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

The minimum permit fee is $95.00 minimum plan review fee for apartments, single-family homes, additions, manufactured homes, and mobile homes. Separate permit and inspection fees also apply.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule with plan review and permit schedules, site plan and stormwater review charges, parks and recreation impact fees, and consultant cost pass-throughs.. Plan check fee: $0.035 per square foot with $95.00 minimum for several residential categories.

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

1. Obtain the applicable Town permit form from the permits/forms page or Town office. 2. File the application in duplicate with the Town Finance Officer or designee, with drawings, plats, plans, specifications, fees, and any required surveys or staking. 3. For zoning-controlled projects, secure zoning approval and any additional outside approvals, including Critical Area or other agency approvals as applicable. 4. The Town Manager reviews the application; the Town Clerk issues the permit only after approval. 5. Do not start work until the permit is issued. 6. Complete required inspections and provide as-built plot plans at occupancy if required. 7. Obtain occupancy permit before use where required.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Outbuildings that are non-habitable, for verifiable agricultural use, on agriculturally zoned parcels of 5 acres or more; Open-sided tents and membrane structures with no cooking facilities, used less than 180 days, up to 2,400 square feet. Note: Edge cases and specific project types should be confirmed with the Town office before beginning work.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: PlanChek: 301-645-3302, Town Office: 301-743-5511. Contact the appropriate inspection agency or Town office..

City Building Permits

Town of Indian Head, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Charles County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Incorporated Town of Indian Head runs its own permit system. Town zoning, occupancy, grading, sign, stormwater, Critical Area, and other local approvals apply in addition to the building permit.

Department: Town of Indian Head; Building permits under Chapter 170 Building Construction
Address: 4195 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head, MD 20640
Phone: 301-743-5511
Email: No permit-specific email clearly published
Website: https://www.townofindianhead.org/index.asp?DE=0996709D-0EAD-4F2F-B7FD-214C53A5EB11&SEC=B87D62A3-92A6-4750-A776-A5A6E1C7924D

Online Permit Portal

Open Town Permit/Forms Page

Platform: Town forms (PDF applications) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Obtain the applicable Town permit form from the permits/forms page or Town office.
File the application in duplicate with the Town Finance Officer or designee, with drawings, plats, plans, specifications, fees, and any required surveys or staking.
For zoning-controlled projects, secure zoning approval and any additional outside approvals, including Critical Area or other agency approvals as applicable.
The Town Manager reviews the application; the Town Clerk issues the permit only after approval.
Do not start work until the permit is issued.
Complete required inspections and provide as-built plot plans at occupancy if required.
Obtain occupancy permit before use where required.

Typical processing time: No published review timeline found in public sources; verify with Town Office.

Source: Town of Indian Head; Building permits under Chapter 170 Building Construction

General Requirements

Town code requires a building permit before exterior construction, destruction, or alteration of property or buildings. Zoning code also requires permits before erecting, moving, enlarging, or structurally altering buildings. Separate wrecking or sign permits may also be required.

Required Documents

Application in duplicate
Drawing or plat with dimensions, lot lines, building locations, proposed use notes, and other enforcement information
Boundary survey or lot staking if required
Complete construction plans and specifications
As-built plot plan at occupancy
Applicable fees
Utility/sewer connection information for new buildings

Permit validity: Building permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days, with one extension up to 180 days for good cause. All permits expire six months after date of issue.
Building code: Town code adopts the 2018 International Building Code, with related 2018 IRC, IEBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IPMC, and NEC ordinances.
Owner-builder: Not clearly stated in reviewed public-facing materials.
Contractor requirements: Public permit pages reviewed did not publish a contractor-license summary. Applicants should expect Maryland state trade licensing rules to apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $95.00 minimum plan review fee for apartments, single-family homes, additions, manufactured homes, and mobile homes. Separate permit and inspection fees also apply.
Plan check fee: $0.035 per square foot with $95.00 minimum for several residential categories
Permit fee formula: Mixed schedule with plan review and permit schedules, site plan and stormwater review charges, parks and recreation impact fees, and consultant cost pass-throughs.
Reinspection fee: A town newsletter excerpt referenced a $50 fee per scheduled inspection in some contexts, but a current standalone inspection fee schedule was not clearly located.
Payment note: Permit applications must be accompanied by applicable fees. Current public pages do not describe online payment processing for permits. Note that Town ordinances dated 2024 and 2025 show temporary waivers of commercial building permit fees, so verify whether any incentive or waiver is active.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY22).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Indian Head; Building permits under Chapter 170 Building Construction to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

PlanChek: 301-645-3302 (phone)
Town Office: 301-743-5511 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline: Contact the appropriate inspection agency or Town office.
Inspection hours: Mondayâ€“Friday business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are obtained directly through PlanChek. Work shall not proceed until the inspector has approved the various stages of construction. Stage inspections are required before work proceeds.

Additional Resources

Building code: Town code adopts the 2018 International Building Code, with related 2018 IRC, IEBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IPMC, and NEC ordinances.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Town Code
Building Code Ordinances
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 Indian Head; Building permits under Chapter 170 Building Construction before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Indian Head Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Indian Head, MD?: Town code requires a building permit before exterior construction, destruction, or alteration of property or buildings. Zoning code also requires permits before erecting, moving, enlarging, or structurally altering buildings. Separate wrecking or sign permits may also be required.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Indian Head, MD?: The minimum permit fee is $95.00 minimum plan review fee for apartments, single-family homes, additions, manufactured homes, and mobile homes. Separate permit and inspection fees also apply.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule with plan review and permit schedules, site plan and stormwater review charges, parks and recreation impact fees, and consultant cost pass-throughs.. Plan check fee: $0.035 per square foot with $95.00 minimum for several residential categories.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Indian Head, MD?: 1. Obtain the applicable Town permit form from the permits/forms page or Town office. 2. File the application in duplicate with the Town Finance Officer or designee, with drawings, plats, plans, specifications, fees, and any required surveys or staking. 3. For zoning-controlled projects, secure zoning approval and any additional outside approvals, including Critical Area or other agency approvals as applicable. 4. The Town Manager reviews the application; the Town Clerk issues the permit only after approval. 5. Do not start work until the permit is issued. 6. Complete required inspections and provide as-built plot plans at occupancy if required. 7. Obtain occupancy permit before use where required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Indian Head, MD?: Typical processing time is No published review timeline found in public sources; verify with Town Office..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Indian Head, MD?: The following work is generally exempt: Outbuildings that are non-habitable, for verifiable agricultural use, on agriculturally zoned parcels of 5 acres or more; Open-sided tents and membrane structures with no cooking facilities, used less than 180 days, up to 2,400 square feet. Note: Edge cases and specific project types should be confirmed with the Town office before beginning work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Indian Head, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: PlanChek: 301-645-3302, Town Office: 301-743-5511. Contact the appropriate inspection agency or Town office..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Indian Head can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Charles County

Waldorf La Plata St Charles Bryans Road

View all Charles County jurisdictions →