City Building Permits

Town of Secretary, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Dorchester County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Secretary. No independent building department is listed in Maryland DLLR's municipal building code contacts. Building permits and code enforcement for projects within Secretary are administered by the Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning. The town has significant creek and waterway frontage, making Critical Area and floodplain review highly relevant for waterfront and near-water properties.

Department
Town of Secretary (no independent building department identified in official sources; building code administration is provided by Dorchester County Planning and Zoning)
Address
122 Main Street, Secretary, MD 21664
Phone
410-943-3113

Online Permit Portal

Open Evolve Public (Dorchester County portal)

Platform: Evolve Public (InfoVision Software) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Follow the Dorchester County permit application process.
  2. Confirm with Town Hall at 410-943-3113 whether any separate town approvals are required.

General Requirements

Same as Dorchester County unincorporated areas.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application form
  • Site plan (scaled drawing showing lot lines, setbacks, structure locations, and dimensions)
  • Construction plans or drawings
  • Critical Area site plan if applicable
  • Pre-permit agency approvals as applicable
  • Elevation certificate for flood zone properties
  • Driveway or drainage approval if applicable
Permit validity
Every permit expires if the authorized work is not commenced within one year of the issuance date.
Building code
2021 IBC; 2021 IRC; 2021 IMC; 2021 IPC; 2021 IFGC; 2020 NEC; 2021 IECC; 2021 IEBC; all with Maryland state amendments and Dorchester County local amendments.
Contractor requirements
Maryland state trade licenses and MHIC licensing for home improvement contractors apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50.00
Permit fee formula
Same as Dorchester County schedule; confirm with the town for any additional municipal fees.
Payment note
Fees are paid at the Planning and Zoning office or as directed during the online application process.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Farm buildings and agricultural structures
  • Fences and walls
  • Agricultural fencing (post-and-wire, open construction)
  • Ordinary repairs not involving structural modifications

Important: Even when a building permit is not required, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may still be required. Critical Area, floodplain, wetlands, and zoning requirements are independent of building permit exemptions and continue to apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 410-228-3234 or 410-228-9636 (phone)
Inspection hours
Regular business hours; contact the department for specific available inspection windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections at key stages including footing/foundation, framing, rough-in trades, and final inspection as required by adopted codes.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Secretary (no independent building department identified in official sources; building code administration is provided by Dorchester County Planning and Zoning) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Secretary Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Secretary, MD?
Same as Dorchester County unincorporated areas.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Secretary, MD?
The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Same as Dorchester County schedule; confirm with the town for any additional municipal fees..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Secretary, MD?
1. Follow the Dorchester County permit application process. 2. Confirm with Town Hall at 410-943-3113 whether any separate town approvals are required.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Secretary, MD?
The following work is generally exempt: Farm buildings and agricultural structures; Fences and walls; Agricultural fencing (post-and-wire, open construction); Ordinary repairs not involving structural modifications. Note: Even when a building permit is not required, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may still be required. Critical Area, floodplain, wetlands, and zoning requirements are independent of building permit exemptions and continue to apply.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Secretary, MD?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-228-3234 or 410-228-9636.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Secretary 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 Dorchester County

Cambridge Hurlock East New Market Vienna
View all Dorchester County jurisdictions →