Town of Trappe, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Trappe is a small incorporated town in Talbot County, adjacent to Easton. The town administers its own building permits independently of Talbot County. The Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall for land-use approvals tied to development projects. Inspections are required for most permit types; the town's permit schedule identifies which permit types trigger inspections.

Department

Town of Trappe (permit administration through the Town Office; Zoning/Billing Administrator handles permit intake)

Address

4011 Powell Avenue, Trappe, MD 21673

Phone

410-443-0087

Website

https://trappemd.net/permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the applicable permit application from https://trappemd.net/permits. Available forms include: Building Permit Application, Deck Detail Sheet, Dumpster/Portable Storage Application, Swimming Pool Regulations, and related forms.
2. Confirm permit type and applicable fee from the town fee schedule.
3. Complete the application and submit to the town office with the applicable fee.
4. For new residential construction, a Certificate of Occupancy ($25) is required before the structure may be occupied.
5. Where an inspection is required (noted on the fee schedule), schedule inspection with the town office.
6. Trappe does not appear to have published a specific link to MDIA for inspection routing; contact the town office at (410) 443-0087 to confirm current inspection procedures.

Typical processing time: Not published. Contact the town office.

Source: Town of Trappe (permit administration through the Town Office; Zoning/Billing Administrator handles permit intake)

General Requirements

The town's permit fee schedule addresses: new building construction, garages, pre-built sheds, fences, decks and porches, carports, fireplaces and wood stoves, swimming pools (above ground and in-ground), fire sprinkler installation, and demolition. Signs (lit, under 12 sq ft) also appear on the fee schedule.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site information as required by the town office
• For swimming pools, compliance with the town requirement that all pools must be enclosed by a fence

Permit validity

Not published. Contact the town office at (410) 443-0087.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (Ordinance 4-2021), 2021 International Residential Code (Ordinance 5-2021), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (Ordinance 6-2021), 2021 International Existing Building Code (Ordinance 7-2021), and 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (Ordinance 8-2021), all effective June 2, 2021.

Owner-builder

Not specified on published permit pages. Maryland MHIC licensing applies for residential contractors. Contact the town office.

Contractor requirements

Maryland MHIC for residential home improvement contractors; applicable Maryland state trade licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVACR. Contact the town office for local trade license requirements.

Fees

Penalty (no permit)

Double the normal fee for construction without a permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Trappe (permit administration through the Town Office; Zoning/Billing Administrator handles permit intake) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 410-443-0087 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: For permit types marked as requiring inspection on the fee schedule (new construction, garage, decks/porches, carports, fireplaces, in-ground pools, fire sprinklers), inspections are required before final approval. New residential construction requires a Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (Ordinance 4-2021), 2021 International Residential Code (Ordinance 5-2021), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (Ordinance 6-2021), 2021 International Existing Building Code (Ordinance 7-2021), and 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (Ordinance 8-2021), all effective June 2, 2021.
• 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 Trappe Building Permit FAQ

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

The town's permit fee schedule addresses: new building construction, garages, pre-built sheds, fences, decks and porches, carports, fireplaces and wood stoves, swimming pools (above ground and in-ground), fire sprinkler installation, and demolition. Signs (lit, under 12 sq ft) also appear on the fee schedule.

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

1. Download the applicable permit application from https://trappemd.net/permits. Available forms include: Building Permit Application, Deck Detail Sheet, Dumpster/Portable Storage Application, Swimming Pool Regulations, and related forms. 2. Confirm permit type and applicable fee from the town fee schedule. 3. Complete the application and submit to the town office with the applicable fee. 4. For new residential construction, a Certificate of Occupancy ($25) is required before the structure may be occupied. 5. Where an inspection is required (noted on the fee schedule), schedule inspection with the town office. 6. Trappe does not appear to have published a specific link to MDIA for inspection routing; contact the town office at (410) 443-0087 to confirm current inspection procedures.

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

Typical processing time is Not published. Contact the town office..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-443-0087.

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