City Building Permits

Town of Betterton, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Betterton, Maryland. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maryland Kent County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Betterton is a very small resort town on the Sassafras River arm of the Chesapeake Bay with a population under 400. The Town issues its own building permits for all properties within incorporated Betterton limits. Betterton is almost entirely within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area; its waterfront location means Critical Area rules apply broadly. The Town has a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Worksheet and a Critical Area Tree Removal Application as distinct forms. Building regulations are adopted by local ordinance (Ordinance #2013-01 and subsequent amendments).

Department
Town of Betterton -- Town Manager / Building Official
Address
100 Main Street, Betterton, MD 21610 (P.O. Box 339, Betterton, MD 21610)
Phone
(410) 348-5522
Website
https://www.townofbetterton.com/government/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Forms and Applications

Platform: Paper/PDF Forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Download and review the Building Regulations from: https://www.townofbetterton.com/government/_forms___applications.php
  2. Determine whether the property is in the Critical Area (nearly all Betterton properties are). If so, complete the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Worksheet in addition to the main permit application.
  3. Complete the Building Permit Application Form.
  4. Compile required materials: completed application, 3 sets of construction plans, and site plan. Betterton requires 3 sets of plans (not 2 as in some other jurisdictions).
  5. Submit all materials in person at Town Hall (100 Main Street) during business hours.
  6. Pay applicable building permit fees at time of submission.
  7. Allow 7 to 10 business days for permit approval.
  8. Receive issued permit; post on job site.
  9. Schedule and pass required inspections by contacting the Town at (410) 348-5522.
  10. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy or final approval issued.

Typical processing time: 7 to 10 business days for permit approval per Town guidance.

Source: Town of Betterton -- Town Manager / Building Official

General Requirements

Required for new construction, additions, alterations, and other regulated work per Building Regulations (Ordinance #2013-01 and amendments). Review Building Regulations document before applying.

Required Documents

  • Completed Building Permit Application Form
  • 3 sets of construction plans (note: 3 sets, not 2)
  • Site plan
  • Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Worksheet (for Critical Area properties)
  • Critical Area Tree Removal Application (if trees will be removed in Critical Area)
Permit validity
Not confirmed from public sources. Contact (410) 348-5522.
Building code
Ordinance #2013-01 and subsequent amendments establish local building regulations. State-mandated 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, and related codes with Maryland amendments apply as the base codes.
Owner-builder
Not detailed on Town website. Contact office to confirm.
Contractor requirements
MHIC license required for home improvement work on residential structures per Maryland state law. Trade licenses required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC per state law.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Specific fee amounts are in the downloadable fee schedule PDF. Download current version from the forms page above. Contact (410) 348-5522 for current rates.
Payment note
In-person at Town Hall; confirm accepted payment methods. Fee schedule is a downloadable PDF and may be updated by the Town periodically. Download the current version from the forms page or call (410) 348-5522 to confirm.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Betterton -- Town Manager / Building Official to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (410) 348-5522 (phone)
Inspection hours
Contact office for current hours

Typical inspection sequence: Not published in detail. Standard Maryland sequence applies. Confirm required inspections with the Town at time of permit issuance.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Betterton -- Town Manager / Building Official before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Betterton Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Betterton, MD?
Required for new construction, additions, alterations, and other regulated work per Building Regulations (Ordinance #2013-01 and amendments). Review Building Regulations document before applying.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Betterton, MD?
Fees are calculated as: Specific fee amounts are in the downloadable fee schedule PDF. Download current version from the forms page above. Contact (410) 348-5522 for current rates..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Betterton, MD?
1. Download and review the Building Regulations from: https://www.townofbetterton.com/government/_forms___applications.php 2. Determine whether the property is in the Critical Area (nearly all Betterton properties are). If so, complete the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Worksheet in addition to the main permit application. 3. Complete the Building Permit Application Form. 4. Compile required materials: completed application, 3 sets of construction plans, and site plan. Betterton requires 3 sets of plans (not 2 as in some other jurisdictions). 5. Submit all materials in person at Town Hall (100 Main Street) during business hours. 6. Pay applicable building permit fees at time of submission. 7. Allow 7 to 10 business days for permit approval. 8. Receive issued permit; post on job site. 9. Schedule and pass required inspections by contacting the Town at (410) 348-5522. 10. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy or final approval issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Betterton, MD?
Typical processing time is 7 to 10 business days for permit approval per Town guidance..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Betterton, MD?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (410) 348-5522.

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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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