Worcester County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Worcester County, excluding Ocean City, Berlin, Pocomoke City, and Snow Hill city/town limits.

Department

Worcester County Department of Development, Review and Permitting (DRP) -- Building Division

Address

Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD 21863

Phone

410-632-1200

Email

bbradshaw@co.worcester.md.us

Website

https://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/drp/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify the property is in unincorporated Worcester County (not within Ocean City, Berlin, Pocomoke City, or Snow Hill limits).
2. Determine whether a building permit or a zoning permit is needed. A zoning permit covers minor uses and accessory structures under 500 sq ft gross floor area.
3. Download the Building Permit Application and DRP Permit Checklist from the county website.
4. Prepare required documents including construction plans, site plan, flood zone information, and contractor information.
5. Submit complete application in person at Room 1201, Government Center, Snow Hill, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
6. Pay permit and plan review fees at time of submittal.
7. Building Division reviews construction plans for code compliance, floodplain management, accessibility, and energy conservation.
8. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised plans if required.
9. Once approved, receive the issued permit and post it on the job site.
10. Schedule all required inspections at each milestone.
11. Upon completion and passing final inspections, Zoning/Occupancy Certificate is issued after minimum 72-hour processing period.

Typical processing time: Contact the department directly for current workload estimates; complex projects with full plan review take longer.

Source: Worcester County Department of Development, Review and Permitting (DRP) -- Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, enlargements, alterations, repairs affecting structural elements, demolitions, changes of occupancy, and installation or alteration of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas systems. A zoning permit is sufficient for a proposed use of land or an accessory structure under 500 sq ft gross floor area.

Required Documents

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application (signed by property owner)
• Three complete sets of construction plans at 1/4 scale with dimensions, including foundation plan, floor plan(s), roof framing plan, exterior elevations, cross-sections, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans as applicable
• For structures under 500 sq ft: simplified floor plan with dimensions and interior improvements
• Survey or site plan that is legible and to-scale showing all existing and proposed improvements, property lines, setbacks, distances to neighboring structures, and well/septic locations
• Flood zone information including FEMA flood map panel reference, base flood elevation, and FEMA Elevation Certificate if in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
• For V-zone and Coastal A zone structures: certification by a registered design professional licensed in Maryland
• Energy code compliance documentation (third-party energy code certification required)
• Contractor information and MHIC license number (if licensed contractor is performing work)

Permit validity

Permits must be used (work must commence) within six months of issuance; applications not resulting in an issued permit are voided if not completed within six months.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), Maryland Accessibility Code, Maryland State Building Codes. Effective date: May 29, 2024.

Owner-builder

Maryland law exempts owner-occupied primary residences from the MHIC requirement when the owner performs the work themselves. Owner-builders must still obtain required permits and pass all inspections.

Contractor requirements

MHIC license required for home improvement work on residential property. Trade contractors must hold applicable state licenses. All MHIC contractors must carry $500,000 general liability insurance (effective June 1, 2024).

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based per the DRP fee schedule

Reinspection fee

$25 if the builder/contractor is not ready for a scheduled inspection

Payment note

Fees are paid at time of application submittal

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, cabinet installation not requiring structural work or plumbing/electrical rough-in changes)
• Fences and small accessory structures under 500 sq ft gross floor area (zoning permit only, not full building permit)
• Above-ground pools (zoning permit rather than building permit)

Important: Confirm case-by-case with the DRP, especially for properties in the Critical Area, flood zones, or coastal overlays where additional review may apply regardless of work type.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 410-632-1200 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be made 24 to 48 hours in advance.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Time windows

Specify AM, PM, or anytime when scheduling

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, foundation/masonry, sill plate, strapping, sheathing, brick veneer (if applicable), garage/porch/slab, framing, final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), Maryland Accessibility Code, Maryland State Building Codes. Effective date: May 29, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Residential inspection requirements
• Wind resistance requirements
• Flood hazard zone requirements
• Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area
• Shoreline construction
• FEMA flood maps for Maryland
• Maryland Critical Area Commission
• License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Worcester County, MD?

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, enlargements, alterations, repairs affecting structural elements, demolitions, changes of occupancy, and installation or alteration of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas systems. A zoning permit is sufficient for a proposed use of land or an accessory structure under 500 sq ft gross floor area.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Worcester County, MD?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per the DRP fee schedule.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Worcester County, MD?

1. Verify the property is in unincorporated Worcester County (not within Ocean City, Berlin, Pocomoke City, or Snow Hill limits). 2. Determine whether a building permit or a zoning permit is needed. A zoning permit covers minor uses and accessory structures under 500 sq ft gross floor area. 3. Download the Building Permit Application and DRP Permit Checklist from the county website. 4. Prepare required documents including construction plans, site plan, flood zone information, and contractor information. 5. Submit complete application in person at Room 1201, Government Center, Snow Hill, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Incomplete applications are not accepted. 6. Pay permit and plan review fees at time of submittal. 7. Building Division reviews construction plans for code compliance, floodplain management, accessibility, and energy conservation. 8. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised plans if required. 9. Once approved, receive the issued permit and post it on the job site. 10. Schedule all required inspections at each milestone. 11. Upon completion and passing final inspections, Zoning/Occupancy Certificate is issued after minimum 72-hour processing period.

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

Typical processing time is Contact the department directly for current workload estimates; complex projects with full plan review take longer..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Worcester County, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, trim, cabinet installation not requiring structural work or plumbing/electrical rough-in changes); Fences and small accessory structures under 500 sq ft gross floor area (zoning permit only, not full building permit); Above-ground pools (zoning permit rather than building permit). Note: Confirm case-by-case with the DRP, especially for properties in the Critical Area, flood zones, or coastal overlays where additional review may apply regardless of work type.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Worcester County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 410-632-1200. Inspection requests must be made 24 to 48 hours in advance..