Somerset County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The DTCS Building Codes, Permits, and Inspections Division administers building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and related trade permits throughout all unincorporated areas of Somerset County. The Chesapeake Bay, the Tangier Sound, and numerous tidal tributaries including the Wicomico, Manokin, Big Annemessex, and Pocomoke rivers run through or adjoin the county, making Critical Area overlay requirements significant across large portions of the jurisdiction. Effective November 1, 2024, all grading permits are obtained through the Somerset County Office of the County Engineer rather than through DTCS.

Department

Somerset County Department of Technical and Community Services (DTCS) -- Building Codes, Permits, and Inspections Division

Address

Somerset County Office Complex, 11916 Somerset Avenue, Suite 211, Princess Anne, MD 21853

Phone

410-651-1424

Email

dtcs@somersetmd.us

Website

https://www.somersetmd.us/departments/departments_-_n_-_z/planning_and_zoning/building_and_permitting.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the appropriate form from the DTCS building and permitting page (Building Permit Form, Utility Inspection Form, Electrician Registration Application, Builders REScheck Forms).
2. Prepare required project documents including site plan, construction drawings, and any applicable engineer or architect certifications.
3. Confirm whether the project is located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of the mean high water line of tidal waters or tidal wetlands).
4. If the project involves grading or earth-disturbing activity, obtain a separate grading permit from the Somerset County Office of the County Engineer (effective November 1, 2024).
5. Check for floodplain status. Somerset County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
6. Submit the completed Building Permit Form and all supporting documents to the DTCS office at Suite 211, 11916 Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne, either in person during office hours or by mail.
7. DTCS staff review the application for compliance with the Building Codes Adopting Ordinance (Ordinance 1194) and the adopted state and local building codes.
8. Pay required fees per the DTCS Fee Schedule (Resolution 1181) before permit issuance.
9. Receive the issued permit and post it on site during construction.
10. Call DTCS at 410-651-1424 to schedule required inspections at each stage of work.

Typical processing time: No specific countywide review turnaround time was posted in publicly available sources. Contact DTCS at 410-651-1424 for current processing estimates.

Source: Somerset County Department of Technical and Community Services (DTCS) -- Building Codes, Permits, and Inspections Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction, reconstruction, repair, alteration, addition, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure in the unincorporated county. Separate trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. All permits must be obtained before work begins.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Form (downloadable from DTCS page)
• Site plan showing property dimensions, setbacks, and location of proposed work
• Construction drawings appropriate to the scope
• Builders REScheck energy compliance form for applicable residential work
• FEMA elevation certificate for projects in Special Flood Hazard Areas
• Critical Area consistency documentation for projects within 1,000 feet of tidal waters

Permit validity

Specific permit duration not stated in public-facing sources. Contact DTCS for current policy. Permits are generally issued per the adopted building code and may expire if work does not commence within the code-required period.

Building code

Somerset County has adopted building codes per Ordinance 1194, based on Maryland's mandatory state building codes which include the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), with Maryland and Somerset County amendments. Electric vehicle charging: Per state legislation, Somerset County requires all new applicable construction to include electrical panel capacity and full circuit installation of a minimum 40-ampere, 208/240-volt circuit, raceway wiring, a NEMA 14-50R receptacle, and circuit overcurrent protection devices for EV charging.

Owner-builder

Maryland law allows homeowners to perform work on their own owner-occupied single-family residence without an MHIC license. An owner-builder applying for a permit must typically certify the owner-occupied status.

Contractor requirements

Maryland requires contractors performing home improvement work over $100 to hold an MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) license through the Maryland Department of Labor. Electrical work must be performed by a licensed Maryland Master Electrician or under the supervision of one. Somerset County requires electricians to register with DTCS. Plumbing and HVAC contractors are also subject to applicable Maryland state licensing requirements.

Fees

Payment note

Fees are paid to DTCS at the time of permit issuance or as required during the application process. Contact DTCS at 410-651-1424 or dtcs@somersetmd.us for current fee schedule (Resolution 1181).

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 IRC and IBC as adopted by Maryland
• Agricultural buildings used for agritourism where the agritourism use is subordinate and meets state regulatory limitations are exempt from Maryland Building Performance Standards per Maryland Public Safety Article section 12-508
• For all marginal work, contact DTCS before proceeding without a permit -- the Critical Area and floodplain overlays mean that even some ordinarily exempt work may trigger review

Important: For all marginal work, contact DTCS at 410-651-1424 before proceeding without a permit -- the Critical Area and floodplain overlays mean that even some ordinarily exempt work may trigger review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 410-651-1424 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard Maryland residential construction inspections typically include footing/foundation, framing, rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, and final inspections. Specific required inspection stages depend on project scope; confirm with DTCS at permit issuance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Somerset County has adopted building codes per Ordinance 1194, based on Maryland's mandatory state building codes which include the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), with Maryland and Somerset County amendments. Electric vehicle charging: Per state legislation, Somerset County requires all new applicable construction to include electrical panel capacity and full circuit installation of a minimum 40-ampere, 208/240-volt circuit, raceway wiring, a NEMA 14-50R receptacle, and circuit overcurrent protection devices for EV charging.
• Verify contractor license: Maryland MHIC Contractor Licensing
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Critical Area Program
• Floodplain Management
• Zoning Ordinance
• Somerset County Code Amendments
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Somerset County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Somerset County, MD?

A building permit is required for construction, reconstruction, repair, alteration, addition, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure in the unincorporated county. Separate trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. All permits must be obtained before work begins.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Somerset County, MD?

1. Download the appropriate form from the DTCS building and permitting page (Building Permit Form, Utility Inspection Form, Electrician Registration Application, Builders REScheck Forms). 2. Prepare required project documents including site plan, construction drawings, and any applicable engineer or architect certifications. 3. Confirm whether the project is located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of the mean high water line of tidal waters or tidal wetlands). 4. If the project involves grading or earth-disturbing activity, obtain a separate grading permit from the Somerset County Office of the County Engineer (effective November 1, 2024). 5. Check for floodplain status. Somerset County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 6. Submit the completed Building Permit Form and all supporting documents to the DTCS office at Suite 211, 11916 Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne, either in person during office hours or by mail. 7. DTCS staff review the application for compliance with the Building Codes Adopting Ordinance (Ordinance 1194) and the adopted state and local building codes. 8. Pay required fees per the DTCS Fee Schedule (Resolution 1181) before permit issuance. 9. Receive the issued permit and post it on site during construction. 10. Call DTCS at 410-651-1424 to schedule required inspections at each stage of work.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Somerset County, MD?

Typical processing time is No specific countywide review turnaround time was posted in publicly available sources. Contact DTCS at 410-651-1424 for current processing estimates..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Somerset County, 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 IRC and IBC as adopted by Maryland; Agricultural buildings used for agritourism where the agritourism use is subordinate and meets state regulatory limitations are exempt from Maryland Building Performance Standards per Maryland Public Safety Article section 12-508; For all marginal work, contact DTCS before proceeding without a permit -- the Critical Area and floodplain overlays mean that even some ordinarily exempt work may trigger review. Note: For all marginal work, contact DTCS at 410-651-1424 before proceeding without a permit -- the Critical Area and floodplain overlays mean that even some ordinarily exempt work may trigger review.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Somerset County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-651-1424.