On this page 5
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Michaels
A building permit is required before constructing, modifying, or significantly altering a structure. A separate zoning certificate is required for erection, demolition, structural alteration, or land-use change. Separate permits are needed for plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, and electrical work. Swimming pools, fences, accessory structures, demolitions, grading, and right-of-way work each require separate permit applications. Work in the Critical Area buffer requires additional review.
Note: Not published in detail on the town's public-facing permit pages. The adopted building codes (2018 IBC/IRC) include standard code-based exemptions. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 410-745-9535 to confirm whether specific work is exempt. Historic District review requirements may apply even for work that is otherwise permit-exempt.
- Completed permit application with required fee
- Two stamped plan sets at appropriate scale
- Two site plans showing existing and proposed conditions
- Critical Area and buffer documentation where applicable
- FEMA Elevation Certificate application for floodplain properties
- Historic District certificate of appropriateness where required
- Stormwater calculations for impervious surface projects in Critical Area
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC) as amended by Ordinance No. 545, May 10, 2023; 2018 International Residential Code (IRC); 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Note: St. Michaels adopted the 2018 code cycle per local ordinance; Easton and Oxford adopted the 2021 cycle per the statewide May 2023 adoption.
- Permit validity
- Not published as a specific period on town-facing pages. The adopted building codes govern permit validity defaults; under the 2018 IBC (as amended by state and local rules), permit expiration periods apply.
- Owner-builder
- Maryland MHIC requirements govern residential home improvement contractors. Owner-builder provisions under Maryland law apply for landowners building solely for their own use. Contact the town office for specific requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Maryland MHIC licensing for residential home improvement work; applicable Maryland state trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVACR) required. MDIA handles trade inspections and verifies licensing at the inspection stage.
Application process
Typical processing: Not published on the town website. Historic District review adds an additional approval layer before permit issuance.
- 01 Download the applicable permit application from https://www.stmichaelsmd.gov/zoning/page/building-land-use-applications. Available forms include: Residential Building Permit, Fence Permit, Accessory Structure Building Permit, Swimming Pool Permit, Building Permit Amendment Form, Demolition Permit, Grading Permit Application, FEMA Floodplain Elevation Certificate Application, Right of Way Permit, and Tree Management Application.
- 02 If the property is within the Historic District, determine whether the proposed work requires a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic District Commission before the building permit can be issued. Historic District review must be completed first.
- 03 If the property is within the Critical Area overlay, identify the applicable sub-designation and confirm whether the 100-foot buffer zone (measured from tidal water, wetlands, and tributary streams) affects the project. The buffer zone may expand for steep slopes, wetlands, hydric soils, or highly erodible soils. Stormwater treatment meeting the 10% rule for impervious surfaces in IDA areas is required to the maximum extent practicable; fee-in-lieu is allowed where full on-site compliance is not achievable.
- 04 Complete two stamped plan sets and two site plans showing existing conditions, proposed construction, setbacks, Critical Area boundaries and buffer where applicable, and impervious coverage calculations.
- 05 Submit to the Planning and Zoning Department along with the required permit fees.
- 06 Once permit is issued, contact MDIA at 410-822-8300 to schedule all inspections (building, plumbing, HVACR, and electrical). The town does not conduct its own building inspections; MDIA handles all inspection activity for St. Michaels permits.
- 07 Inspection stages include: plan review, location and setbacks, footing, foundation, framing, insulation, final, and use and occupancy; plus trade inspections for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire sprinkler, gas/propane, and Fire Marshal sign-off where applicable.
Typical processing time: Not published on the town website. Historic District review adds an additional approval layer before permit issuance.
Source: Town of St. Michaels Planning and Zoning Department ↗
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- MDIA - 410-822-8300 (phone)
Typical sequence: Plan review; location and setbacks; footing; foundation; framing; insulation; plumbing rough-in; HVAC rough-in; fire sprinkler rough-in (where applicable); electrical rough-in; plumbing final; HVAC final; fire sprinkler final (Fire Marshal); electrical final; building final; use and occupancy.
Source: Town of St. Michaels Planning and Zoning Department ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about St. Michaels permits
01 Do I need a building permit in St. Michaels, MD? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in St. Michaels, MD? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Michaels, MD? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Michaels, MD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of St. Michaels Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.