City Building Permits

Fruitland, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Fruitland, Maryland. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maryland Wicomico County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Fruitland. Several inspection functions are shared with Wicomico County: the county Department of Public Works/Permits and Inspections handles plumbing inspections (Sam Scott, 410-548-4810) and fire safety inspections (Richard Dwyer, 410-548-4810) for Fruitland. Forest Conservation oversight is provided by Wicomico County Planning and Zoning (Tyler Walston, 410-548-4860).

Department
City of Fruitland Building Inspector / Department of Planning and Zoning
Address
City Hall, Fruitland, MD (Building Inspector at Fruitland Police Department, 208 S. Division St., Fruitland, MD)
Phone
Building Inspector Marcus R. Henderson: 410-548-2800

Online Permit Portal

Platform: In-Person • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Contact the City of Fruitland Building Inspector (Marcus R. Henderson, 410-548-2800 or mhenderson@cityoffruitland.com) to determine whether the project requires a permit.
  2. Complete the Fruitland Building Permit Application. Prepare a site plan drawn to scale (3 sets, or 2 sets if no signed copy needs to be returned) showing: lot dimensions, location of proposed structure or addition, location of all existing structures on the lot, setbacks from all lot lines, and distances from other structures.
  3. Pay all applicable fees prior to permit issuance: permit fee, sewer and/or water tap installation fees (if any), impact fees, and any other fees required by the Fruitland City Council.
  4. Submit the application, plans, and fee payment to City Hall.
  5. Await plan review. Once approved, the permit is issued.
  6. Work described in the permit must begin within 90 days of issuance or the permit expires.
  7. If work is not substantially completed within one year of issuance, the permit expires and must be renewed or a new permit obtained.
  8. Schedule required inspections. Contact the Building Inspector and, where applicable, the county for plumbing and fire inspections.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact the Building Inspector directly for current timelines.

Source: City of Fruitland Building Inspector / Department of Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

A permit is required before starting any building, addition, or alteration work within Fruitland city limits.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan (3 sets or 2 sets) drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, location of proposed structure or addition, location of all existing structures on the lot, setbacks from all lot lines, and distances from other structures
  • Applicable fees paid
Permit validity
Work must begin within 90 days of permit issuance. Work must be substantially completed within one year of issuance. Failure to meet either deadline results in permit expiration; a new permit must be obtained.
Building code
The City of Fruitland enforces the Maryland state-adopted codes (2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2020 NEC, and related codes) per Maryland's MBPS mandate. Local city ordinances may supplement these requirements.
Owner-builder
Not explicitly detailed in city materials; contact the Building Inspector.
Contractor requirements
Maryland MHIC license required for home improvement contractors. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) must comply with Maryland state licensing requirements.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Not publicly detailed online
Payment note
All fees (permit fee, sewer and/or water tap installation fees, impact fees, and other fees required by Fruitland City Council) must be paid prior to permit issuance.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Fruitland Building Inspector / Department of Planning and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Building Inspector Marcus R. Henderson: 410-548-2800 (phone)
  • Plumbing: Wicomico County (Sam Scott): 410-548-4810 (phone)
  • Fire Safety: Wicomico County (Richard Dwyer): 410-548-4810 (phone)
  • Forest Conservation: Wicomico County Planning and Zoning (Tyler Walston): 410-548-4860 (phone)
Inspection hours
Contact respective offices for scheduling availability.

Typical inspection sequence: Consistent with Maryland code requirements; contact the Building Inspector to confirm specific inspections required for the project.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Fruitland Building Inspector / Department of Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fruitland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fruitland, MD?
A permit is required before starting any building, addition, or alteration work within Fruitland city limits.
How much does a building permit cost in Fruitland, MD?
Fees are calculated as: Not publicly detailed online.
How do I apply for a building permit in Fruitland, MD?
1. Contact the City of Fruitland Building Inspector (Marcus R. Henderson, 410-548-2800 or mhenderson@cityoffruitland.com) to determine whether the project requires a permit. 2. Complete the Fruitland Building Permit Application. Prepare a site plan drawn to scale (3 sets, or 2 sets if no signed copy needs to be returned) showing: lot dimensions, location of proposed structure or addition, location of all existing structures on the lot, setbacks from all lot lines, and distances from other structures. 3. Pay all applicable fees prior to permit issuance: permit fee, sewer and/or water tap installation fees (if any), impact fees, and any other fees required by the Fruitland City Council. 4. Submit the application, plans, and fee payment to City Hall. 5. Await plan review. Once approved, the permit is issued. 6. Work described in the permit must begin within 90 days of issuance or the permit expires. 7. If work is not substantially completed within one year of issuance, the permit expires and must be renewed or a new permit obtained. 8. Schedule required inspections. Contact the Building Inspector and, where applicable, the county for plumbing and fire inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Fruitland, MD?
Typical processing time is Not published; contact the Building Inspector directly for current timelines..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Fruitland, MD?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Inspector Marcus R. Henderson: 410-548-2800, Plumbing: Wicomico County (Sam Scott): 410-548-4810, Fire Safety: Wicomico County (Richard Dwyer): 410-548-4810, Forest Conservation: Wicomico County Planning and Zoning (Tyler Walston): 410-548-4860.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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