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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Garrett County
Erecting most structures or changing the use of land or buildings within the Deep Creek Watershed requires a zoning permit. Smaller structures such as fences, signs, and small sheds also require a zoning permit even if a county building permit is not required.
Accessory buildings (sheds, garages, and similar) that are 240 square feet or smaller in floor area
Agricultural structures on farms zoned or assessed as agricultural, used only for agricultural purposes, and not intended for or used for human occupancy
- Exempt Accessory buildings (sheds, garages, and similar) that are 240 square feet or smaller in floor area
- Exempt Agricultural structures on farms zoned or assessed as agricultural, used only for agricultural purposes, and not intended for or used for human occupancy
Note: Even when a building permit is not required for small structures within the watershed, a zoning permit is still required.
Required documents
- Zoning permit application with site layout plan drawn to scale
- Site layout showing location, dimensions, and height of all proposed and existing structures in relation to property and street lines
- TVRU application form for short-term rental use declarations
- Special exception application if triggered (6-8 bedroom TVRU in Lake Residential zoning)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Garrett County amendments.
- Permit validity
- Construction may not begin until all required building and zoning permits are issued. Zoning permit expiration is governed by the county zoning ordinance.
- 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
- 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 and the State Fire Marshal's authority.
Source: Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published as a single standard; contact the office.
- 01 Confirm whether the project parcel is within the Deep Creek Watershed boundary. Contact the Planning & Land Management Division if uncertain.
- 02 Determine the zoning district (e.g., Lake Residential, Lake Commercial, Agricultural) and applicable use regulations.
- 03 Apply for a county zoning permit with the Planning & Land Management Division. The application must be accompanied by a site layout plan drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and height of all proposed and existing buildings and structures.
- 04 If the project also requires a county building permit, the Construction Release form issued after zoning approval must be signed by all applicable county agencies before construction begins.
- 05 Applicants for new construction must declare whether they are building a Single Family Dwelling Unit or a Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU). TVRUs require a zoning permit for new construction; existing dwellings converted to TVRU use also require a zoning permit.
- 06 TVRUs with 6 to 8 bedrooms in Lake Residential zoning require a special exception in addition to the zoning permit.
- 07 After zoning approval, all TVRUs must be registered and licensed with the Garrett County Office of Licensing and Enforcement and must comply with the TVRU Ordinance.
- 08 Proceed with the building permit application as described in the Unincorporated Garrett County guidelines.
Typical processing time: Not published as a single standard; contact the office.
Source: Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Garrett County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Same fee structure as Unincorporated Garrett County for building permit fees. Zoning permit fees are set by the county planning fee schedule.
Contact the Planning & Land Management Division at 301-334-1920 for zoning permit fees. TVRU licensing fees are separate and set by the Office of Licensing and Enforcement.
§ 05
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 as Unincorporated Garrett County. Building inspections are scheduled through Citizen Connect or by calling 301-334-7470. TVRU pre-licensing inspections are coordinated through the Office of Licensing and Enforcement.
Source: Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Garrett County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD? ▸
Erecting most structures or changing the use of land or buildings within the Deep Creek Watershed requires a zoning permit. Smaller structures such as fences, signs, and small sheds also require a zoning permit even if a county building permit is not required.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Garrett County, MD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Garrett County, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Same fee structure as Unincorporated Garrett County for building permit fees. Zoning permit fees are set by the county planning fee schedule..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether the project parcel is within the Deep Creek Watershed boundary. Contact the Planning & Land Management Division if uncertain. 2. Determine the zoning district (e.g., Lake Residential, Lake Commercial, Agricultural) and applicable use regulations. 3. Apply for a county zoning permit with the Planning & Land Management Division. The application must be accompanied by a site layout plan drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and height of all proposed and existing buildings and structures. 4. If the project also requires a county building permit, the Construction Release form issued after zoning approval must be signed by all applicable county agencies before construction begins. 5. Applicants for new construction must declare whether they are building a Single Family Dwelling Unit or a Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU). TVRUs require a zoning permit for new construction; existing dwellings converted to TVRU use also require a zoning permit. 6. TVRUs with 6 to 8 bedrooms in Lake Residential zoning require a special exception in addition to the zoning permit. 7. After zoning approval, all TVRUs must be registered and licensed with the Garrett County Office of Licensing and Enforcement and must comply with the TVRU Ordinance. 8. Proceed with the building permit application as described in the Unincorporated Garrett County guidelines.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Garrett County, MD typically run Not published as a single standard; contact the office.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Garrett County, MD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory buildings (sheds, garages, and similar) that are 240 square feet or smaller in floor area; Agricultural structures on farms zoned or assessed as agricultural, used only for agricultural purposes, and not intended for or used for human occupancy. Note: Even when a building permit is not required for small structures within the watershed, a zoning permit is still required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garrett County, MD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garrett County, MD via: Citizen Connect portal, 301-334-7470. Requests should be made in advance; allow at least 24 hours..
last verified April 2026
source Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division ↗
entry id permits/maryland/garrett/deep-creek-watershed
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.