Edgewood, Harford County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Edgewood is an unincorporated Harford County community and does not have a separate municipal building permit office. County permitting applies.

Department

Harford County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Permit Center, with Building Services Division and Planning and Zoning support

Address

220 S. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014

Phone

410-638-3122

Email

building@harfordcountymd.gov

Website

https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/985/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm permit needs using the county permit and building services pages.
2. Apply through the ePermit Center, by email to building@harfordcountymd.gov, or in person or by mail to the Permit Center.
3. Submit the required site plan, construction plans, and supporting documents in PDF format.
4. County staff route the application to applicable agencies for review, including Planning and Zoning, Building Services, Health Department, DPW, and other reviewers as needed.
5. Review agencies aim to comment or approve within 10 business days after initial processing.
6. Pay the required non-refundable application fee and other permit fees.
7. Receive the permit and keep approved plans and permit on site.
8. Schedule inspections with the County and secure certificate of occupancy or final approval if applicable.

Typical processing time: Agency review goal is comment or approval within 10 business days after initial processing; no guaranteed total issuance time is posted.

Source: Harford County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Permit Center, with Building Services Division and Planning and Zoning support

General Requirements

County permits are generally required to construct or alter a structure, demolish or move a structure, install or alter regulated equipment, change use, or place a structure.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Site plan or survey showing existing and proposed structures
• Construction plans
• Contract if listing a residential contractor
• Deed if recently purchased
• IECC form for new dwellings or additions
• Fire sprinkler plan where required
• Other agency-specific documents

Permit validity

Permit applications expire 180 days from application date unless issued or diligently pursued. Once issued, building permits expire if work is not commenced and diligently pursued within 12 months, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after commencement.

Building code

Harford County enforces the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, and 2023 NEC, with local amendments.

Owner-builder

The owner or an authorized agent may apply for the building permit. For electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work in an owner's own home, the County offers one-time homeowner permits with testing requirements.

Contractor requirements

Residential contractors must have MHIC, or MHBR for new homes. Electrical permits must be obtained by a Harford County-licensed master electrician unless under the homeowner exception. Mechanical permits require a registered master HVACR contractor. Plumbing permits require a registered master plumber.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20 for accessory structures 200 square feet and under; other minimums vary by permit class

Plan check fee

Preliminary plan review $60 per half hour; building permit application fees also include non-refundable application fees

Permit fee formula

Mostly square-foot based plus non-refundable application fees for building permits, with flat fees for some miscellaneous permits and separate trade permit schedules

Reinspection fee

$50 for reinspection or unnecessary trip; $100 investigation fee; violation fees from $500 to $1,000

Penalty (no permit)

Permit extension $50; reissuance of expired permit $100 residential and $200 commercial

Payment note

Building permit fees are due at application. Where no work has been done under a building permit, 50% refund may be available if requested within 6 months of issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-03).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story residential accessory structures 200 square feet or less and not classified as Group H high hazard
• Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural removal, egress changes, or work affecting public health or safety
• Replastering or resurfacing of an existing pool or spa
• Certain public service agency equipment work under county code

Important: The County publishes a specific list of exempt work items. Verify your project with the Permit Center if uncertain.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ePermit Center (online)
• 410-638-3366 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests before 3 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day pending availability; later requests are scheduled for the second business work day.

Inspection hours

Approximate arrival times may be requested the day of inspection between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.

Typical inspection sequence: County guidance lists footing, foundation, slab or drain tile, framing after trade rough-ins, insulation, ceiling where applicable, and final before certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Harford County enforces the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, and 2023 NEC, with local amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Zoning Classifications
• Grading Permits
• Zoning Code
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Edgewood, Harford County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Edgewood, Harford County, MD?

County permits are generally required to construct or alter a structure, demolish or move a structure, install or alter regulated equipment, change use, or place a structure.

How much does a building permit cost in Edgewood, Harford County, MD?

The minimum permit fee is $20 for accessory structures 200 square feet and under; other minimums vary by permit class. Fees are calculated as: Mostly square-foot based plus non-refundable application fees for building permits, with flat fees for some miscellaneous permits and separate trade permit schedules. Plan check fee: Preliminary plan review $60 per half hour; building permit application fees also include non-refundable application fees.

How do I apply for a building permit in Edgewood, Harford County, MD?

1. Confirm permit needs using the county permit and building services pages. 2. Apply through the ePermit Center, by email to building@harfordcountymd.gov, or in person or by mail to the Permit Center. 3. Submit the required site plan, construction plans, and supporting documents in PDF format. 4. County staff route the application to applicable agencies for review, including Planning and Zoning, Building Services, Health Department, DPW, and other reviewers as needed. 5. Review agencies aim to comment or approve within 10 business days after initial processing. 6. Pay the required non-refundable application fee and other permit fees. 7. Receive the permit and keep approved plans and permit on site. 8. Schedule inspections with the County and secure certificate of occupancy or final approval if applicable.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Edgewood, Harford County, MD?

Typical processing time is Agency review goal is comment or approval within 10 business days after initial processing; no guaranteed total issuance time is posted..

What work is exempt from building permits in Edgewood, Harford County, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story residential accessory structures 200 square feet or less and not classified as Group H high hazard; Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural removal, egress changes, or work affecting public health or safety; Replastering or resurfacing of an existing pool or spa; Certain public service agency equipment work under county code. Note: The County publishes a specific list of exempt work items. Verify your project with the Permit Center if uncertain.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Edgewood, Harford County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: ePermit Center, 410-638-3366. Requests before 3 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day pending availability; later requests are scheduled for the second business work day..

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