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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Edgewood, Harford County
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.
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
- Exempt One-story residential accessory structures 200 square feet or less and not classified as Group H high hazard
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural removal, egress changes, or work affecting public health or safety
- Exempt Replastering or resurfacing of an existing pool or spa
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Agency review goal is comment or approval within 10 business days after initial processing; no guaranteed total issuance time is posted.
- 01 Confirm permit needs using the county permit and building services pages.
- 02 Apply through the ePermit Center, by email to building@harfordcountymd.gov, or in person or by mail to the Permit Center.
- 03 Submit the required site plan, construction plans, and supporting documents in PDF format.
- 04 County staff route the application to applicable agencies for review, including Planning and Zoning, Building Services, Health Department, DPW, and other reviewers as needed.
- 05 Review agencies aim to comment or approve within 10 business days after initial processing.
- 06 Pay the required non-refundable application fee and other permit fees.
- 07 Receive the permit and keep approved plans and permit on site.
- 08 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026-03
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$20 for accessory structures 200 square feet and under; other minimums vary by permit class
02
Plan check fee
Preliminary plan review $60 per half hour; building permit application fees also include non-refundable application fees
03
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
04
Reinspection fee
$50 for reinspection or unnecessary trip; $100 investigation fee; violation fees from $500 to $1,000
05
Penalty (no permit)
Permit extension $50; reissuance of expired permit $100 residential and $200 commercial
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026-03) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Edgewood, Harford County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Edgewood, Harford County, MD? ▸
Building permit fees in Edgewood, Harford County, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Edgewood, Harford County, MD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Edgewood, Harford County, MD, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Edgewood, Harford County, MD? ▸
Building permit processing times in Edgewood, Harford County, MD typically run Agency review goal is comment or approval within 10 business days after initial processing; no guaranteed total issuance time is posted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Edgewood, Harford County, MD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Edgewood, Harford County, MD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Edgewood, Harford County, MD 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..
last verified April 2026
source Harford County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Permit Center, with Building Services Division and Planning and Zoning support ↗
entry id permits/maryland/harford/edgewood
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Harford County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Permit Center, with Building Services Division and Planning and Zoning support before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.