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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Princess Anne
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.
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
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not affect structural integrity, means of egress, or required building systems are generally exempt under the adopted code
- Exempt Routine maintenance and cosmetic work not affecting the structure
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated. Contact the Town at 410-651-1818 for current review timelines.
- 01 Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 410-651-1818 to confirm whether the project requires a building permit, a zoning certificate, or both.
- 02 Complete the Request for Services Form and the permit application form -- both are required for all plan submissions and site plan reviews.
- 03 Pay all associated fees, including any escrow requirements, in full before the application is officially filed and review begins.
- 04 Submit hard copies of plans to the Soil Conservation District and Stormwater Management Office if the project requires stormwater management plan review.
- 05 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.
- 06 Plan review is conducted by First State Inspection Agency (primary) or Davis, Bown and Friedel depending on project scope.
- 07 There is a 48-hour waiting period after permit issuance before the permit becomes effective.
- 08 Once the permit is issued and the 48-hour waiting period has passed, post the permit on site and begin work.
- 09 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) ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 410-651-1818 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Contact the Town for inspection scheduling hours and availability.
Typical 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.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Princess Anne permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Princess Anne, MD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Princess Anne, MD, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Princess Anne, MD? ▸
Building permit processing times in Princess Anne, MD typically run Not publicly stated. Contact the Town at 410-651-1818 for current review timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Princess Anne, MD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Princess Anne, MD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Princess Anne, MD via: 410-651-1818.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Princess Anne -- Planning and Zoning Department (Code Enforcement Officer) ↗
entry id permits/maryland/somerset/princess-anne
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Princess Anne -- Planning and Zoning Department (Code Enforcement Officer) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.