How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?

The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Schedule of fees by work type and project scope; detailed fee tables are published in the annual fee resolution adopted by the County Council. The FY2023-24 fee resolution (Resolution No. 654) is the most recent schedule publicly linked..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm buildings and agricultural structures: construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, or maintenance of farm buildings is exempt from the building permit requirement.; Fences and walls: do not require a building permit.; Agricultural fencing (post-and-wire, open construction) used on a farm for livestock containment or pasturage is also exempt from height restrictions.; Ordinary repairs not involving structural modifications, roof replacement, or interior/exterior structural changes.. 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 unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-228-3234 or 410-228-9636, Evolve Public portal (for permits filed online).

County Building Permits

Dorchester County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dorchester County, Maryland. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maryland Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Dorchester County. The department issues and enforces building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical permits for unincorporated areas and serves as the permit authority for several small incorporated towns.

Department: Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits, Licensing and Inspections
Address: 501 Court Lane, Room 111, Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: 410-228-3234 (main); 410-228-9636 (permits and inspections)
Website: https://dorchestercountymd.com/planning-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Evolve Public

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether a permit is required for the work type by contacting the department at 410-228-3234.
Obtain and complete the county permit application form (available online and at the office).
Confirm pre-permit approvals required: County Health Department approval for water/waste, Sanitary Commission approval if applicable, Stormwater permit from county Public Works, Grading permit with erosion and sediment control plan, and Driveway/drainage approval if applicable.
For Critical Area properties, prepare a site plan showing dimensions of existing structures and location of streams, waterways, and wetlands.
For forest disturbance projects, submit a Forest Conservation Plan prepared by a licensed Maryland forester or environmental professional.
Submit completed application with required plans, documents, and fees in person or through the Evolve Public portal.
County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance.
After prerequisite approvals are confirmed and application review is complete, the building permit is issued.
Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction.
Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupying a new structure.

Source: Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits, Licensing and Inspections

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new residential and commercial construction, additions, demolition, structural alterations, porches and decks, garages, accessory structures, sheds, gazebos, pools, signs, reroofing, installation/repair/upgrade of electrical wiring, fire protection systems, plumbing and drain systems, mechanical/HVAC systems, piers and waterfront structures, and pole buildings. Contact the department to confirm requirements for any project type.

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 (health department, sanitary commission, stormwater, grading) 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. An unexpired permit may be extended for up to one additional year for good cause shown.
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 per Chapter 65 (revised October 2024).
Owner-builder: The county code does not expressly prohibit owner-builders, but all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trade work performed by contractors must be done by licensed tradesmen. Maryland MHIC licensing applies to paid home improvement work.
Contractor requirements: Maryland state trade licenses apply to electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, and gas-fitting work. Home improvement contractors performing work over $100 in value must hold a valid MHIC license. MHIC numbers must appear on permits.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50.00
Permit fee formula: Schedule of fees by work type and project scope; detailed fee tables are published in the annual fee resolution adopted by the County Council. The FY2023-24 fee resolution (Resolution No. 654) is the most recent schedule publicly linked.
Payment note: Accept cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. 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: construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, or maintenance of farm buildings is exempt from the building permit requirement.
Fences and walls: do not require a building permit.
Agricultural fencing (post-and-wire, open construction) used on a farm for livestock containment or pasturage is also exempt from height restrictions.
Ordinary repairs not involving structural modifications, roof replacement, or interior/exterior structural changes.

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)
Evolve Public portal (for permits filed online) (online)

Inspection hours: Regular business hours; contact the department for specific available inspection windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Chapter 65 and Article VIII require inspections at key stages including footing/foundation, framing, rough-in trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), and final inspection. Stormwater management inspections are made before construction, upon completion of final grading, establishment of permanent stabilization, and before the use and occupancy permit is issued.

Additional Resources

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 per Chapter 65 (revised October 2024).
Verify contractor license: Maryland MHIC contractor licensing
Zoning information: View zoning info
Critical Area regulations
Floodplain permitting guidance
Forest Conservation standards
Stormwater management
Engineering Division
Dorchester County Health Department - wells and water supply
Maryland Building Codes Administration (state contact)
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 Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits, Licensing and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dorchester County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?: A building permit is required for all new residential and commercial construction, additions, demolition, structural alterations, porches and decks, garages, accessory structures, sheds, gazebos, pools, signs, reroofing, installation/repair/upgrade of electrical wiring, fire protection systems, plumbing and drain systems, mechanical/HVAC systems, piers and waterfront structures, and pole buildings. Contact the department to confirm requirements for any project type.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?: The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Schedule of fees by work type and project scope; detailed fee tables are published in the annual fee resolution adopted by the County Council. The FY2023-24 fee resolution (Resolution No. 654) is the most recent schedule publicly linked..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?: 1. Determine whether a permit is required for the work type by contacting the department at 410-228-3234. 2. Obtain and complete the county permit application form (available online and at the office). 3. Confirm pre-permit approvals required: County Health Department approval for water/waste, Sanitary Commission approval if applicable, Stormwater permit from county Public Works, Grading permit with erosion and sediment control plan, and Driveway/drainage approval if applicable. 4. For Critical Area properties, prepare a site plan showing dimensions of existing structures and location of streams, waterways, and wetlands. 5. For forest disturbance projects, submit a Forest Conservation Plan prepared by a licensed Maryland forester or environmental professional. 6. Submit completed application with required plans, documents, and fees in person or through the Evolve Public portal. 7. County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance. 8. After prerequisite approvals are confirmed and application review is complete, the building permit is issued. 9. Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction. 10. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupying a new structure.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm buildings and agricultural structures: construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, or maintenance of farm buildings is exempt from the building permit requirement.; Fences and walls: do not require a building permit.; Agricultural fencing (post-and-wire, open construction) used on a farm for livestock containment or pasturage is also exempt from height restrictions.; Ordinary repairs not involving structural modifications, roof replacement, or interior/exterior structural changes.. 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 unincorporated Dorchester County, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-228-3234 or 410-228-9636, Evolve Public portal (for permits filed online).

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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.

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