Town of La Plata, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The Town issues permits and performs inspections for construction and development within municipal limits. Town zoning, design review, utility, and occupancy requirements apply in addition to the building permit itself.

Department

Town of La Plata Planning Department

Address

305 Queen Anne Street, P.O. Box 2268, La Plata, MD 20646

Phone

301-934-8421

Email

dsimpson@townoflaplata.org

Website

https://www.townoflaplata.org/177/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the permit application and checklist from the Town forms/checklists pages.
2. Submit the completed application in person or electronically (preferably PDF) to the Planning Department; large files can be uploaded by request.
3. Include required plans, site plan, and any stormwater, floodplain, sediment and erosion, HOA, or forest conservation materials that apply.
4. Town review begins; if comments or corrections are issued, revise and resubmit.
5. After approval, make payment to the Town.
6. The Town issues the permit.
7. Schedule required inspections with PlanChek or, for commercial fire inspections, the Southern Regional State Fire Marshal, then obtain final use and occupancy after all inspections pass.

Typical processing time: 1 to 2 weeks for residential building permits; about 22 days or 4 weeks for commercial building permits; 1 to 2 days for several simpler permit types.

Source: Town of La Plata Planning Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, interior alterations, replacement of load-bearing components, sheds, decks, solar panels, roof replacement, rental property changes, fire or storm damage repairs, gazebos, porches, enclosing existing structures, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, signage, and use and occupancy changes.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• One electronic PDF set of plans
• Two hard copies when drawings exceed 8.5 by 11 inches
• Stamped drawings for new residential construction and all commercial work
• Site plan for exterior work/additions/accessory structures
• Parking tabulation for non-residential and multi-family
• Charles County Soil Conservation approval if applicable
• Floodplain compliance details if in flood zone
• HOA approval if required
• Forest conservation declaration if applicable

Permit validity

Verify on issued permit conditions for expiration terms.

Building code

Town will adopt the 2021 International Building Code as required by Maryland law. Some older materials may still reference the 2018 IBC and Fire Code; confirm the current code set before submittal.

Owner-builder

Owners still need applicable permits and inspections; no separate owner-builder rules were published.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be licensed in the State of Maryland and Charles County.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$120 for residential interior alteration; $150 minimum for residential detached accessory structures; $118 minimum for deck/balcony; $150 plus area charge for commercial; $65 for sign permit application

Plan check fee

$0.075 per square foot with $129 minimum for residential; $0.075 per square foot with $128 minimum for commercial via PlanChek

Permit fee formula

Mixed schedule with flat application fees, per-square-foot charges, per-linear-foot charges, and separate inspection charges by permit type.

Reinspection fee

$108 per unit for rental reinspection; failed inspections and reinspections are handled directly through the inspection agency

Payment note

Town accepts cash, check, or money orders. No credit/debit convenience fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Exterior painting, except in CB, CBT, or CH zones where Design Review Board approval is required
• Wallpaper and wall coverings, except assembly, day care, and institutional occupancies
• Floor or wall tile, rugs, and carpeting
• Replacing kitchen cabinets when there are no wall, electrical, or plumbing changes
• Replacing fascia or soffit for one- and two-family dwellings only
• Non-structural siding over existing siding or sheathing for one- and two-family dwellings only
• Patios or decks directly on grade without footing, or repair/replacement of existing decking boards
• Roof shingle replacement that does not require new structural elements
• Pre-fabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with the Planning Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• PlanChek: 301-870-8710 (phone)
• PlanChek: PlanChek@yahoo.com (email)
• Southern Regional State Fire Marshal: 443-550-6820 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact the appropriate inspection agency per permit type.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections are scheduled with PlanChek. Commercial building permit or fire inspections go through the Southern Regional State Fire Marshal. Inspectors follow the PlanChek order of inspections (footing, framing, final, and other permit-specific types).

Additional Resources

• Building code: Town will adopt the 2021 International Building Code as required by Maryland law. Some older materials may still reference the 2018 IBC and Fire Code; confirm the current code set before submittal.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permit FAQs
• Building Permit Checklist
• PlanChek Reference
• 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 La Plata Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, interior alterations, replacement of load-bearing components, sheds, decks, solar panels, roof replacement, rental property changes, fire or storm damage repairs, gazebos, porches, enclosing existing structures, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, signage, and use and occupancy changes.

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

The minimum permit fee is $120 for residential interior alteration; $150 minimum for residential detached accessory structures; $118 minimum for deck/balcony; $150 plus area charge for commercial; $65 for sign permit application. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule with flat application fees, per-square-foot charges, per-linear-foot charges, and separate inspection charges by permit type.. Plan check fee: $0.075 per square foot with $129 minimum for residential; $0.075 per square foot with $128 minimum for commercial via PlanChek.

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

1. Download the permit application and checklist from the Town forms/checklists pages. 2. Submit the completed application in person or electronically (preferably PDF) to the Planning Department; large files can be uploaded by request. 3. Include required plans, site plan, and any stormwater, floodplain, sediment and erosion, HOA, or forest conservation materials that apply. 4. Town review begins; if comments or corrections are issued, revise and resubmit. 5. After approval, make payment to the Town. 6. The Town issues the permit. 7. Schedule required inspections with PlanChek or, for commercial fire inspections, the Southern Regional State Fire Marshal, then obtain final use and occupancy after all inspections pass.

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

Typical processing time is 1 to 2 weeks for residential building permits; about 22 days or 4 weeks for commercial building permits; 1 to 2 days for several simpler permit types..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Exterior painting, except in CB, CBT, or CH zones where Design Review Board approval is required; Wallpaper and wall coverings, except assembly, day care, and institutional occupancies; Floor or wall tile, rugs, and carpeting; Replacing kitchen cabinets when there are no wall, electrical, or plumbing changes; Replacing fascia or soffit for one- and two-family dwellings only; Non-structural siding over existing siding or sheathing for one- and two-family dwellings only; Patios or decks directly on grade without footing, or repair/replacement of existing decking boards; Roof shingle replacement that does not require new structural elements; Pre-fabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and other playground equipment; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with the Planning Department before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: PlanChek: 301-870-8710, PlanChek: PlanChek@yahoo.com, Southern Regional State Fire Marshal: 443-550-6820. Contact the appropriate inspection agency per permit type..

Other cities in Charles County