Germantown, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Germantown is an unincorporated Montgomery County community, so building permits are administered by County DPS. Germantown planning and sector-plan controls can still affect development form, transportation, and related approvals.

Department

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS)

Address

2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902

Phone

311 in Montgomery County; 240-777-0311 outside the County

Email

dps.eservices@montgomerycountymd.gov

Website

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dps/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the site is in unincorporated Germantown and review any applicable sector-plan or zoning constraints.
2. Submit the permit application through Montgomery County DPS eServices.
3. Upload plans in ePlans if required.
4. Complete plan review and any corrections.
5. Pay final fees and receive permit issuance electronically.
6. Post permit and approved plans at the job site.
7. Schedule county inspections through eServices or MC311.

Typical processing time: Standard residential first review comments typically about 4 weeks, with some fast-track permit types 1 to 2 days.

Source: Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS)

General Requirements

County permit triggers apply in Germantown.

Required Documents

• County permit application package
• Site plan, survey, drawing set, and engineering as required
• Any overlay-specific materials required by DPS

Permit validity

County Chapter 8 rules apply: Building permit application is treated as abandoned after 6 months if not diligently prosecuted or issued. A building permit becomes invalid if no approved inspection is recorded within 12 months after issuance and a second approved inspection is not recorded within 14 months.

Building code

Montgomery County adopted-code package applies in Germantown (2021 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IgCC, IMC, IECC, IFGC, and ISPSC effective December 10, 2024, with local amendments).

Owner-builder

County owner-builder and homeowner electrical exam rules apply.

Contractor requirements

County and Maryland state requirements apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Varies by permit type under the County fee schedule

Plan check fee

Same County fee schedule and review-fee structure applies

Permit fee formula

Same County mixed schedule used for unincorporated areas: many permits are square-foot, disturbed-area, linear-foot, fixture, device, or estimated-project-cost based.

Reinspection fee

Same County reinspection charges ($104.91 after two disapprovals; $162.22 for initial inspection of sites where work proceeds without permit)

Payment note

Same County eServices payment methods apply: online payment methods include credit card and electronic check; some process pages also state payment can be made online, by mail, or in person depending on permit type.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current schedule — see URL for latest updates).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Bathroom caulking
• Cabinet installation, repair, or replacement
• Driveway work on private property other than apron work
• Repair or replacement of receptacles in the same location
• Fence repair or replacement in the same location and height where the original fence was permitted
• Floor coverings
• Gutters and downspouts
• Patios
• Prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep
• Private walkways
• Retaining walls not over 48 inches measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Retractable awnings and canopies
• Roof covering only
• Siding
• In-kind storm windows
• Swings, playground equipment, playhouses, treehouses, and similar structures
• Wall repair or painting
• Windows and doors where the opening size and net clear opening dimensions do not change
• Window screens

Important: Germantown follows Montgomery County's published exempt-work guidance for unincorporated areas. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• DPS eServices inspection requests (online)
• MC311 / 240-777-0311 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 hours notice is required for start of work and certain inspections

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: County permit-type sequence: county materials commonly reference footing/foundation and other concealed-work inspections, followed by rough trade inspections, then final inspection before use or occupancy

Additional Resources

• Building code: Montgomery County adopted-code package applies in Germantown (2021 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IgCC, IMC, IECC, IFGC, and ISPSC effective December 10, 2024, with local amendments).
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Germantown Planning and Community
• Montgomery County Zoning Law
• DPS Inspections
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Germantown Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Germantown, MD?

County permit triggers apply in Germantown.

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

The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type under the County fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Same County mixed schedule used for unincorporated areas: many permits are square-foot, disturbed-area, linear-foot, fixture, device, or estimated-project-cost based.. Plan check fee: Same County fee schedule and review-fee structure applies.

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

1. Confirm the site is in unincorporated Germantown and review any applicable sector-plan or zoning constraints. 2. Submit the permit application through Montgomery County DPS eServices. 3. Upload plans in ePlans if required. 4. Complete plan review and any corrections. 5. Pay final fees and receive permit issuance electronically. 6. Post permit and approved plans at the job site. 7. Schedule county inspections through eServices or MC311.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Germantown, MD?

Typical processing time is Standard residential first review comments typically about 4 weeks, with some fast-track permit types 1 to 2 days..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Bathroom caulking; Cabinet installation, repair, or replacement; Driveway work on private property other than apron work; Repair or replacement of receptacles in the same location; Fence repair or replacement in the same location and height where the original fence was permitted; Floor coverings; Gutters and downspouts; Patios; Prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep; Private walkways; Retaining walls not over 48 inches measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge; Retractable awnings and canopies; Roof covering only; Siding; In-kind storm windows; Swings, playground equipment, playhouses, treehouses, and similar structures; Wall repair or painting; Windows and doors where the opening size and net clear opening dimensions do not change; Window screens. Note: Germantown follows Montgomery County's published exempt-work guidance for unincorporated areas. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: DPS eServices inspection requests, MC311 / 240-777-0311. At least 24 hours notice is required for start of work and certain inspections.

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