Wicomico County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Quick Start

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Wicomico County outside incorporated municipal limits. Plumbing and health permits are issued by the separate Wicomico County Health Department (108 E. Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801; 410-546-4446). Fire safety inspections are handled by the Wicomico County Fire Marshal's office.

Department

Wicomico County Department of Public Works, Permits and Inspections Division

Address

Room 201, Government Office Building, 125 N. Division Street, Salisbury, MD 21801

Phone

410-548-4810

Email

permits@wicomicocounty.org

Website

https://www.wicomicocounty.org/274/Permits-Inspections-Licenses-and-Fire-Pr

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project requires a permit by contacting the Permits and Inspections Office at 410-548-4810 or reviewing the Residential Permits FAQ document.
2. If the project involves plumbing, a well, or septic systems, obtain a valid health permit from the Wicomico County Health Department (108 E. Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801; 410-546-4446) before submitting the building permit application.
3. Confirm that erosion and sediment control plans have been approved by the Soil Conservation District (SCD) and that stormwater management plans have been approved by the Wicomico County Department of Public Works if applicable to the project scope.
4. For projects on parcels 40,000 square feet or larger, file a forest conservation plan with the Department of Planning, Zoning, and Community Development (Room 203, 125 N. Division Street; 410-548-4860) unless exempt.
5. For properties within the Critical Area (1,000 feet of tidal waters of the Wicomico River or Chesapeake Bay tributaries), review Chapter 125 of the Wicomico County Code and contact Planning, Zoning, and Community Development for a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Review.
6. Complete the permit application form (Residential Application Form or Commercial Application, available from the county website or the office).
7. For new single-family homes and additions over 400 square feet, submit two sets of plans on paper no smaller than 18" x 22", drawn to scale, along with the completed Residential Plan Review Submittal Form.
8. Submit the application and plans in person at Room 201 or via the online portal and pay the applicable permit fee.
9. Await plan review. The building official reviews for compliance with the adopted codes. Corrections may be requested before permit issuance.
10. Once approved, receive the permit, post it on site, and schedule required inspections through the Permits and Inspections office.

Typical processing time: Not published as a universal table. Contact the office for current review timelines.

Source: Wicomico County Department of Public Works, Permits and Inspections Division

General Requirements

A permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations that are structural in nature, accessory structures (including sheds of any size, including those under 120 square feet), pools, decks, garages, fireplaces, HVAC replacement in new locations, and similar work.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form
• Two sets of construction drawings to scale (18" x 22" minimum for new homes and additions over 400 square feet)
• Site plan showing lot dimensions, structure footprint, and setbacks
• Health department approval where plumbing, well, or septic is involved
• Proof of erosion/sediment control and stormwater management approvals where applicable
• Forest conservation plan for lots 40,000 square feet or larger unless exempt
• Critical Area documentation where applicable

Permit validity

Electrical permits expire one year after issuance. Building permit validity for county projects is consistent with state code requirements; work must commence before the permit lapses.

Building code

2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 International Plumbing Code; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Existing Building Code; 2020 National Electrical Code; all with Maryland state amendments effective May 2023/2024, plus any locally adopted Wicomico County amendments.

Owner-builder

A homeowner may obtain permits and perform work on their own primary residence by accepting all liability for code compliance. For electrical work, homeowners must provide proof of primary residence; permits cannot be used for properties that are not the applicant's primary residence. Work performed under a homeowner permit must be performed by the homeowner only.

Contractor requirements

All home improvement contractors working on residential property must hold a current MHIC license issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission for work over $100. Electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician. Plumbing permits and work are governed by the Maryland Board of Plumbing. The county Board of Electrical Examiners maintains an approved inspection agency list.

Fees

Plan check fee

Plan review is included in the permit process; a separate plan check fee line for county residential permits is not prominently published.

Permit fee formula

Commercial permit fees are based upon estimated construction costs or actual signed contracts. Residential permit fees also appear to be related to construction costs.

Trade permit fee

Electrical permits are $70 per permit for commercial work and $35 per permit for residential work.

Payment note

Permit fees must be paid at the time of application or prior to permit issuance. The county's development excise tax (impact fee) was suspended through June 30, 2025, by Bill No. 2024-6; its status beyond that date should be confirmed with the county at the time of application. A health permit fee is charged separately by the Wicomico County Health Department when plumbing, well, or septic work is involved.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs and replacements that are non-structural in nature

Important: Sheds of ALL sizes, including those under 120 square feet, require a building permit; however, sheds under 120 square feet are exempt from the plan review submittal requirement. Applicants are strongly advised to call 410-548-4810 before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 410-548-4810 (phone)
• Online portal (online)

Inspection hours

Standard county business hours

Typical inspection sequence: For residential projects, inspections may include: footing inspection (after excavation, forms, and rebar are in place); framing inspection; trade inspections (electrical, mechanical, plumbing); insulation; and final inspection. The exact sequence depends on project scope and is discussed when the permit is issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 International Plumbing Code; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Existing Building Code; 2020 National Electrical Code; all with Maryland state amendments effective May 2023/2024, plus any locally adopted Wicomico County amendments.
• Verify contractor license: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning, Zoning and Community Development
• Critical Area Resource Protection
• Forest Conservation
• Stormwater Management
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Wicomico County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD?

A permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations that are structural in nature, accessory structures (including sheds of any size, including those under 120 square feet), pools, decks, garages, fireplaces, HVAC replacement in new locations, and similar work.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD?

Fees are calculated as: Commercial permit fees are based upon estimated construction costs or actual signed contracts. Residential permit fees also appear to be related to construction costs.. Plan check fee: Plan review is included in the permit process; a separate plan check fee line for county residential permits is not prominently published..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD?

1. Determine whether the project requires a permit by contacting the Permits and Inspections Office at 410-548-4810 or reviewing the Residential Permits FAQ document. 2. If the project involves plumbing, a well, or septic systems, obtain a valid health permit from the Wicomico County Health Department (108 E. Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801; 410-546-4446) before submitting the building permit application. 3. Confirm that erosion and sediment control plans have been approved by the Soil Conservation District (SCD) and that stormwater management plans have been approved by the Wicomico County Department of Public Works if applicable to the project scope. 4. For projects on parcels 40,000 square feet or larger, file a forest conservation plan with the Department of Planning, Zoning, and Community Development (Room 203, 125 N. Division Street; 410-548-4860) unless exempt. 5. For properties within the Critical Area (1,000 feet of tidal waters of the Wicomico River or Chesapeake Bay tributaries), review Chapter 125 of the Wicomico County Code and contact Planning, Zoning, and Community Development for a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Review. 6. Complete the permit application form (Residential Application Form or Commercial Application, available from the county website or the office). 7. For new single-family homes and additions over 400 square feet, submit two sets of plans on paper no smaller than 18" x 22", drawn to scale, along with the completed Residential Plan Review Submittal Form. 8. Submit the application and plans in person at Room 201 or via the online portal and pay the applicable permit fee. 9. Await plan review. The building official reviews for compliance with the adopted codes. Corrections may be requested before permit issuance. 10. Once approved, receive the permit, post it on site, and schedule required inspections through the Permits and Inspections office.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD?

Typical processing time is Not published as a universal table. Contact the office for current review timelines..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs and replacements that are non-structural in nature. Note: Sheds of ALL sizes, including those under 120 square feet, require a building permit; however, sheds under 120 square feet are exempt from the plan review submittal requirement. Applicants are strongly advised to call 410-548-4810 before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-548-4810, Online portal.