City Building Permits

Salisbury, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Wicomico County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Salisbury. Salisbury is the county seat and the largest city on the lower Eastern Shore. City permits are required for all work within Salisbury city limits. Wicomico County planning, forest conservation, stormwater, and Critical Area rules may still apply to some city-adjacent or city-annexed properties depending on the specific regulatory history of the parcel.

Department
City of Salisbury Department of Infrastructure and Development, Building Permits Division
Address
125 N. Division Street (corner of Route 50 East and N. Division Street), Basement Level, Salisbury, MD 21801
Phone
410-548-3130
Website
https://salisbury.md/departments/infrastructure-development/permitting-construction-info

Online Permit Portal

Open CitizenServe Online Portal

Platform: CitizenServe • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Review the Building Permit Guidelines and Procedures document and determine whether the project requires a building permit.
  2. If the project involves new water or sewer service, obtain a water/sewer application receipt from the Department of Infrastructure and Development before applying for the building permit.
  3. Obtain a receipt from Wicomico County confirming that applicable Development Impact Fees have been addressed (note: the county excise tax was suspended through at least June 30, 2025; confirm current status).
  4. Complete the City of Salisbury Building Permit Application. Indicate whether you are the owner, contractor, or 'Work by Owner.'
  5. Prepare two sets of scaled drawings showing room use, dimensions, exits, foundation plan, and roof plan. New construction and larger additions also require a site plan prepared by a Maryland-licensed surveyor showing the structure footprint and setbacks from all lot lines.
  6. Submit the application and plans in person, by mail, by email, or through CitizenServe. Pay the applicable permit fee.
  7. Await plan review. Respond to any comments or correction requests from the city's building official.
  8. Once approved, the permit is issued. Post the permit on site and begin work within 180 days of issuance.
  9. Schedule required inspections; work may not cease for more than 180 consecutive days or the permit will expire.
  10. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying any new or altered building.

Typical processing time: Not published as a universal time table; contact the department at 410-548-3130 for current review timelines.

Source: City of Salisbury Department of Infrastructure and Development, Building Permits Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any work to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure. This includes new homes, additions, structural alterations, garages, sheds, pools, decks, fireplaces, retaining walls, and demolitions. A permit is also required for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work in most circumstances.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Two sets of scaled drawings (room use, dimensions, exits, foundation plan, roof plan)
  • Site plan by a Maryland-licensed surveyor for new construction showing setbacks
  • Water/sewer application receipt if new utility connections are involved
  • Proof of Wicomico County development impact fee status
  • Contractor information and MHIC license or owner declaration
Permit validity
Construction must begin within 180 days of permit issuance. Construction may not cease for more than 180 consecutive days. If either deadline is exceeded, the permit automatically expires and a new application must be filed.
Building code
The City of Salisbury enforces the Maryland state-adopted codes: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IEBC, and 2020 NEC with Maryland state amendments. Local Salisbury city ordinances may add additional requirements.
Owner-builder
Applicants may elect 'Work by Owner' on the building permit application. The owner assumes all responsibility for code compliance.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must hold a current Maryland MHIC license for home improvement work. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) must be performed by tradespeople licensed under the applicable Maryland state licensing board. The city references contractor license requirements in its permit application and guidelines.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 Maryland Home Builders Fund fee per new single-family dwelling; $50 for mechanical permits; $75 for occupancy inspection; $30 for plumbing permits
Plan check fee
Plan review is included in the permit process
Permit fee formula
Total Valuations Building Permit Fee Schedule (valuation-based)
Reinspection fee
Published in the city's fee schedule
Payment note
Fees are paid at the time of permit issuance. The CitizenServe portal accepts online payment. In-person payment is accepted at the Basement, 125 N. Division Street.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Salisbury Department of Infrastructure and Development, Building Permits Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections must occur before concealment of structural elements, framing, insulation, or mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in work. A footing inspection is typically required before concrete is poured. A final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained before occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Salisbury Department of Infrastructure and Development, Building Permits Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salisbury Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Salisbury, MD?
A building permit is required for any work to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure. This includes new homes, additions, structural alterations, garages, sheds, pools, decks, fireplaces, retaining walls, and demolitions. A permit is also required for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work in most circumstances.
How much does a building permit cost in Salisbury, MD?
The minimum permit fee is $50 Maryland Home Builders Fund fee per new single-family dwelling; $50 for mechanical permits; $75 for occupancy inspection; $30 for plumbing permits. Fees are calculated as: Total Valuations Building Permit Fee Schedule (valuation-based). Plan check fee: Plan review is included in the permit process.
How do I apply for a building permit in Salisbury, MD?
1. Review the Building Permit Guidelines and Procedures document and determine whether the project requires a building permit. 2. If the project involves new water or sewer service, obtain a water/sewer application receipt from the Department of Infrastructure and Development before applying for the building permit. 3. Obtain a receipt from Wicomico County confirming that applicable Development Impact Fees have been addressed (note: the county excise tax was suspended through at least June 30, 2025; confirm current status). 4. Complete the City of Salisbury Building Permit Application. Indicate whether you are the owner, contractor, or 'Work by Owner.' 5. Prepare two sets of scaled drawings showing room use, dimensions, exits, foundation plan, and roof plan. New construction and larger additions also require a site plan prepared by a Maryland-licensed surveyor showing the structure footprint and setbacks from all lot lines. 6. Submit the application and plans in person, by mail, by email, or through CitizenServe. Pay the applicable permit fee. 7. Await plan review. Respond to any comments or correction requests from the city's building official. 8. Once approved, the permit is issued. Post the permit on site and begin work within 180 days of issuance. 9. Schedule required inspections; work may not cease for more than 180 consecutive days or the permit will expire. 10. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying any new or altered building.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Salisbury, MD?
Typical processing time is Not published as a universal time table; contact the department at 410-548-3130 for current review timelines..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Salisbury, MD?
Inspections can be scheduled via: CitizenServe online portal, 410-548-3130.

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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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