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

The minimum permit fee is Residential building $142.00; commercial building $170.00; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical minimums commonly start at $65.25. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential building fees are generally square-foot based; commercial building fees are square-foot or percentage-of-construction-cost, whichever is greater; trade permits mix flat, per-fixture, per-device, and capacity-based charges.. Plan check fee: Fire/life safety review of plans is 12.3% of the building permit fee with a $65.25 minimum; many commercial building permit fees include plan review, and additional plan review fees may apply by permit type..

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

1. Create or log into an MGO Connect account. 2. Select the correct permit application type and complete the online application. 3. Upload required plans and documents in PDF format following the City naming and submittal rules. 4. Pay application and permit invoices in MGO Connect. 5. Respond to review comments or revisions if the application is marked incomplete or needs corrections. 6. Once approved, obtain the issued permit in MGO Connect and keep authorized contacts attached to the project so they can pay, print, and schedule inspections. 7. Schedule building inspections in MGO Connect; schedule fire inspections through MGO or, for certain licensed facilities, through the City form.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal, 240-314-8240 (fire inspections available through scheduling form).

City Building Permits

Rockville, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Montgomery County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The City of Rockville runs its own building, trade, fire protection, occupancy, and many public works permit processes inside city limits rather than relying on Montgomery County DPS.

Department: City of Rockville Community Planning and Development Services Department, Inspection Services Division
Address: Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 240-314-8240
Email: permits@rockvillemd.gov
Website: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/services/apply-for-a-building-or-trade-permit/

Online Permit Portal

Open MGO Connect

Platform: MGO Connect • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create or log into an MGO Connect account.
Select the correct permit application type and complete the online application.
Upload required plans and documents in PDF format following the City naming and submittal rules.
Pay application and permit invoices in MGO Connect.
Respond to review comments or revisions if the application is marked incomplete or needs corrections.
Once approved, obtain the issued permit in MGO Connect and keep authorized contacts attached to the project so they can pay, print, and schedule inspections.
Schedule building inspections in MGO Connect; schedule fire inspections through MGO or, for certain licensed facilities, through the City form.

Typical processing time: Intake completeness check is generally 7 calendar days for most applications; residential building reviews are 28 calendar days; stand-alone trade permits are 2 calendar days; many express residential permits are same day on Tuesdays if program criteria are met.

Source: City of Rockville Community Planning and Development Services Department, Inspection Services Division

General Requirements

Rockville states that commercial and residential properties in the city must obtain permits before starting certain electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, right-of-way, tree-impact, stormwater, and related construction work.

Required Documents

Application-specific PDFs through MGO Connect
Complete plan sets in PDF format
All checklist items required by permit type
Professional seals, certifications, and title-block information for commercial and multifamily residential plans

Permit validity: Permit extension requests are handled through MGO Connect. Expired permits may not be more than 12 months expired; otherwise a new permit is required.
Building code: Rockville states Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code was updated on May 20, 2024 to adopt International Codes with local amendments; the fire code chapter was updated by Ordinance 17-25 effective January 15, 2026, including 2024 NFPA 1 and 101 and 2022 NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, and 72.
Owner-builder: Rockville publishes homeowner electrician exam guidance. A homeowner who passes the exam may obtain electrical permits for limited work at the primary residence; the exam is valid for 2 years for that primary residence.
Contractor requirements: The Inspection Services Division maintains contractor licenses and reviews contractor licenses through MGO Connect; state licensing and registration rules also still apply where required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential building $142.00; commercial building $170.00; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical minimums commonly start at $65.25
Plan check fee: Fire/life safety review of plans is 12.3% of the building permit fee with a $65.25 minimum; many commercial building permit fees include plan review, and additional plan review fees may apply by permit type.
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Residential building fees are generally square-foot based; commercial building fees are square-foot or percentage-of-construction-cost, whichever is greater; trade permits mix flat, per-fixture, per-device, and capacity-based charges.
Reinspection fee: Specialty inspection charges published in fee schedule; separate reinspection or revision fees may apply by permit type and extension request.
Payment note: MGO Connect is used for invoices and online payment; the fire inspection page states licensed-facility fire inspection fees are due at inspection by check or money order, not cash.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Rockville Community Planning and Development Services Department, Inspection Services Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

MGO Connect portal (online)
240-314-8240 (fire inspections available through scheduling form) (phone)

Inspection hours: Building-inspection office contact hours Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Time windows: Licensed-facility fire inspections offer morning 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and afternoon 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM request windows

Typical inspection sequence: Permit-specific; the City requires contacts to access the permit, request inspections in MGO, and obtain final approval before work is complete; building permits subject to Fire Code review also require fire inspection involvement

Additional Resources

Building code: Rockville states Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code was updated on May 20, 2024 to adopt International Codes with local amendments; the fire code chapter was updated by Ordinance 17-25 effective January 15, 2026, including 2024 NFPA 1 and 101 and 2022 NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, and 72.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Building and Safety Codes
Express Permit Program
Schedule a Fire Inspection
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 Rockville Community Planning and Development Services Department, Inspection Services Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Rockville, MD?: Rockville states that commercial and residential properties in the city must obtain permits before starting certain electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, right-of-way, tree-impact, stormwater, and related construction work.
How much does a building permit cost in Rockville, MD?: The minimum permit fee is Residential building $142.00; commercial building $170.00; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical minimums commonly start at $65.25. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential building fees are generally square-foot based; commercial building fees are square-foot or percentage-of-construction-cost, whichever is greater; trade permits mix flat, per-fixture, per-device, and capacity-based charges.. Plan check fee: Fire/life safety review of plans is 12.3% of the building permit fee with a $65.25 minimum; many commercial building permit fees include plan review, and additional plan review fees may apply by permit type..
How do I apply for a building permit in Rockville, MD?: 1. Create or log into an MGO Connect account. 2. Select the correct permit application type and complete the online application. 3. Upload required plans and documents in PDF format following the City naming and submittal rules. 4. Pay application and permit invoices in MGO Connect. 5. Respond to review comments or revisions if the application is marked incomplete or needs corrections. 6. Once approved, obtain the issued permit in MGO Connect and keep authorized contacts attached to the project so they can pay, print, and schedule inspections. 7. Schedule building inspections in MGO Connect; schedule fire inspections through MGO or, for certain licensed facilities, through the City form.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Rockville, MD?: Typical processing time is Intake completeness check is generally 7 calendar days for most applications; residential building reviews are 28 calendar days; stand-alone trade permits are 2 calendar days; many express residential permits are same day on Tuesdays if program criteria are met..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Rockville, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal, 240-314-8240 (fire inspections available through scheduling form).

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Rockville can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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