City Building Permits

Town of Ocean City, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maryland Worcester County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Town limits. Ocean City operates its own building, zoning, fire protection, and marine construction permitting. Nearly all properties are within FEMA flood zones; coastal construction standards apply throughout.

Department
Town of Ocean City Planning and Community Development Department -- Building Division
Address
301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone
410-289-8855
Website
https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/planning-community-development/building-division/

Online Permit Portal

Open Click2Gov Building Permit

Platform: Click2Gov (ASP.gov platform) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type (building/construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, fire protection, Board of Port Wardens marine).
  2. For projects involving shared egress alterations or demolition, obtain Fire Marshal's Office approval before starting demolition.
  3. For marine/over-water construction (piers, docks, bulkheads, boat lifts), submit Board of Port Wardens application separately before building permit. BOPW case must be heard at monthly Board meeting. Apply for MDE and USACE authorization separately.
  4. Create an account or log in at Click2Gov portal and start the applicable permit application, OR obtain and complete paper application from the Building Division office.
  5. Upload or submit required documents including construction plans and specifications.
  6. Applicant/contractor must keep a printed copy of permit and approved plans on job site; failure to have these on site at time of inspection may result in cancellation.
  7. Permits and stamped approved plans are emailed to applicant once issuance is confirmed.
  8. After permit issuance, schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: 2 to 4 weeks on average after confirmed submission

Source: Town of Ocean City Planning and Community Development Department -- Building Division

General Requirements

A permit is required for all construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure, and for all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and marine construction work.

Required Documents

  • Construction plans and specifications appropriate to project type
  • Permit application form
  • Contractor license information (MHIC and Ocean City Business License for residential work)
  • Fire Marshal approval documentation where applicable
  • For marine construction: BOPW approval letter, MDE authorization, USACE authorization
Permit validity
Not explicitly stated in publicly available materials; confirm expiration period with Building Division at 410-289-8855.
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC).
Owner-builder
Maryland MHIC exemption applies for owners performing work on their own primary residence. Contact the Building Division for confirmation of local owner-builder procedures.
Contractor requirements
All contractors applying for a building permit must hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license for residential work AND must hold a Town of Ocean City Business License. Both licenses must be current at time of permit application.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Some permit types are flat fee; building/renovation permits are generally calculated on the value of work performed (valuation-based)
Reinspection fee
$2,000 penalty for performing work without required permit
Penalty (no permit)
Up to $2,000 for renovation without a required permit
Payment note
Board of Port Wardens case fees: $300 for Minor Case; $500 for Major Case (MDE fees are separate and additional)

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
  • Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, trim)

Important: Confirm all exemptions with the Building Division, particularly given the high density of condominiums, the prevalence of shared egress systems requiring Fire Marshal involvement, and the coastal/flood overlay requirements that may require a permit even for seemingly minor work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by permit type and scope of work. All issued permits have required inspections that must be completed before the permit can be closed out. Third-party mechanical inspections: Effective August 7, 2023, ALL residential mechanical inspections are performed by First State Inspection Agency. ALL commercial mechanical inspections are performed by Town inspectors.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Ocean City Planning and Community Development Department -- Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Ocean City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Ocean City, MD?
A permit is required for all construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure, and for all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and marine construction work.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Ocean City, MD?
Fees are calculated as: Some permit types are flat fee; building/renovation permits are generally calculated on the value of work performed (valuation-based).
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Ocean City, MD?
1. Determine permit type (building/construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, fire protection, Board of Port Wardens marine). 2. For projects involving shared egress alterations or demolition, obtain Fire Marshal's Office approval before starting demolition. 3. For marine/over-water construction (piers, docks, bulkheads, boat lifts), submit Board of Port Wardens application separately before building permit. BOPW case must be heard at monthly Board meeting. Apply for MDE and USACE authorization separately. 4. Create an account or log in at Click2Gov portal and start the applicable permit application, OR obtain and complete paper application from the Building Division office. 5. Upload or submit required documents including construction plans and specifications. 6. Applicant/contractor must keep a printed copy of permit and approved plans on job site; failure to have these on site at time of inspection may result in cancellation. 7. Permits and stamped approved plans are emailed to applicant once issuance is confirmed. 8. After permit issuance, schedule required inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Ocean City, MD?
Typical processing time is 2 to 4 weeks on average after confirmed submission.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Ocean City, MD?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, trim). Note: Confirm all exemptions with the Building Division, particularly given the high density of condominiums, the prevalence of shared egress systems requiring Fire Marshal involvement, and the coastal/flood overlay requirements that may require a permit even for seemingly minor work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Ocean City, MD?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-289-8855, Click2Gov portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Ocean City 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 Berlin Snow Hill Pocomoke
View all Worcester County jurisdictions →