Ocean City, MD — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

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

Street address

301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842

Phone

410-289-8855

Coverage

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.

Online portal

Click2Gov Building Permit

Click2Gov (ASP.gov platform)

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Ocean City

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems

Exempt

Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, trim)

Exempt

Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
Exempt 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.

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

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).
Permit validity: Not explicitly stated in publicly available materials; confirm expiration period with Building Division at 410-289-8855.
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.

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

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Determine permit type (building/construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, fire protection, Board of Port Wardens marine).
02

For projects involving shared egress alterations or demolition, obtain Fire Marshal's Office approval before starting demolition.
03

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.
04

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.
05

Upload or submit required documents including construction plans and specifications.
06

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.
07

Permits and stamped approved plans are emailed to applicant once issuance is confirmed.
08

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Ocean City building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

Board of Port Wardens case fees: $300 for Minor Case; $500 for Major Case (MDE fees are separate and additional)

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

410-289-8855 (phone)
Click2Gov portal (online)

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

Typical 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.

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Ocean City permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Ocean City, MD? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Ocean City, MD? ▸

Building permit fees in Ocean City, MD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Some permit types are flat fee; building/renovation permits are generally calculated on the value of work performed (valuation-based).

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Ocean City, MD? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Ocean City, MD, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Ocean City, MD? ▸

Building permit processing times in Ocean City, MD typically run 2 to 4 weeks on average after confirmed submission. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Ocean City, MD? ▸

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

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Ocean City, MD? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Ocean City, MD via: 410-289-8855, Click2Gov portal.

last verified April 2026 source Town of Ocean City Planning and Community Development Department -- Building Division ↗ entry id permits/maryland/worcester/ocean-city

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Ocean City Planning and Community Development Department -- Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Ocean City

Other jurisdictions in Worcester County.