How much does a building permit cost in Town of Berlin, MD?

Fees are calculated as: See downloadable fee schedule PDF.

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

1. Confirm the property is within Berlin Town limits. 2. Determine whether Historic District Commission (HDC) review is needed. If the property is in Berlin's Historic District, any exterior modification requires an HDC application and public meeting review before or alongside the building permit process. 3. Download and complete the appropriate permit application form (Building Permit, Demolition, Fence, Sign, Grading/Excavation). 4. Prepare required supporting documents (site plan, construction drawings, contractor license information). 5. Submit the completed application with required fee to the Planning and Zoning Department at #3 Bay Street. 6. Staff reviews the application for completeness and code compliance. 7. Once approved, permit is issued. Post permit on job site before beginning work. 8. Schedule required inspections as work progresses. 9. Receive final inspection and certificate of use and occupancy upon completion.

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

Typical processing time is Contact the department at 410-629-1483 for current turnaround times.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-629-1483.

City Building Permits

Town of Berlin, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Worcester County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Town limits. The Town issues building, demolition, sign, fence, grading/excavation, and burn permits. Berlin has a designated Historic District; exterior modifications require review by Historic District Commission (HDC) in addition to any building permit.

Department: Town of Berlin Planning and Zoning Department
Address: #3 Bay Street, Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: 410-629-1483
Email: planning@berlinmd.gov
Website: https://berlinmd.gov/department/planning-zoning-permits-code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Open Planning and Zoning Department

Platform: Paper-based forms (PDF download) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the property is within Berlin Town limits.
Determine whether Historic District Commission (HDC) review is needed. If the property is in Berlin's Historic District, any exterior modification requires an HDC application and public meeting review before or alongside the building permit process.
Download and complete the appropriate permit application form (Building Permit, Demolition, Fence, Sign, Grading/Excavation).
Prepare required supporting documents (site plan, construction drawings, contractor license information).
Submit the completed application with required fee to the Planning and Zoning Department at #3 Bay Street.
Staff reviews the application for completeness and code compliance.
Once approved, permit is issued. Post permit on job site before beginning work.
Schedule required inspections as work progresses.
Receive final inspection and certificate of use and occupancy upon completion.

Typical processing time: Contact the department at 410-629-1483 for current turnaround times

Source: Town of Berlin Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, demolition, sign installation, fencing, and grading/excavation within Town limits. Residential rental properties also require a rental license from the Town.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan or survey
Construction drawings as appropriate to project type
Historic District Commission application (if applicable)
Contractor license information

Permit validity: Not specified in publicly available materials; confirm with the Planning Department
Building code: The Town enforces the 2012 International Building Code for permit issuance and related inspections. Note: This is an older edition than the statewide 2021 Maryland building code; property owners and contractors should confirm the current adopted edition with the Town at 410-629-1483, as Maryland encourages adoption of current codes and the 2021 edition is mandated statewide. International Property Maintenance Code is also enforced.
Owner-builder: Maryland MHIC exemption for owner-occupied primary residences applies; confirm with the Town
Contractor requirements: MHIC license required for home improvement work on residential properties per Maryland state law. Confirm any additional Town of Berlin contractor licensing requirements with the department.

Fees

Permit fee formula: See downloadable fee schedule PDF
Payment note: Fees submitted with the permit application at the department office

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 12, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Berlin Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

410-629-1483 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Staff conducts routine exterior property inspections for International Property Maintenance Code compliance; building permit inspections are conducted at required milestones. HDC may require compliance inspection for authorized exterior work. Final inspection required before certificate of use and occupancy is issued.

Additional Resources

Building code: The Town enforces the 2012 International Building Code for permit issuance and related inspections. Note: This is an older edition than the statewide 2021 Maryland building code; property owners and contractors should confirm the current adopted edition with the Town at 410-629-1483, as Maryland encourages adoption of current codes and the 2021 edition is mandated statewide. International Property Maintenance Code is also enforced.
Verify contractor license: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Town of Berlin Official Website
Town Code (Municode)
Chapter 6 (Building)
Historic District Commission standards
Zoning map and Historic District overlay map
License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Berlin Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Berlin, MD?: A permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, demolition, sign installation, fencing, and grading/excavation within Town limits. Residential rental properties also require a rental license from the Town.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Berlin, MD?: Fees are calculated as: See downloadable fee schedule PDF.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Berlin, MD?: 1. Confirm the property is within Berlin Town limits. 2. Determine whether Historic District Commission (HDC) review is needed. If the property is in Berlin's Historic District, any exterior modification requires an HDC application and public meeting review before or alongside the building permit process. 3. Download and complete the appropriate permit application form (Building Permit, Demolition, Fence, Sign, Grading/Excavation). 4. Prepare required supporting documents (site plan, construction drawings, contractor license information). 5. Submit the completed application with required fee to the Planning and Zoning Department at #3 Bay Street. 6. Staff reviews the application for completeness and code compliance. 7. Once approved, permit is issued. Post permit on job site before beginning work. 8. Schedule required inspections as work progresses. 9. Receive final inspection and certificate of use and occupancy upon completion.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Berlin, MD?: Typical processing time is Contact the department at 410-629-1483 for current turnaround times.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Berlin, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-629-1483.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Berlin can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Worcester County

Unincorporated Area Ocean Snow Hill Pocomoke

View all Worcester County jurisdictions →