Havre de Grace, MD — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning

Street address

711 Pennington Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD 21078

Phone

410-939-1800

ColleenC@havredegracemd.gov

Coverage

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.

Online portal

MGO Connect

MGO Connect / My Gov Online

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Havre de Grace

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Window replacement when in kind and same size

Exempt

Siding replacement

Exempt

Doors when in kind and same size

Exempt

Re-roofing with shingles only

Exempt

Repaving or sealing driveways

Exempt

Interior or exterior painting

Exempt

Installation of carpet or tile

Exempt

Cabinet installation

Exempt

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

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

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

Building code: City code adopts the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and related 2021 codes with City amendments.
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.
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.

Source: City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 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.

01

Review the City's permit FAQ and submittal checklist to confirm the permit type and required documents.
02

Create an MGO Connect account.
03

Complete the permit application online and upload the required documents, including owner authorization if needed.
04

Pay the applicable permit fee at submission.
05

The permit technician reviews the application and sends it to Harford County if county review is required.
06

The City or county approves or denies the permit and routes it back to the permit clerk.
07

The applicant is notified when the permit is ready and whether any additional fees apply.
08

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2026-03

Fee type

Amount

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

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026-03) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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.

Source: City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Havre de Grace permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Havre de Grace, MD? ▸

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

Building permit fees in Havre de Grace, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in Havre de Grace, MD, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Havre de Grace, MD? ▸

Building permit processing times in Havre de Grace, MD typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Havre de Grace, MD via: Harford County Building Services: 410-638-3366; Electrical: 410-638-3363; Plumbing: 410-638-3215.

last verified April 2026 source City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning ↗ entry id permits/maryland/harford/havre-de-grace

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Havre de Grace Department of Planning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Havre de Grace

Other jurisdictions in Harford County.