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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cambridge
A permit is required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolition, changes of occupancy, and the installation, repair, or replacement of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection systems.
Note: The city enforces ICC minimum standards as adopted by the state; consult Chapter 1 of the 2021 IRC or 2021 IBC for general exemptions and confirm with the division.
- Completed permit application
- Construction drawings/plans signed and sealed by a licensed Maryland architect or engineer where required
- Site plan
- Applicable checklists from the Forms and Ordinances page
- Critical Area or floodplain documentation if applicable
- Health Department approval for septic/water where applicable
- Building code
- Cambridge enforces the ICC standards as adopted by the State of Maryland under the MBPS -- the 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, and 2020 NEC with Maryland amendments. Confirm current locally amended editions with the division.
- Contractor requirements
- Maryland trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) are required for trade work. MHIC licensing applies to home improvement contractors. The city may impose additional local licensing requirements; confirm with the division.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact the Building Safety Services Division at 410-228-8811 or visit 1025 Washington Street to confirm whether a permit is required for the specific work and to obtain application forms.
- 02 Download or obtain the permit application and required checklists from the Forms and Ordinances page.
- 03 Prepare construction documents: plans must be prepared and signed by a registered and licensed Maryland design professional (architect or engineer) where required by the building code.
- 04 Submit the completed application with plans, site information, and fees to the Building Safety Services Division at 1025 Washington Street.
- 05 Staff review construction documents for compliance with the adopted codes and with Cambridge ordinances.
- 06 Respond to plan review comments and resubmit corrected documents if required.
- 07 After approval, receive the building permit and post it on site.
- 08 Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction.
- 09 Upon completion, obtain final inspections from all applicable agencies (building, electrical, plumbing, fire) and receive a Certificate of Occupancy from the Cambridge Department of Public Works before occupying the structure.
Source: City of Cambridge Department of Public Works, Building Safety Services Division ↗
Fee schedule
Cambridge building permit fees
Fees are paid at the Building Safety Services office; contact the division for accepted payment methods.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 410-228-8811 (phone)
Typical sequence: Construction inspections at key stages as required by the adopted codes; all applicable agencies (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire) must complete final inspections before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cambridge permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cambridge, MD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cambridge, MD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cambridge, MD? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cambridge, MD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Cambridge Department of Public Works, Building Safety Services Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.