Wicomico County, MD — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Wicomico County Department of Public Works, Permits and Inspections Division

Street address

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

Phone

410-548-4810

permits@wicomicocounty.org

Coverage

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.

Online portal

County Apply Portal

CitizenServe

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Wicomico County

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary repairs and replacements that are non-structural in nature

Exempt

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.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

§ 03

Application process

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

01

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.
02

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.
03

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.
04

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.
05

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.
06

Complete the permit application form (Residential Application Form or Commercial Application, available from the county website or the office).
07

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.
08

Submit the application and plans in person at Room 201 or via the online portal and pay the applicable permit fee.
09

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Wicomico County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

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

Inspection hours: Standard county business hours

Typical 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.

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Wicomico County permits

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

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

Building permit fees in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

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

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD typically run Not published as a universal table. Contact the office for current review timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wicomico County, MD via: 410-548-4810, Online portal.

last verified March 2026 source Wicomico County Department of Public Works, Permits and Inspections Division ↗ entry id permits/maryland/wicomico/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Wicomico County Department of Public Works, Permits and Inspections Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated Wicomico County