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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Leonardtown
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.
- Exempt Fences (no building permit required, though Town height and setback rules apply)
- Exempt 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.
- 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)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, effective January 13, 2023.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Commissioners of Leonardtown, Office of Planning and Zoning ↗
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, or occupancy permit from the Town.
- 02 Obtain applicable forms from the Town permit forms page or Town Hall.
- 03 For new construction or any project requiring Planning Commission review, submit to the Office of Planning and Zoning.
- 04 Commercial projects must obtain State Fire Marshal plan review and approval before the Town will issue a building permit.
- 05 Permit application must state the location, size, construction materials, intended use of building or addition and must be accompanied by applicable fee.
- 06 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.
- 07 The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and approves new houses and commercial developments; Commission meets monthly on the third Monday.
- 08 After approval, the building permit is issued by the Commissioners of Leonardtown or their designee. Approved permit must be kept on site during construction.
- 09 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 ↗
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 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.
Source: Commissioners of Leonardtown, Office of Planning and Zoning ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Leonardtown permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Leonardtown, MD? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Leonardtown, MD? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Leonardtown, MD? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Leonardtown, MD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Leonardtown, MD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Commissioners of Leonardtown, Office of Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.