Baltimore City Building Permits: Where to Apply and What to Expect
The Baltimore building department functions are administered through the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD). Its permitting services cover building applications, plan reviews, construction inspections, permit records, and related approvals within Baltimore City.
Need a permit now? Use the city’s official E-Permits portal to apply, check application status, pay assessed fees, or schedule an inspection. The portal is available online, although individual services may require an account.
Sign in to E-Permits and select the inspection service for your permit.
Use Search Applications to locate available permit information.
Department Address, Contact Information and Office Hours
| Department | Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development |
|---|---|
| Permitting office | Permits and Plans Review / Building Inspections |
| Address | 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 100, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
| Permit assistance phone | 410-396-1976 |
| Permit email | DHCD.Permits@baltimorecity.gov |
| Walk-in assistance | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Eastern Time |
| Wednesday | No walk-in assistance for the Permits and Plans Review offices |
| Official department website | dhcd.baltimorecity.gov |
Baltimore City changed its walk-in permit assistance schedule effective March 4, 2026. Contact details are drawn from DHCD permit materials; confirm holiday closures and office availability before visiting.
Important jurisdiction distinction: Baltimore City and Baltimore County operate separate permitting systems. The instructions on this page apply to properties located within Baltimore City. For a Baltimore County address, begin with the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections.
Which Building Permits Do You Need?
Baltimore City generally requires permits for constructing, altering, adding to, repairing, moving, or demolishing structures and for regulated equipment work or changes in property use. The exact approval depends on the proposed activity.
| Project or service | Permit considerations |
|---|---|
| Home renovations | Structural changes, additions, and regulated alterations generally require permits. |
| New homes and additions | Residential combo permits, plans, zoning review, and inspections may apply. |
| Commercial construction | Commercial or multifamily combo permits and potentially additional agency reviews. |
| Electrical work | Permitting and applicable contractor licensing requirements for regulated wiring and installations. |
| Plumbing, gas and HVAC | Trade-related approvals and inspections based on the work performed. |
| Demolition | Razing or moving permits, with additional safety and notification requirements. |
| Business occupancy | Use and occupancy approvals may be required for a new or changed use. |
| Decks, fences and roofing | Requirements depend on the scope, building-code exemptions, zoning, and historic status. |
Work that may be exempt: Baltimore City’s Building Code Section 105.2 identifies exemptions including interior painting, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, minor drywall patching, and replacement of roof shingles or roof tarring. Exemptions do not waive zoning, historic-preservation, structural-safety, or other applicable requirements.
Before treating a project as permit-exempt, check the official permit requirements and exemptions.
How to Apply for a Baltimore City Building Permit Online
Baltimore City uses E-Permits for applications and related services. The portal includes residential and commercial combo permits, razing or moving permits, temporary event permits, and use and occupancy applications.
- Open the official portal. Visit Baltimore City E-Permits.
- Create an account or sign in. Select “Create An Account” if you are new. Use an existing account when available.
- Start an application. Choose “Permits and Inspections,” then “Create an Application.” Accept the portal’s terms when prompted.
- Select the correct permit category. For example, choose the one- and two-family combo application for an eligible residential project or the commercial and multifamily option for qualifying larger properties.
- Enter the project details. Provide the correct Baltimore City property address, scope of work, occupancy information, owner details, contractor information, and project measurements requested.
- Add supporting documents. Upload drawings, site plans, professional documents, or other attachments requested for your permit type.
- Review and submit. Verify all information and pay any application fee due at submission. Save the confirmation and assigned application or record number.
- Track review and complete payment. Respond to requests for corrections or additional information. Pay remaining assessed fees and obtain the issued permit before starting work that requires approval.
Portal tip: Baltimore City’s E-Permits notice recommends Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome because Firefox users have experienced submission difficulties. Keep a copy of your submitted documents and confirmation.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
- Accurate property address and proposed work description.
- Owner, applicant, and contractor contact information.
- Construction cost or project valuation when requested.
- Floor area, dimensions, and intended occupancy information.
- Site plans, construction drawings, and technical specifications when applicable.
- Professional licenses, authorizations, and stamped drawings when required.
- Relevant zoning, historic-preservation, floodplain, or other agency approvals.
Requirements vary by project. A minor interior alteration and a new commercial building will not have the same documentation requirements.
Baltimore Building Permit Fees in 2026
Permit fees depend on the application type, building classification, project dimensions, and required reviews. A 2026 change also affects when certain fees are collected.
| Fee category | Published amount or rule |
|---|---|
| One- and two-family combo (BRCM) | $25 application fee collected at submission under the July 1, 2026 portal notice. |
| Commercial and multifamily combo (BCCM) | $50 application fee collected at submission under the July 1, 2026 portal notice. |
| Applications requiring construction-document plan review | Building Code Section 109.5.7 lists $125 for one- and two-family dwellings and $150 for other properties; confirm the amount assessed for your application. |
| First reinspection | $50 under the current published code fee schedule. |
| Second reinspection | $100. |
| Third and later reinspections | $125 each. |
| Construction permit issuance | Additional charges depend on the scope and fee schedule. |
What changed July 1, 2026? The E-Permits notice states that BRCM and BCCM application fees are now collected when the application is submitted rather than as part of the amount due at the end. The listed $25 and $50 figures are not quotations for the full construction permit.
Plan-review requirements and other charges can affect the total. The city’s codified fee schedule contains additional charges for construction, trades, amendments, reviews, and related services. Review Baltimore City Building Code Section 109 and the amount assessed in E-Permits before paying.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Approved construction typically requires inspections at appropriate stages before work is covered or the project is finalized.
- Open the E-Permits portal and sign in.
- Under “Permits and Inspections,” choose “Schedule an Inspection.”
- Find the issued permit or associated record.
- Choose the inspection type available for the approved work.
- Select an offered date and provide the required contact or access details.
- Confirm the request and retain the inspection information.
- Make approved drawings and the work area accessible. Review inspection results afterward and correct any deficiencies before requesting reinspection.
Inspections may include footing or foundation work, framing, rough electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, and final inspections. The exact sequence depends on the permit and approved plans.
Avoid a common mistake: Do not conceal wiring, plumbing, framing, or other work that requires inspection before obtaining the necessary approval.
Check Your Permit Status or Find Existing Permits
To track an application or locate available permit records:
- Open the city’s E-Permits portal.
- Select “Search Applications” under “Permits and Inspections.”
- Search using the application or permit number, or available property details.
- Review the displayed record, status, fees, inspections, and issued documents when accessible.
- If you are the applicant, sign in for additional account-linked records and actions.
For older records or documents not available online, Baltimore City DHCD provides a Maryland Public Information Act document request form. Records requests can identify the property, document type, and relevant date range. Some records may have access restrictions or reproduction charges.
Building Codes and Local Requirements
Baltimore City’s Building, Fire, and Related Codes include locally amended construction standards. The city’s 2024 code adoption includes the 2021 International Building Code and International Residential Code, subject to Maryland and Baltimore City modifications.
| Code or standard | Adopted edition |
|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2021 |
| International Residential Code | 2021 |
| International Mechanical Code | 2021 |
| International Plumbing Code | 2021 |
| International Fire Code | 2021 |
| International Energy Conservation Code | 2021 |
| National Electrical Code | 2020 |
These editions are part of the city’s adopted framework, not necessarily unmodified national code text. Ordinances and amendments control the requirements for a particular project. Consult the official Baltimore City Building, Fire, and Related Codes.
Additional Reviews That Can Affect Baltimore Projects
- Historic properties: Exterior work in designated historic districts or on city landmarks may require Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) authorization before a building permit can be issued.
- Rowhouses and attached structures: Structural changes, underpinning, foundation work, and demolition may involve additional professional, safety, and neighboring-property considerations.
- Zoning: Additions, changes of use, parking, setbacks, and other development features must satisfy applicable zoning requirements.
- Floodplain properties: Qualifying projects may require additional floodplain review and compliance determinations.
Permit expiration: Under Baltimore City Building Code Section 105.5, a typical permit may expire when authorized work is not started within 180 days after issuance or is abandoned or suspended for 180 days or more. The permit’s stated expiration date and special rules can also apply. Extensions require approval; do not assume an expired permit remains valid.
Common Permit Problems and What to Do
| Problem | Practical next step |
|---|---|
| Application cannot be submitted | Try Chrome or Edge, check required fields, and review missing uploads or payment prompts. |
| Plan review requests corrections | Read each comment, revise the applicable documents, and resubmit through the record. |
| Permit status has not changed | Check the record for outstanding payments, corrections, or agency reviews before contacting DHCD. |
| Inspection failed | Read the inspection comments, correct the work, and schedule the required reinspection. |
| Permit expired | Review the extension or reinstatement process and confirm eligibility before continuing work. |
| Suspected unpermitted construction | Check available permit records and contact Baltimore City 311 to report suspected violations. |
Official Baltimore City Permit Resources
- E-Permits Portal — applications, payments, searches and inspections.
- DHCD Permit Like a Pro Resources — training and permitting instructions.
- E-Permits Quick Reference PDF — account creation, record searches, payments and inspections.
- Building Permit Requirements — official rules and exemptions.
- Building Permit Fee Schedule — legally published fee provisions.
- Baltimore City Planning Department — zoning and planning resources.
- Baltimore City 311 — city service requests and potential code complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who handles building permits in Baltimore City?
The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development administers building permitting and related inspection services through its permitting operations. Applications and records are accessible through the city’s E-Permits system.
2. Can I apply for a Baltimore building permit online?
Yes. Open the official Baltimore City E-Permits portal, create an account or sign in, select “Permits and Inspections,” and start the appropriate application. Upload requested documents and pay applicable fees as directed.
3. Do I need a permit to renovate my Baltimore home?
Structural alterations, additions, and regulated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work generally require permits. Certain cosmetic projects, including interior painting and minor drywall patching, are exempt under city code. Historic, zoning, and other requirements may still apply.
4. How much does a Baltimore City building permit cost in 2026?
Costs depend on the project. The city’s July 2026 portal notice lists application fees of $25 for one- and two-family combo permits and $50 for commercial and multifamily combo permits. Additional plan-review and permit issuance fees may apply, so these are not total project permit costs.
5. How do I schedule a Baltimore building inspection?
Sign in to Baltimore City E-Permits, select “Schedule an Inspection,” locate the issued permit, choose the available inspection type and date, and confirm the request. Keep the work and approved documents available for inspection.
6. How can I check my Baltimore City permit status?
Open the E-Permits portal and select “Search Applications.” Search by available record or property information. Sign in if you need access to account-linked details, payments, or additional permit actions.
7. What are the Baltimore building department office hours?
Beginning March 4, 2026, in-person permit assistance is offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Eastern Time. Walk-in assistance is unavailable on Wednesdays for the Permits and Plans Review offices. Confirm holiday schedules before visiting.
8. How long does Baltimore City take to approve a building permit?
There is no single guaranteed approval time for every project. Processing depends on permit type, plan-review requirements, application completeness, corrections, and referrals to other agencies. Monitor E-Permits for the current status of your application.
9. What happens if my Baltimore City building permit expires?
Stop relying on the expired authorization and review the applicable extension or reinstatement rules. Under Section 105.5, ordinary permits can expire after specified periods of inactivity, while special permits have different limits. The Building Official must approve any applicable extension or reinstatement.
10. Are Baltimore City and Baltimore County building permits the same?
No. Baltimore City DHCD administers the city’s permits, while Baltimore County has a separate Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections. Use the permitting authority responsible for the property’s actual location.
Information reviewed: October 9, 2026. This independent informational guide is not an official Baltimore City government website. Permit fees, operational hours, application requirements, and procedures may change. Official city records and applicable law take precedence.