How much does a building permit cost in Gaithersburg, MD?

The minimum permit fee is Residential improvement building permit fee $50 minimum, rising to $375 minimum if project cost exceeds $20,000; many commercial building permit fees have a $175 minimum. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential improvements use flat application fees plus square-foot minimums; commercial construction uses application fees plus $0.30 per square foot or 1.50% of project cost, whichever is greater; many categories add a 10% automation fee.. Plan check fee: Commercial building permit fee states it includes 2 plan reviews; third plan review is 75% of original permit fees up to $3,000, and each subsequent plan review is 100% of original permit fee up to $5,000..

How do I apply for a building permit in Gaithersburg, MD?

1. Create a portal account in the Planning, Permitting, and Licensing Portal. 2. Select the permit, license, or plan application and complete the intake fields online. 3. Upload required digital files and supporting documentation; the City publishes digital submission requirements and templates. 4. Pay invoices through the portal when billed. 5. Monitor the permit status online and upload revised drawings or additional documents if requested. 6. Once approved, obtain the issued permit in the portal. 7. Schedule inspections online or by the automated inspection line, using the permit PIN and inspection code.

What work is exempt from building permits in Gaithersburg, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Re-shingling a roof; Replacing windows of the same size and style. Note: These exceptions do not apply to properties in the Historic District. Contact the City to confirm whether your project requires a permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Gaithersburg, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Automated inspection line, Online scheduling (see website). Requests must be received before 12:00 PM on the preceding business day.

City Building Permits

Gaithersburg, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Montgomery County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The City of Gaithersburg runs its own permit and inspection program within city limits for building, electrical, mechanical, fire systems, grading and sediment control, forest conservation, roads, storm drains, and stormwater management.

Department: City of Gaithersburg Permits and Inspections / Planning, Permitting, and Licensing
Address: City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone: 301-258-6330
Email: permitting@gaithersburgmd.gov
Website: https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/services/permitting-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Planning, Permitting, and Licensing Portal

Platform: EnerGov Self Service • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create a portal account in the Planning, Permitting, and Licensing Portal.
Select the permit, license, or plan application and complete the intake fields online.
Upload required digital files and supporting documentation; the City publishes digital submission requirements and templates.
Pay invoices through the portal when billed.
Monitor the permit status online and upload revised drawings or additional documents if requested.
Once approved, obtain the issued permit in the portal.
Schedule inspections online or by the automated inspection line, using the permit PIN and inspection code.

Typical processing time: No general citywide building-permit turnaround chart was located on the public permitting page; public-facing timing data is thin.

Source: City of Gaithersburg Permits and Inspections / Planning, Permitting, and Licensing

General Requirements

The City says permits are generally required for constructing, enlarging, altering, moving, or demolishing structures; all electrical, mechanical/HVAC, fire protection, and site-development work; tree removal; sign installation or modification; sheds, decks, and patios that alter drainage; and interior remodeling.

Required Documents

Application and project-specific digital submissions
DWG or GIS-based digital information in some cases
PDF format for some site-development submissions
Compliance with City file-naming rules and additional templates

Permit validity: Public-facing permit-expiration guidance was not located on the main City permitting page.
Building code: The City states its currently effective building and trade codes include 2021 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IgCC, IMC, IECC, IFGC, ISPSC, ICC Performance Code, Maryland Accessibility Code, and 2020 NEC, with city amendments.
Owner-builder: The adopted fee schedule specifically lists homeowner-approved electrical and mechanical permit fees for certain residential improvements, indicating the City recognizes limited homeowner-filed trade work.
Contractor requirements: The City fee schedule includes master and limited electrician license application fees, and the portal FAQ states registrations and licenses can be renewed online. Maryland state licensing and registration rules still apply where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential improvement building permit fee $50 minimum, rising to $375 minimum if project cost exceeds $20,000; many commercial building permit fees have a $175 minimum
Plan check fee: Commercial building permit fee states it includes 2 plan reviews; third plan review is 75% of original permit fees up to $3,000, and each subsequent plan review is 100% of original permit fee up to $5,000.
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Residential improvements use flat application fees plus square-foot minimums; commercial construction uses application fees plus $0.30 per square foot or 1.50% of project cost, whichever is greater; many categories add a 10% automation fee.
Reinspection fee: Category-specific reinspection charges appear in the published fee schedule
Penalty (no permit): Occupancy-without-permit fee of $500; category-specific penalties vary.
Payment note: Portal invoices are paid online; the City warns users about fraudulent payment emails and directs them to use the portal workflow.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Fiscal Year 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting
Re-shingling a roof
Replacing windows of the same size and style

Important: These exceptions do not apply to properties in the Historic District. Contact the City to confirm whether your project requires a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Automated inspection line (phone)
Online scheduling (see website) (online)

Scheduling deadline: Requests must be received before 12:00 PM on the preceding business day
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Permit-specific; City instructions require the permit PIN and inspection code listed under the permit's required inspections

Additional Resources

Building code: The City states its currently effective building and trade codes include 2021 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IgCC, IMC, IECC, IFGC, ISPSC, ICC Performance Code, Maryland Accessibility Code, and 2020 NEC, with city amendments.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning, Permitting, and Licensing FAQ
Development Review and Zoning
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 Gaithersburg Permits and Inspections / Planning, Permitting, and Licensing before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gaithersburg Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Gaithersburg, MD?: The City says permits are generally required for constructing, enlarging, altering, moving, or demolishing structures; all electrical, mechanical/HVAC, fire protection, and site-development work; tree removal; sign installation or modification; sheds, decks, and patios that alter drainage; and interior remodeling.
How much does a building permit cost in Gaithersburg, MD?: The minimum permit fee is Residential improvement building permit fee $50 minimum, rising to $375 minimum if project cost exceeds $20,000; many commercial building permit fees have a $175 minimum. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential improvements use flat application fees plus square-foot minimums; commercial construction uses application fees plus $0.30 per square foot or 1.50% of project cost, whichever is greater; many categories add a 10% automation fee.. Plan check fee: Commercial building permit fee states it includes 2 plan reviews; third plan review is 75% of original permit fees up to $3,000, and each subsequent plan review is 100% of original permit fee up to $5,000..
How do I apply for a building permit in Gaithersburg, MD?: 1. Create a portal account in the Planning, Permitting, and Licensing Portal. 2. Select the permit, license, or plan application and complete the intake fields online. 3. Upload required digital files and supporting documentation; the City publishes digital submission requirements and templates. 4. Pay invoices through the portal when billed. 5. Monitor the permit status online and upload revised drawings or additional documents if requested. 6. Once approved, obtain the issued permit in the portal. 7. Schedule inspections online or by the automated inspection line, using the permit PIN and inspection code.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Gaithersburg, MD?: Typical processing time is No general citywide building-permit turnaround chart was located on the public permitting page; public-facing timing data is thin..
What work is exempt from building permits in Gaithersburg, MD?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Re-shingling a roof; Replacing windows of the same size and style. Note: These exceptions do not apply to properties in the Historic District. Contact the City to confirm whether your project requires a permit.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Gaithersburg, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Automated inspection line, Online scheduling (see website). Requests must be received before 12:00 PM on the preceding business day.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Gaithersburg can be complicated.

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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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