Town of Leonardtown, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Leonardtown is the only incorporated municipality in St. Mary's County. The Town runs its own separate building and zoning permit system for properties within municipal limits, independent of the county LUGM system. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission has approval authority for new houses and commercial developments in town. County overlay regulations, Critical Area rules, Health Department review, State Fire Marshal plan review for commercial work, and county MHIC/trade licensing requirements still apply where triggered.

Department

Commissioners of Leonardtown, Office of Planning and Zoning

Address

22670 Washington Street, P.O. Box 1, Leonardtown, MD 20650

Phone

301-475-9791

Website

https://leonardtown.somd.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, or occupancy permit from the Town.
2. Obtain applicable forms from the Town permit forms page or Town Hall.
3. For new construction or any project requiring Planning Commission review, submit to the Office of Planning and Zoning.
4. Commercial projects must obtain State Fire Marshal plan review and approval before the Town will issue a building permit.
5. Permit application must state the location, size, construction materials, intended use of building or addition and must be accompanied by applicable fee.
6. A zoning permit is required before a building, structure, or land use is created, used, or enlarged. Zoning permit applications go to the Town Administrator or Town Planner.
7. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and approves new houses and commercial developments; Commission meets monthly on the third Monday.
8. After approval, the building permit is issued by the Commissioners of Leonardtown or their designee. Approved permit must be kept on site during construction.
9. Schedule required minimum inspections through the Office of Planning and Zoning: footers/foundations, framing, insulation, and final.
10. Inspections are performed by an independent inspection agency or town-assigned personnel designated by the Building Code Official.
11. After all inspections pass, obtain a certificate of occupancy from the Planning and Zoning Commission before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Planning and Zoning Commission meets monthly on third Monday; projects requiring Commission review should allow for that cycle. Permit validity rules suggest active pursuit of work once approved is expected.

Source: Commissioners of Leonardtown, Office of Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Building permit required before erecting a building or addition within town limits (Town Code Ch. 48). Building permit also required before structural alteration of any building. Zoning permit required before any building, structure, or land use is created, used, or enlarged (Ch. 155, Section 155-108). Decks and screened porches always require a building permit. Sheds require a permit if over 80 square feet OR if they have plumbing or electrical. Detached garages and carports require a permit if over 100 square feet OR if they have plumbing or electrical. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a permit. Occupancy permit required before a new building or changed-use space is occupied.

Required Documents

• Permit application stating location, size, construction materials, and intended use
• Site plan
• Applicable fee
• Owner/applicant information
• Additional drawings or plans as required by Building Code Official
• State Fire Marshal plan review materials (for commercial projects)

Permit validity

A building permit (and associated zoning approval) expires if work does not start within 12 months for residential projects or 2 years for commercial projects. A building permit may be extended up to 12 additional months for good cause.

Building code

2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, effective January 13, 2023.

Owner-builder

Public-facing Town materials reviewed do not explicitly summarize a separate owner-builder rule. Standard permit and inspection requirements appear to apply whether owner or contractor performs the work.

Contractor requirements

Maryland MHIC license required for home improvement contractors performing work on residential properties. Commercial contractors must hold applicable Maryland state licenses. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) requires applicable Maryland trade licenses. The Town's building permit application indicates the Town adopted 2021 IBC, IRC, and IECC effective January 13, 2023, and commercial work must involve State Fire Marshal review.

Fees

Payment note

The fee sheet on the Town's permit forms page is effective July 1, 2022. Leonardtown Ordinance No. 217 (July 10, 2023) repealed the school-facilities portion of Chapter 62 development impact fees. No newer publicly posted building permit fee schedule was identified. Applicants should confirm current fees with Town Office of Planning and Zoning before filing.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2022).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences (no building permit required, though Town height and setback rules apply)
• Above-ground swimming pools (no building permit required; note that pools over 18 inches deep must have a 5-foot fence or removable ladder)

Important: Minor interior work that does not involve structural changes, plumbing, or electrical is generally not specifically listed by the Town as a permit trigger. Applicants should confirm edge cases with the Office of Planning and Zoning.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Office of Planning and Zoning (in-person)

Inspection hours

Town Hall public hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Town Code Chapter 48 requires minimum inspections at footers/foundations, framing, insulation, and final. Retaining walls over 4 feet require a final inspection and certificate of compliance. Decks and screened porches require footing, framing, and final inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, effective January 13, 2023.
• Verify contractor license: Maryland MHIC License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Construction Code (Town Code Ch. 48)
• Zoning Code (Town Code Ch. 155)
• Planning and Zoning FAQ
• Town Permit Forms
• 2025 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Process
• Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal (Southern Region)
• 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 Leonardtown Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permit required before erecting a building or addition within town limits (Town Code Ch. 48). Building permit also required before structural alteration of any building. Zoning permit required before any building, structure, or land use is created, used, or enlarged (Ch. 155, Section 155-108). Decks and screened porches always require a building permit. Sheds require a permit if over 80 square feet OR if they have plumbing or electrical. Detached garages and carports require a permit if over 100 square feet OR if they have plumbing or electrical. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a permit. Occupancy permit required before a new building or changed-use space is occupied.

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

1. Determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, or occupancy permit from the Town. 2. Obtain applicable forms from the Town permit forms page or Town Hall. 3. For new construction or any project requiring Planning Commission review, submit to the Office of Planning and Zoning. 4. Commercial projects must obtain State Fire Marshal plan review and approval before the Town will issue a building permit. 5. Permit application must state the location, size, construction materials, intended use of building or addition and must be accompanied by applicable fee. 6. A zoning permit is required before a building, structure, or land use is created, used, or enlarged. Zoning permit applications go to the Town Administrator or Town Planner. 7. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and approves new houses and commercial developments; Commission meets monthly on the third Monday. 8. After approval, the building permit is issued by the Commissioners of Leonardtown or their designee. Approved permit must be kept on site during construction. 9. Schedule required minimum inspections through the Office of Planning and Zoning: footers/foundations, framing, insulation, and final. 10. Inspections are performed by an independent inspection agency or town-assigned personnel designated by the Building Code Official. 11. After all inspections pass, obtain a certificate of occupancy from the Planning and Zoning Commission before occupancy.

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

Typical processing time is Planning and Zoning Commission meets monthly on third Monday; projects requiring Commission review should allow for that cycle. Permit validity rules suggest active pursuit of work once approved is expected..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Fences (no building permit required, though Town height and setback rules apply); Above-ground swimming pools (no building permit required; note that pools over 18 inches deep must have a 5-foot fence or removable ladder). Note: Minor interior work that does not involve structural changes, plumbing, or electrical is generally not specifically listed by the Town as a permit trigger. Applicants should confirm edge cases with the Office of Planning and Zoning.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Office of Planning and Zoning.

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