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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Accident
Erecting most structures or changing the use of land within Accident requires a zoning permit. County building permit required in most cases.
Accessory structures 240 square feet and under do not require a county building permit
- Exempt Accessory structures 240 square feet and under do not require a county building permit
Note: Town zoning permit may still be required.
Required documents
- Zoning permit application
- Site layout plan
- Two sets of building plans for county permit
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as adopted by Garrett County.
- Permit validity
- Construction must begin within one year of permit issuance or the permit becomes void. Also void for over one year of no construction activity.
- Owner-builder
- A landowner may serve as their own general contractor subject to county requirements. All builders of new homes must be registered with the Maryland Home Builder Registration Unit (MHBR).
- Contractor requirements
- Properly licensed contractors are required. Maryland MHIC licensing applies to home improvement work. All new home builders must be registered with MHBR. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade work is subject to Maryland state licensing.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published as a single standard.
- 01 Confirm that the project is within Accident town limits and determine whether a zoning permit is required.
- 02 Apply for the zoning permit at the Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management at the Courthouse (note: for Accident, the county does both the application and the review; applicant does not start at Town Hall).
- 03 After county approval, take the approved zoning permit to Accident Town Hall to pay the zoning permit fee.
- 04 If a county building permit is also required, initiate the building permit application with the Permits & Inspections Division.
- 05 Submit two sets of building plans and required supporting documents.
- 06 Pay county building permit fees.
- 07 Receive issued permits. Post the placard on site. Construction may not begin until all required permits are issued.
- 08 Schedule county building inspections via Citizen Connect or 301-334-7470.
Typical processing time: Not published as a single standard.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Citizen Connect portal (online)
- 301-334-7470 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests should be made in advance; allow at least 24 hours.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Time windows
- A specific inspection time cannot be set.
Typical sequence: Same county inspection process.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Accident permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Accident, MD? ▸
Erecting most structures or changing the use of land within Accident requires a zoning permit. County building permit required in most cases.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Accident, MD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Accident, MD, follow these steps: 1. Confirm that the project is within Accident town limits and determine whether a zoning permit is required. 2. Apply for the zoning permit at the Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management at the Courthouse (note: for Accident, the county does both the application and the review; applicant does not start at Town Hall). 3. After county approval, take the approved zoning permit to Accident Town Hall to pay the zoning permit fee. 4. If a county building permit is also required, initiate the building permit application with the Permits & Inspections Division. 5. Submit two sets of building plans and required supporting documents. 6. Pay county building permit fees. 7. Receive issued permits. Post the placard on site. Construction may not begin until all required permits are issued. 8. Schedule county building inspections via Citizen Connect or 301-334-7470.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Accident, MD? ▸
Building permit processing times in Accident, MD typically run Not published as a single standard.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Accident, MD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Accident, MD. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures 240 square feet and under do not require a county building permit. Note: Town zoning permit may still be required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Accident, MD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Accident, MD via: Citizen Connect portal, 301-334-7470. Requests should be made in advance; allow at least 24 hours..
last verified April 2026
source Town of Accident (zoning permit fees); Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division (zoning review and building permits) ↗
entry id permits/maryland/garrett/accident
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Accident (zoning permit fees); Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division (zoning review and building permits) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.