal is 15 working days for first-round comments on a complete application. Complex projects with multiple review functions or revision cycles will take longer.
- 01 Determine whether the project requires a building permit, a zoning certificate, or both.
- 02 For waterfront or near-water properties, contact the Critical Area Program staff to determine whether Critical Area review applies.
- 03 Gather required documents including completed application form, site plan drawn to scale, construction drawings, stormwater management plan if more than 5,000 square feet of land will be disturbed, forest conservation plan if more than 40,000 square feet of land will be cleared, and Critical Area management plan if applicable.
- 04 Create an account on OnLama and submit the application electronically with all required documents, or submit in person at Suite 210.
- 05 The county distributes the application to up to ten separate review functions depending on project type and location (building/codes, zoning, stormwater, forest conservation, erosion and sediment control, Critical Area, floodplain, public works, health department, and fire marshal).
- 06 The county's goal is to issue comments within 15 working days of a complete application.
- 07 If revisions are required, the applicant responds and the review cycle restarts for the revised elements.
- 08 Once all reviews are approved, the county issues the permit and collects any remaining fees, including development impact fees for fire and EMS.
- 09 Post-issuance: schedule required inspections through the county or assigned private inspection agency and obtain a use-and-occupancy certificate.
Typical processing time: County goal is 15 working days for first-round comments on a complete application. Complex projects with multiple review functions or revision cycles will take longer.
Source: Caroline County Department of Planning, Codes and Engineering ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Caroline County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Set by the private inspection agency on a per-project basis
02
Permit fee formula
Base permit fee set by county fee schedule; plan review, energy code inspection, and building inspection fees set by private inspection agency assigned to project
03
Reinspection fee
May be charged by the inspection agency for failed or missed inspections
Development impact fees are due and collected by the county prior to or at permit issuance. Other fees may be payable online through OnLama or in person at Suite 210.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 410-479-8100 (phone)
- Private inspection agency assigned to project (other)
- Scheduling deadline
- Request each required inspection at least 24 hours in advance
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, generally 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM during regular county business hours
Typical sequence: For residential construction, inspections typically include footing/foundation, framing, rough-in mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation, and final. For additions and alterations, inspections are determined by the scope of permitted work.
Source: Caroline County Department of Planning, Codes and Engineering ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Caroline County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Caroline County, MD? ▸
A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical or plumbing system. A zoning certificate is also required for certain land uses and accessory structures even when no building permit is needed. All development in the Critical Area requires Critical Area review.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Caroline County, MD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Caroline County, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Base permit fee set by county fee schedule; plan review, energy code inspection, and building inspection fees set by private inspection agency assigned to project. Plan check fee: Set by the private inspection agency on a per-project basis.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Caroline County, MD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Caroline County, MD, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether the project requires a building permit, a zoning certificate, or both. 2. For waterfront or near-water properties, contact the Critical Area Program staff to determine whether Critical Area review applies. 3. Gather required documents including completed application form, site plan drawn to scale, construction drawings, stormwater management plan if more than 5,000 square feet of land will be disturbed, forest conservation plan if more than 40,000 square feet of land will be cleared, and Critical Area management plan if applicable. 4. Create an account on OnLama and submit the application electronically with all required documents, or submit in person at Suite 210. 5. The county distributes the application to up to ten separate review functions depending on project type and location (building/codes, zoning, stormwater, forest conservation, erosion and sediment control, Critical Area, floodplain, public works, health department, and fire marshal). 6. The county's goal is to issue comments within 15 working days of a complete application. 7. If revisions are required, the applicant responds and the review cycle restarts for the revised elements. 8. Once all reviews are approved, the county issues the permit and collects any remaining fees, including development impact fees for fire and EMS. 9. Post-issuance: schedule required inspections through the county or assigned private inspection agency and obtain a use-and-occupancy certificate.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Caroline County, MD? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Caroline County, MD typically run County goal is 15 working days for first-round comments on a complete application. Complex projects with multiple review functions or revision cycles will take longer.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Caroline County, MD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Caroline County, MD. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet in floor area (residential) or under 120 square feet (commercial); however, any trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) associated with those structures still requires the applicable trade permit.; Construction of poultry houses, greenhouses, stables, and run-in sheds used exclusively for agriculture is exempt from the building permit requirement. If the agricultural structure is later altered, repaired, modified, or converted to any non-agricultural use, a permit and full code compliance are required.; Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not involve structural elements, change of use, or trade system alterations may not require a permit.. Note: Development activities on waterfront properties within the Critical Area that would not otherwise require a building permit (such as patios, driveways, small retaining walls, and sheds under 200 square feet) must still be reviewed under the Critical Area Program. Contact 410-479-8100 before starting any work on Critical Area properties. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Caroline County, MD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Caroline County, MD via: 410-479-8100, Private inspection agency assigned to project. Request each required inspection at least 24 hours in advance.
last verified April 2026
source Caroline County Department of Planning, Codes and Engineering ↗
entry id permits/maryland/caroline/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Caroline County Department of Planning, Codes and Engineering before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.