Town of Princess Anne, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Princess Anne is the county seat of Somerset County and an incorporated municipality. The Town administers its own building, zoning, and code enforcement separate from the county. All plan reviews and inspections are performed by contracted third-party inspection agencies -- First State Inspection Agency is the primary provider, with Davis, Bown and Friedel also used depending on scope of work. The Town is subject to Maryland state building codes, Critical Area rules (tidal areas of the Manokin River and associated tributaries are present in or near the town), and stormwater management requirements involving the Soil Conservation District and Stormwater Management Office.

Department

Town of Princess Anne -- Planning and Zoning Department (Code Enforcement Officer)

Address

Town of Princess Anne Town Hall, 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853

Phone

410-651-1818

Website

https://townofprincessanne.org/town-services-planning-and-zoning-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 410-651-1818 to confirm whether the project requires a building permit, a zoning certificate, or both.
2. Complete the Request for Services Form and the permit application form -- both are required for all plan submissions and site plan reviews.
3. Pay all associated fees, including any escrow requirements, in full before the application is officially filed and review begins.
4. Submit hard copies of plans to the Soil Conservation District and Stormwater Management Office if the project requires stormwater management plan review.
5. The Code Enforcement Officer reviews the application, plans, and specifications and may examine the building site to confirm the proposed work would comply with the Town Code.
6. Plan review is conducted by First State Inspection Agency (primary) or Davis, Bown and Friedel depending on project scope.
7. There is a 48-hour waiting period after permit issuance before the permit becomes effective.
8. Once the permit is issued and the 48-hour waiting period has passed, post the permit on site and begin work.
9. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer or the contracted inspection agency to schedule inspections during the progress of work and a final inspection upon completion.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated. Contact the Town at 410-651-1818 for current review timelines.

Source: Town of Princess Anne -- Planning and Zoning Department (Code Enforcement Officer)

General Requirements

It is unlawful to erect, reconstruct, repair, or remove any building or structure within the Town of Princess Anne without obtaining a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer in advance. Permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change of occupancy. A zoning certificate is separately required for new construction, additions, and changes of use to confirm compliance with zoning regulations.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application and Request for Services Form
• Construction plans and specifications sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the building code
• Site plan showing the location of work relative to property lines and setbacks
• Stormwater management plans submitted separately to the Soil Conservation District and Stormwater Management Office where required
• Engineer or architect certification where required by code

Permit validity

Per Maryland building code standards, permits generally expire if work does not commence within the code-required period after issuance; confirm with the Town at permit issuance.

Building code

2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2020 NEC, and related Maryland state building codes with state and local amendments, consistent with Maryland Building Performance Standards.

Owner-builder

Maryland law allows homeowners to perform work on their own owner-occupied single-family residence without an MHIC license. The Town Code Enforcement Officer may require confirmation of owner-occupied status on the permit application.

Contractor requirements

Contractors performing home improvement work over $100 must hold a current MHIC license. Trade contractors for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work must also hold applicable Maryland state licenses. The Town relies on First State Inspection Agency and Davis, Bown and Friedel to enforce code compliance during inspections.

Fees

Payment note

All associated fees, including any escrow requirements, must be paid in full before the application is officially filed and review begins. Contact the Town at 410-651-1818 for the current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs that do not affect structural integrity, means of egress, or required building systems are generally exempt under the adopted code
• Routine maintenance and cosmetic work not affecting the structure
• Agricultural exemptions per Maryland state law (agritourism, agricultural buildings) apply where state law specifies

Important: Confirm scope-specific exemptions with the Code Enforcement Officer before proceeding without a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 410-651-1818 (phone)

Inspection hours

Contact the Town for inspection scheduling hours and availability.

Typical inspection sequence: The Code Enforcement Officer or contracted inspector makes periodic examinations during the progress of work including a final inspection. Inspections typically include rough-trade (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), framing, and final inspection depending on scope. The permit becomes effective 48 hours after issuance; no inspection should be scheduled before that window.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2020 NEC, and related Maryland state building codes with state and local amendments, consistent with Maryland Building Performance Standards.
• Verify contractor license: Maryland MHIC Contractor Licensing
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Town Code (ecode360)
• Building Construction Code Section
• Maryland DLLR Municipality Building Code Contacts
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Princess Anne Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Princess Anne, MD?

It is unlawful to erect, reconstruct, repair, or remove any building or structure within the Town of Princess Anne without obtaining a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer in advance. Permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change of occupancy. A zoning certificate is separately required for new construction, additions, and changes of use to confirm compliance with zoning regulations.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Princess Anne, MD?

1. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 410-651-1818 to confirm whether the project requires a building permit, a zoning certificate, or both. 2. Complete the Request for Services Form and the permit application form -- both are required for all plan submissions and site plan reviews. 3. Pay all associated fees, including any escrow requirements, in full before the application is officially filed and review begins. 4. Submit hard copies of plans to the Soil Conservation District and Stormwater Management Office if the project requires stormwater management plan review. 5. The Code Enforcement Officer reviews the application, plans, and specifications and may examine the building site to confirm the proposed work would comply with the Town Code. 6. Plan review is conducted by First State Inspection Agency (primary) or Davis, Bown and Friedel depending on project scope. 7. There is a 48-hour waiting period after permit issuance before the permit becomes effective. 8. Once the permit is issued and the 48-hour waiting period has passed, post the permit on site and begin work. 9. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer or the contracted inspection agency to schedule inspections during the progress of work and a final inspection upon completion.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Princess Anne, MD?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated. Contact the Town at 410-651-1818 for current review timelines..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Princess Anne, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs that do not affect structural integrity, means of egress, or required building systems are generally exempt under the adopted code; Routine maintenance and cosmetic work not affecting the structure; Agricultural exemptions per Maryland state law (agritourism, agricultural buildings) apply where state law specifies. Note: Confirm scope-specific exemptions with the Code Enforcement Officer before proceeding without a permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Princess Anne, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-651-1818.

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