How much does a building permit cost in Havre de Grace, MD?

The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type; many listed building-related permits start at $50, while new residential construction starts at higher minimums. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Current schedule includes square-foot formulas, minimum fees, nonrefundable application fees, flat fees for accessory items, and special rates by permit class. Plan check fee: Not separately posted as a standalone line item in the public fee schedule summary.

How do I apply for a building permit in Havre de Grace, MD?

1. Review the City's permit FAQ and submittal checklist to confirm the permit type and required documents. 2. Create an MGO Connect account. 3. Complete the permit application online and upload the required documents, including owner authorization if needed. 4. Pay the applicable permit fee at submission. 5. The permit technician reviews the application and sends it to Harford County if county review is required. 6. The City or county approves or denies the permit and routes it back to the permit clerk. 7. The applicant is notified when the permit is ready and whether any additional fees apply. 8. Post the permit at the site, complete required inspections, and obtain final approval or use and occupancy clearance as applicable.

What work is exempt from building permits in Havre de Grace, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Window replacement when in kind and same size; Siding replacement; Doors when in kind and same size; Re-roofing with shingles only; Repaving or sealing driveways; Interior or exterior painting; Installation of carpet or tile; Cabinet installation. Note: The City publishes a specific list of exempt work items. Verify your project with the Department of Planning if uncertain.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Havre de Grace, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Harford County Building Services: 410-638-3366; Electrical: 410-638-3363; Plumbing: 410-638-3215.

City Building Permits

Havre de Grace, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maryland Harford County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The City administers permitting within Havre de Grace. The Department of Planning handles permit intake and local review. Some residential and commercial building inspections are performed by Harford County DILP on behalf of the City.

Department: City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning
Address: 711 Pennington Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
Phone: 410-939-1800
Email: ColleenC@havredegracemd.gov
Website: https://havredegracemd.gov/departments/planning-and-zoning/citizen-business-guide-property-maintenance-code/

Online Permit Portal

Open MGO Connect

Platform: MGO Connect / My Gov Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Review the City's permit FAQ and submittal checklist to confirm the permit type and required documents.
Create an MGO Connect account.
Complete the permit application online and upload the required documents, including owner authorization if needed.
Pay the applicable permit fee at submission.
The permit technician reviews the application and sends it to Harford County if county review is required.
The City or county approves or denies the permit and routes it back to the permit clerk.
The applicant is notified when the permit is ready and whether any additional fees apply.
Post the permit at the site, complete required inspections, and obtain final approval or use and occupancy clearance as applicable.

Typical processing time: Residential and commercial permits can take up to 2 weeks for City review; permits sent to Harford County can take up to 30 days for review.

Source: City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning

General Requirements

The City states permits are always required for structural changes, new construction, sheds and accessory structures, decks, porches, fences, business signs, commercial use and occupancy, renovations, dumpsters and PODs, retaining walls, demolition, driveway and curb cuts, additions, garages, patios, pergolas, greenhouses, pavilions, carports, swimming pools, hot tubs, pellet stoves, and solar.

Required Documents

Permit application
Property owner authorization if applicable
Site plan
Location and setback measurements
Floor plans
Building plans
Deck specifications
Framing and footing plans
Sign concepts with dimensions
Insurance and contractor license for demolition
Energy code forms for new construction
Elevation certificate for floodplain work

Permit validity: Permits are valid for 12 months from issuance. One three-month extension may be requested for an additional fee. If no substantial work or inspections occur within 6 months, the permit is voided.
Building code: City code adopts the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and related 2021 codes with City amendments.
Owner-builder: Property owner authorization is required when the applicant is not the owner.
Contractor requirements: The City directs applicants to use licensed contractors and notes that state contractor licensing applies. Some inspections are done by Harford County.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Varies by permit type; many listed building-related permits start at $50, while new residential construction starts at higher minimums
Plan check fee: Not separately posted as a standalone line item in the public fee schedule summary
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Current schedule includes square-foot formulas, minimum fees, nonrefundable application fees, flat fees for accessory items, and special rates by permit class
Reinspection fee: City building code provides penalties for work started without permit. Current fee schedule includes some reinspection and missed-inspection charges in specific categories
Payment note: The permit FAQ states fees are due at submission. Because permit applications are online-only, applicants should confirm current online payment workflow in MGO Connect.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Window replacement when in kind and same size
Siding replacement
Doors when in kind and same size
Re-roofing with shingles only
Repaving or sealing driveways
Interior or exterior painting
Installation of carpet or tile
Cabinet installation

Important: The City publishes a specific list of exempt work items. Verify your project with the Department of Planning if uncertain.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Harford County Building Services: 410-638-3366; Electrical: 410-638-3363; Plumbing: 410-638-3215 (phone)

Inspection hours: Permit Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; City Hall Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by permit type, but City guidance indicates inspections occur after issuance and before final use and occupancy or completion; county inspections handle many building and trade items on the City's behalf.

Additional Resources

Building code: City code adopts the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and related 2021 codes with City amendments.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Floodplain Management
City Contact
License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Havre de Grace Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Havre de Grace, MD?: The City states permits are always required for structural changes, new construction, sheds and accessory structures, decks, porches, fences, business signs, commercial use and occupancy, renovations, dumpsters and PODs, retaining walls, demolition, driveway and curb cuts, additions, garages, patios, pergolas, greenhouses, pavilions, carports, swimming pools, hot tubs, pellet stoves, and solar.
How much does a building permit cost in Havre de Grace, MD?: The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type; many listed building-related permits start at $50, while new residential construction starts at higher minimums. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Current schedule includes square-foot formulas, minimum fees, nonrefundable application fees, flat fees for accessory items, and special rates by permit class. Plan check fee: Not separately posted as a standalone line item in the public fee schedule summary.
How do I apply for a building permit in Havre de Grace, MD?: 1. Review the City's permit FAQ and submittal checklist to confirm the permit type and required documents. 2. Create an MGO Connect account. 3. Complete the permit application online and upload the required documents, including owner authorization if needed. 4. Pay the applicable permit fee at submission. 5. The permit technician reviews the application and sends it to Harford County if county review is required. 6. The City or county approves or denies the permit and routes it back to the permit clerk. 7. The applicant is notified when the permit is ready and whether any additional fees apply. 8. Post the permit at the site, complete required inspections, and obtain final approval or use and occupancy clearance as applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Havre de Grace, MD?: Typical processing time is Residential and commercial permits can take up to 2 weeks for City review; permits sent to Harford County can take up to 30 days for review..
What work is exempt from building permits in Havre de Grace, MD?: The following work is generally exempt: Window replacement when in kind and same size; Siding replacement; Doors when in kind and same size; Re-roofing with shingles only; Repaving or sealing driveways; Interior or exterior painting; Installation of carpet or tile; Cabinet installation. Note: The City publishes a specific list of exempt work items. Verify your project with the Department of Planning if uncertain.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Havre de Grace, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Harford County Building Services: 410-638-3366; Electrical: 410-638-3363; Plumbing: 410-638-3215.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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