Unincorporated Queen Anne's County

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs to any residential or accessory residential structure. Commercial structures require Site Plan Review approval before permit application. A zoning certificate is required for accessory structures under 200 sq ft (not in 100-year floodplain), such as small sheds, gazebos, and satellite dishes. Swimming pools (above ground, 6 feet or larger), fireplaces, and woodstoves also require permits. Activities in the Critical Area (construction, grading, vegetation clearing, tree removal) all require permits.

• Exempt Accessory structures under 200 square feet on non-floodplain properties (require only zoning certificate, not full building permit)
• Exempt Farm buildings (exempt from building code permit requirements, though electrical and plumbing permits and all other applicable regulations still apply)
• Exempt Lawn maintenance and tree pruning in the Critical Area
• Exempt Small repairs and maintenance work that does not involve structural changes, additions, or new utility connections (verify with permits office)

Note: Even for work that may be exempt from a building permit, a zoning certificate, Critical Area review, sediment control permit, or Health Department approval may still be required depending on project location and type.

Building code

Maryland State Building Code based on 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with Maryland and county amendments.

Permit validity

Building permits and zoning certificates are valid for six (6) months from the date of issue.

Owner-builder

Property owners undertaking their own work should contact the permits office at 410-758-4088 to confirm current owner-builder rules before submitting. New single-family dwellings require a Maryland Home Builders license holder; renovation/alteration/repair work requires a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) license.

Contractor requirements

New single-family dwellings require Maryland Home Builders license. Renovations, alterations, repairs require MHIC license (minimum $50,000 liability insurance; licensed contractor must include MHIC license number on all contracts and permits). Electrical contractors must register with Queen Anne's County Board of Electrical Examiners. HVAC/Mechanical requires Maryland HVACR license (no separate county license required). Plumbing requires Maryland plumbing license.

Source: Queen Anne's County Department of Planning and Zoning -- Permitting and Zoning Division ↗

1. 01
   Verify the property is in unincorporated Queen Anne's County (not within town limits).
2. 02
   Check whether the property is in a 100-year floodplain, the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, or has non-tidal wetlands.
3. 03
   Determine whether the project requires a full building permit or a zoning certificate (accessory structures under 200 sq ft on non-floodplain properties use zoning certificate track).
4. 04
   Prepare required documents: completed application form, four copies of plot plan, two sets of building plans, contractor license information, estimated construction value.
5. 05
   If applicable, complete Critical Area worksheet and obtain sediment control permit from QAC Soil Conservation District (410-758-1671).
6. 06
   For new single-family and two-family dwellings, confirm licensed sprinkler contractor will install residential sprinkler system.
7. 07
   Submit application online via EnerGov portal (permits) or in person at 110 Vincit Street. Plans and license applications must be submitted in person.
8. 08
   Allow 7 to 15 working days for processing and approval.
9. 09
   Post permit on job site and keep approved plans on site at all times.
10. 10
    Call MDIA (Middle Department Inspection Agency) at 410-822-8300 or 1-800-242-6342 at least 24 hours before each required inspection.
11. 11
    After all final inspections are complete, contact permits office (410-758-4088) for Certificate of Occupancy (issued 5 to 7 days after final inspection).
12. 12
    Post house numbers (minimum 3-inch) before certificate is issued.

Typical processing time: 7 to 15 working days for building permits and zoning certificates. Trade permits are handled separately through MDIA.

Source: Queen Anne's County Department of Planning and Zoning -- Permitting and Zoning Division ↗

Credit card, eCheck, cash, and personal checks accepted; online payment via EnerGov portal also available. Swimming pools (above ground, 6 feet or larger): $75.00. Fireplaces and woodstoves: $30.00 each. Zoning certificate (accessory structure under 200 sq ft): $55.00. Certificate of Occupancy: $130.00. Plumbing permit (single-family dwelling, up to 3 bathrooms): $71.00; each additional bathroom: $20.00. Development Impact Fees apply to all new residential dwelling units (adjusted July 1 each year). 50% refund available on denied or withdrawn permits not yet issued.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• MDIA at (410) 822-8300 or 1-800-242-6342 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call at least 24 hours in advance; MDIA has 24 hours to respond.

Inspection hours

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential: footing inspection (after trench excavation, before concrete poured), foundation inspection (after completion, before backfill and framing), framing inspection (after rough plumbing, HVAC, electrical are in place, before walls closed; note: for flood hazard area properties, Elevation Certificate must be received by Department of Public Works before framing inspection), insulation inspection (after framing, before drywall installation), final inspection (after all trades completed). Certificate of Occupancy issued 5 to 7 days after final building inspection; requires all inspections passed, 3-inch house numbers posted, and compliance with approved site plan.

Source: Queen Anne's County Department of Planning and Zoning -- Permitting and Zoning Division ↗