On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Friendsville
Erecting most structures or changing the use of land within Friendsville requires a zoning permit. A county building permit is also required in most cases. Certain smaller structures (fences, signs, small sheds) require a site plan and zoning permit even if a building permit is not required.
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: A town zoning permit may still be required for small structures within Friendsville.
Required documents
- Zoning permit application
- Site layout drawn to scale (location, dimensions, height of all proposed and existing structures relative to property and street lines)
- 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. Friendsville administers its own zoning ordinance.
- Permit validity
- Construction may not begin until all required permits are issued. Zoning permit expiration follows the town ordinance; county building permit rule is one year from issuance or the permit becomes void, also void for over one year of no 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 Determine whether a Friendsville zoning permit is required. Most new structures and changes of use within the town require one.
- 02 Prepare a site layout drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and height of all proposed and existing buildings, structures, or uses in relation to property and street lines.
- 03 Submit the zoning permit application and site layout to Friendsville Town Hall and pay required zoning permit fees at Town Hall.
- 04 Friendsville Town Hall forwards the application to the Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division for final review and approval.
- 05 If a county building permit is also required, initiate the application at the Permits & Inspections Division (or via Citizen Connect for residential projects) after zoning approval.
- 06 Submit two sets of building plans and all required supporting documents to the county.
- 07 Pay county building permit fees.
- 08 Receive issued permits. Construction may not begin until all required building and zoning permits are issued. Post the building permit placard on site.
- 09 Schedule county inspections through Citizen Connect or by calling 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 Friendsville permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Friendsville, MD? ▸
Erecting most structures or changing the use of land within Friendsville requires a zoning permit. A county building permit is also required in most cases. Certain smaller structures (fences, signs, small sheds) require a site plan and zoning permit even if a building permit is not required.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Friendsville, MD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Friendsville, MD, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether a Friendsville zoning permit is required. Most new structures and changes of use within the town require one. 2. Prepare a site layout drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and height of all proposed and existing buildings, structures, or uses in relation to property and street lines. 3. Submit the zoning permit application and site layout to Friendsville Town Hall and pay required zoning permit fees at Town Hall. 4. Friendsville Town Hall forwards the application to the Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division for final review and approval. 5. If a county building permit is also required, initiate the application at the Permits & Inspections Division (or via Citizen Connect for residential projects) after zoning approval. 6. Submit two sets of building plans and all required supporting documents to the county. 7. Pay county building permit fees. 8. Receive issued permits. Construction may not begin until all required building and zoning permits are issued. Post the building permit placard on site. 9. Schedule county inspections through Citizen Connect or by calling 301-334-7470.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Friendsville, MD? ▸
Building permit processing times in Friendsville, 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 Friendsville, MD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Friendsville, MD. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures 240 square feet and under do not require a county building permit. Note: A town zoning permit may still be required for small structures within Friendsville. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Friendsville, MD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Friendsville, 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 Friendsville (zoning permits); Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division (building permits) ↗
entry id permits/maryland/garrett/friendsville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Friendsville (zoning permits); Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division (building permits) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.