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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Secretary
Same as Dorchester County unincorporated areas.
- Exempt Farm buildings and agricultural structures
- Exempt Fences and walls
- Exempt Agricultural fencing (post-and-wire, open construction)
- Exempt 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Every permit expires if the authorized work is not commenced within one year of the issuance date.
- Contractor requirements
- Maryland state trade licenses and MHIC licensing for home improvement contractors apply.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Follow the Dorchester County permit application process.
- 02 Confirm with Town Hall at 410-943-3113 whether any separate town approvals are required.
Fee schedule
Secretary building permit fees
Fees are paid at the Planning and Zoning office or as directed during the online application process.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 410-228-3234 or 410-228-9636 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Regular business hours; contact the department for specific available inspection windows.
Typical sequence: Inspections at key stages including footing/foundation, framing, rough-in trades, and final inspection as required by adopted codes.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Secretary permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Secretary, MD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Secretary, MD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Secretary, MD? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Secretary, MD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Secretary, MD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Secretary (no independent building department identified in official sources; building code administration is provided by Dorchester County Planning and Zoning) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.