Garrett County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Garrett County (outside incorporated towns and Deep Creek Watershed zoning overlay). Garrett County has no countywide zoning outside the watershed and municipal areas.

Department

Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division

Address

203 South Fourth Street, Room 208, Oakland, MD 21550

Phone

301-334-7470

Email

permits@garrettcountymd.gov

Website

https://www.garrettcountymd.gov/community-development/permits-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether a county building permit is required. Building permits are required for most new construction, additions, renovations, and accessory buildings larger than 240 square feet.
2. Confirm whether accompanying permits are needed: grading/stormwater, floodplain management, entrance, septic/sewage disposal, or well.
3. Residential applicants may apply online through Citizen Connect. Commercial applicants must contact the Permits & Inspections Office to initiate the application.
4. Submit two sets of building plans. Small projects may use hand-drawn plans; larger projects require floor plans and elevation plans. Commercial projects must have plans sealed by a licensed architect and/or structural engineer.
5. The application is distributed to all responsible reviewing agencies, including the Garrett Soil Conservation District for E&S plan review if triggered.
6. Pay required fees online through Citizen Connect or in person.
7. Respond to review comments and resubmit revised materials as needed.
8. Receive the issued permit. Post the permit placard on site.
9. Schedule required inspections through Citizen Connect or by calling 301-334-7470.
10. Obtain final inspection approval before occupying any new structure.

Typical processing time: Not published as a single countywide standard. Contact the Permits & Inspections Office for current review timelines by project type.

Source: Garrett County Department of Planning & Land Management -- Permits & Inspections Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for most new construction, additions, and renovations. Accessory buildings (garages, sheds, and similar) that are larger than 240 square feet require a building permit. A permit is required for any accessory building regardless of size if electrical or plumbing work is included.

Required Documents

• Two sets of building plans
• Site plan showing property and street lines
• Associated agency forms for grading, stormwater, floodplain, or septic as triggered
• For commercial projects: stormwater management concept plan checklists and maintenance agreements for stormwater structures where applicable

Permit validity

Construction must begin within one year of permit issuance or the permit becomes void. After construction begins, the permit is also declared void if there is no construction activity for over one year. Within the first year after issuance, if no construction has yet taken place, a written request for either a permit extension or a 50% refund of the permit fee may be submitted.

Building code

Garrett County Building Code Ordinance (Chapter 150), adopted November 2024, adopts the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with local amendments. Where conflicts arise between the county ordinance and state codes, the more restrictive provision governs.

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 for each building permit where the landowner does not qualify as the general contractor. Maryland MHIC licensing applies to home improvement work over $100. 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.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Building permit fees for single-family homes and additions are based on square footage. Set fees apply to modular and manufactured homes. Commercial fees are separate and project-specific.

Payment note

Fees can be paid online through Citizen Connect or in person at the Permits & Inspections Office, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Grading permit SWM fees are paid to the county Permits & Inspections Office. E&S plan review fees are paid separately to the Garrett Soil Conservation District.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other county requirements. Agricultural exemptions apply only if the structure is not intended for human occupancy and the farm is properly zoned/assessed. Confirm with the Permits & Inspections Office for project-specific questions.

Inspections

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 inspection sequence: The sequence varies by project type and scope. Common residential inspections include footing/foundation, rough framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough mechanical, insulation, and final. Septic and well inspections are performed separately by the Garrett County Health Department. Grading and E&S inspections are handled by the county stormwater/grading staff and the Garrett Soil Conservation District.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Garrett County Building Code Ordinance (Chapter 150), adopted November 2024, adopts the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with local amendments. Where conflicts arise between the county ordinance and state codes, the more restrictive provision governs.
• Verify contractor license: Maryland MHIC License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Floodplain Management Permit
• Grading Permits
• Entrance Permits
• Garrett Soil Conservation District
• Garrett County Health Department -- Sewage Disposal Systems
• Garrett County Health Department -- Well Permits
• Garrett County Code (Chapter 150 Building Regulations)
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Garrett County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD?

Building permits are required for most new construction, additions, and renovations. Accessory buildings (garages, sheds, and similar) that are larger than 240 square feet require a building permit. A permit is required for any accessory building regardless of size if electrical or plumbing work is included.

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

Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees for single-family homes and additions are based on square footage. Set fees apply to modular and manufactured homes. Commercial fees are separate and project-specific..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD?

1. Determine whether a county building permit is required. Building permits are required for most new construction, additions, renovations, and accessory buildings larger than 240 square feet. 2. Confirm whether accompanying permits are needed: grading/stormwater, floodplain management, entrance, septic/sewage disposal, or well. 3. Residential applicants may apply online through Citizen Connect. Commercial applicants must contact the Permits & Inspections Office to initiate the application. 4. Submit two sets of building plans. Small projects may use hand-drawn plans; larger projects require floor plans and elevation plans. Commercial projects must have plans sealed by a licensed architect and/or structural engineer. 5. The application is distributed to all responsible reviewing agencies, including the Garrett Soil Conservation District for E&S plan review if triggered. 6. Pay required fees online through Citizen Connect or in person. 7. Respond to review comments and resubmit revised materials as needed. 8. Receive the issued permit. Post the permit placard on site. 9. Schedule required inspections through Citizen Connect or by calling 301-334-7470. 10. Obtain final inspection approval before occupying any new structure.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Garrett County, MD?

Typical processing time is Not published as a single countywide standard. Contact the Permits & Inspections Office for current review timelines by project type..

What work is exempt from building permits 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: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other county requirements. Agricultural exemptions apply only if the structure is not intended for human occupancy and the farm is properly zoned/assessed. Confirm with the Permits & Inspections Office for project-specific questions.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garrett County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Citizen Connect portal, 301-334-7470. Requests should be made in advance; allow at least 24 hours..