On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Dorchester County
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.
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.
- 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.
- Exempt Fences and walls: do not require a building permit.
- Exempt Agricultural fencing (post-and-wire, open construction) used on a farm for livestock containment or pasturage is also exempt from height restrictions.
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether a permit is required for the work type by contacting the department at 410-228-3234.
- 02 Obtain and complete the county permit application form (available online and at the office).
- 03 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.
- 04 For Critical Area properties, prepare a site plan showing dimensions of existing structures and location of streams, waterways, and wetlands.
- 05 For forest disturbance projects, submit a Forest Conservation Plan prepared by a licensed Maryland forester or environmental professional.
- 06 Submit completed application with required plans, documents, and fees in person or through the Evolve Public portal.
- 07 County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance.
- 08 After prerequisite approvals are confirmed and application review is complete, the building permit is issued.
- 09 Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction.
- 10 Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupying a new structure.
Source: Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits, Licensing and Inspections ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Dorchester County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00
02
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Dorchester County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dorchester County, MD via: 410-228-3234 or 410-228-9636, Evolve Public portal (for permits filed online).
last verified April 2026
source Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits, Licensing and Inspections ↗
entry id permits/maryland/dorchester/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Dorchester County Department of Planning and Zoning, Permits, Licensing and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.