City Building Permits

Town of Chestertown, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Kent County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Chestertown is the county seat of Kent County and the largest municipality. The Town issues its own building permits for all properties within incorporated Chestertown limits. The Town's Planning and Zoning Department provides staff support to the Mayor and Council, Planning Commission, Historic District Commission (HDC), and Zoning Board of Appeals. Chestertown has a recognized National Register historic district overlapping much of its downtown; HDC review is required for exterior work on properties within the historic district boundary.

Department
Town of Chestertown Department of Planning and Zoning
Address
118 North Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone
(410) 778-0500
Website
https://www.chestertown.gov/planning-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application

Platform: In-Person Submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether property is inside or outside the Historic District boundary. Use the Town's zoning map or contact (410) 778-0500.
  2. Select the correct application form: Building Application A (outside Historic District) or Building Application B (inside Historic District).
  3. Compile required materials: completed application, two (2) sets of construction plans, site plan, and drawings/pictures/brochure of proposed structure. If a dumpster will be placed in a street or public right-of-way, also complete a Street Impediment/Dumpster Permit Application.
  4. If the property is in a homeowners association (HOA): obtain and attach HOA approval before submitting to the Town.
  5. If the property owner will not sign the permit application personally: include a signed owner authorization page from the property owner.
  6. For properties in the Historic District: HDC review is required before the building permit is issued. HDC meetings: first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall. New construction or demolition permits require application and all supporting materials to be received no later than 25 days prior to the scheduled HDC meeting. All other HDC applications require materials no later than 1 week before the scheduled meeting.
  7. Submit completed application package to the Town office at 118 North Cross Street.
  8. Pay all applicable permit fees. No permit is active until all fees are paid.
  9. Await plan review for compliance with Chestertown Zoning Ordinance, building codes, Critical Area ordinance, and forest conservation regulations.
  10. Address any corrections and resubmit.
  11. Receive issued building permit. Post on job site.
  12. Schedule and pass required inspections. Contact (410) 778-0500 to schedule.
  13. Final inspection; receive Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: At least 30 business days for standard building permit review. HDC properties require additional time (minimum 25 days before the next HDC meeting date, plus time for plan review after HDC approval). New construction or demolition in the Historic District requires two (2) HDC hearings before a permit can be issued.

Source: Town of Chestertown Department of Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs that involve structural work, demolitions, and changes of occupancy. Required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Exterior work on Historic District properties requires HDC approval in addition to any required building permit.

Required Documents

  • Completed Building Application A or B (depending on Historic District status)
  • Two (2) complete sets of construction plans
  • Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing and proposed structures
  • Drawings, pictures, or brochure of proposed structure
  • Street Impediment/Dumpster Permit Application (if applicable)
  • Owner authorization page (if owner not signing directly)
  • HOA approval documentation (if applicable)
  • HDC approval (for Historic District properties)
Permit validity
6 months from issuance date. Expired permits require reapplication and possible renewed HDC review.
Building code
State-mandated 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, and related codes with Maryland amendments. Chestertown's local zoning ordinance (Chapter 170, updated March 2, 2026) governs land use and dimensional requirements. Zoning ordinance: https://www.chestertown.gov/media/6321
Owner-builder
Not detailed on Town website. Contact (410) 778-0500 to confirm whether homeowners may act as their own general contractor for primary residence work.
Contractor requirements
MHIC license required for home improvement contractors working on residential structures. Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) required per Maryland state law. MHIC verification: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic/

Fees

Permit fee formula
Fees are assessed per square foot or by project valuation. Reported structure: a base fee for the first 3,000 sq ft of residential construction, plus $0.25 per square foot for each square foot thereafter; for commercial, industrial, and public construction, a base fee for the first 10,000 sq ft plus $0.25 per sq ft thereafter. Confirm exact current rates with the Town office.
Payment note
In-person payment at Town Hall (118 North Cross Street); confirm accepted payment methods (cash, check, credit/debit card) with the office. The Town fee schedule PDF may have been updated. Always verify current fees directly with the Town of Chestertown Planning and Zoning Department at (410) 778-0500.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Chestertown Department of Planning and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (410) 778-0500 (phone)
Inspection hours
Town Hall hours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Standard Maryland residential inspection sequence applies (footings, rough framing, rough trades, insulation, final). Confirm exact required inspections at time of permit issuance with the Town office.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Chestertown Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Chestertown, MD?
Required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs that involve structural work, demolitions, and changes of occupancy. Required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Exterior work on Historic District properties requires HDC approval in addition to any required building permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Chestertown, MD?
Fees are calculated as: Fees are assessed per square foot or by project valuation. Reported structure: a base fee for the first 3,000 sq ft of residential construction, plus $0.25 per square foot for each square foot thereafter; for commercial, industrial, and public construction, a base fee for the first 10,000 sq ft plus $0.25 per sq ft thereafter. Confirm exact current rates with the Town office..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Chestertown, MD?
1. Determine whether property is inside or outside the Historic District boundary. Use the Town's zoning map or contact (410) 778-0500. 2. Select the correct application form: Building Application A (outside Historic District) or Building Application B (inside Historic District). 3. Compile required materials: completed application, two (2) sets of construction plans, site plan, and drawings/pictures/brochure of proposed structure. If a dumpster will be placed in a street or public right-of-way, also complete a Street Impediment/Dumpster Permit Application. 4. If the property is in a homeowners association (HOA): obtain and attach HOA approval before submitting to the Town. 5. If the property owner will not sign the permit application personally: include a signed owner authorization page from the property owner. 6. For properties in the Historic District: HDC review is required before the building permit is issued. HDC meetings: first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall. New construction or demolition permits require application and all supporting materials to be received no later than 25 days prior to the scheduled HDC meeting. All other HDC applications require materials no later than 1 week before the scheduled meeting. 7. Submit completed application package to the Town office at 118 North Cross Street. 8. Pay all applicable permit fees. No permit is active until all fees are paid. 9. Await plan review for compliance with Chestertown Zoning Ordinance, building codes, Critical Area ordinance, and forest conservation regulations. 10. Address any corrections and resubmit. 11. Receive issued building permit. Post on job site. 12. Schedule and pass required inspections. Contact (410) 778-0500 to schedule. 13. Final inspection; receive Certificate of Occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Chestertown, MD?
Typical processing time is At least 30 business days for standard building permit review. HDC properties require additional time (minimum 25 days before the next HDC meeting date, plus time for plan review after HDC approval). New construction or demolition in the Historic District requires two (2) HDC hearings before a permit can be issued..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Chestertown, MD?
The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance on Historic District properties that does not destroy, alter, or cover historic building materials or finishes (exempt from HDC review, but still subject to building permit requirements if structural work is involved); Standard IRC/IBC exempt categories (small detached accessory structures, painting, finish work, minor repairs). Confirm specific exemptions with (410) 778-0500 since the Town's local ordinance may apply stricter standards than the state baseline. Note: Even if work is exempt from a building permit, exterior alterations to Historic District properties may still require HDC review before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Chestertown, MD?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (410) 778-0500.

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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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