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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Worcester County
Every property owner in Ocean Pines is subject to restrictive covenants that require a separate OPA Compliance, Permits, and Inspections (CPI) permit and/or Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval for most changes or additions -- including color changes -- before any work begins. Additionally, if the work would require a building permit under Worcester County standards, a county permit must also be obtained.
- Exempt Minor repairs and ordinary maintenance may be exempt from ARC review under OPA guidelines; however, ARC pre-approval is strongly recommended for all exterior work
Note: Ocean Pines sub-associations may have additional review requirements beyond the main OPA/ARC process. Most exterior changes and color changes are NOT automatically exempt from ARC review in Ocean Pines. Confirm all exemptions with the OPA CPI office at 410-641-7425 before proceeding.
- Completed OPA Permit Application
- Required materials for ARC review as specified in OPA ARC Guidelines and application instructions
- For structural work or major projects: Worcester County building permit application and required documents (see Worcester County requirements)
- Building code
- Worcester County codes apply: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), with Maryland amendments. OPA ARC Guidelines additionally govern architectural and aesthetic compliance.
- Permit validity
- Contact OPA CPI office for OPA approval validity period; Worcester County permits follow county rules (six-month usage requirement)
- Owner-builder
- Maryland MHIC exemption for owner-occupied primary residences applies for county permits. OPA architectural restrictions apply independently.
- Contractor requirements
- MHIC license required for home improvement work on residential properties per Maryland state law (county requirement). All contractors must comply with OPA restrictive covenants.
Application process
Typical processing: OPA ARC reviews are monthly; County DRP review times vary. Contact the OPA CPI office at 410-641-7425 for current timing.
- 01 Call the OPA CPI office at 410-641-7425 or download the OPA Permit Application.
- 02 Complete the OPA Permit Application and submit with required materials to the OPA CPI office.
- 03 Projects are reviewed for compliance with Ocean Pines ARC Guidelines, recorded restrictive covenants, and Worcester County building requirements.
- 04 The ARC meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Administration Building Conference Room (if there are agenda items).
- 05 Projects requiring ARC review must be approved at a meeting before work begins.
- 06 If a Worcester County building permit is also required (for structural work, new construction, additions, major alterations), separately obtain that permit from the County DRP at One West Market Street, Room 1201 (410-632-1200).
- 07 Once OPA CPI/ARC approval is received AND county permit is in hand (if required), work may begin.
- 08 Schedule any required inspections with both the County DRP and OPA CPI as applicable.
Typical processing time: OPA ARC reviews are monthly; County DRP review times vary. Contact the OPA CPI office at 410-641-7425 for current timing.
Fee schedule
Worcester County building permit fees
Fees paid separately to OPA and to Worcester County DRP as applicable
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- OPA CPI: 410-641-7425; County DRP: 410-632-1200 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- OPA ARC meets 1st and 3rd Monday of each month; schedule accordingly
- Inspection hours
- OPA CPI office hours: contact 410-641-7425; County DRP hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Both OPA CPI and Worcester County DRP may conduct inspections. OPA CPI inspects for ARC compliance; County DRP inspects for building code compliance. Work must conform to both standards.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Worcester County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Worcester County, MD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Worcester County, MD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Worcester County, MD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Worcester County, MD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Worcester County, MD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Worcester County, MD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Worcester County DRP (Building Division) + Ocean Pines Association Compliance, Permits, and Inspections (CPI) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.