How much does a building permit cost in Silver Spring, 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 Silver Spring, MD?

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Silver Spring and identify any downtown, historic, floodplain, or overlay review issues. 2. Submit the permit through Montgomery County DPS eServices. 3. Upload plans in ePlans if required. 4. Complete county plan review and any needed corrections. 5. Pay fees and receive permit issuance electronically. 6. Post permit and plans at the site. 7. Schedule county inspections and obtain final approval.

What work is exempt from building permits in Silver Spring, 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: Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring, 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.

City Building Permits

Silver Spring, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Montgomery County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Silver Spring is an unincorporated Montgomery County community, so building permits are county-administered. Downtown Silver Spring is also part of an unincorporated urban district and may involve planning, streetscape, historic, or right-of-way reviews depending on site conditions.

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

Open DPS eServices / Apply and ePay

Platform: DPS eServices • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the property is in unincorporated Silver Spring and identify any downtown, historic, floodplain, or overlay review issues.
Submit the permit through Montgomery County DPS eServices.
Upload plans in ePlans if required.
Complete county plan review and any needed corrections.
Pay fees and receive permit issuance electronically.
Post permit and plans at the site.
Schedule county inspections and obtain final approval.

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 Silver Spring.

Required Documents

County permit application package
Plans, site/survey information
Any supplemental documents required by zoning, planning, or overlay review

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 Silver Spring (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 â€” 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: Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring (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
Silver Spring Downtown District
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

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Silver Spring Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Silver Spring, MD?: County permit triggers apply in Silver Spring.
How much does a building permit cost in Silver Spring, 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 Silver Spring, MD?: 1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Silver Spring and identify any downtown, historic, floodplain, or overlay review issues. 2. Submit the permit through Montgomery County DPS eServices. 3. Upload plans in ePlans if required. 4. Complete county plan review and any needed corrections. 5. Pay fees and receive permit issuance electronically. 6. Post permit and plans at the site. 7. Schedule county inspections and obtain final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Silver Spring, 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 Silver Spring, 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: Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring, 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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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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