Baltimore Residential Permit Guide

Baltimore building permits are required before construction, alteration, repair, rehabilitation, demolition, moving structures, changing use, installing regulated equipment, grading, excavating, or certain historic work.

Permit takeaway

Baltimore City code requires a permit before constructing, altering, adding to, repairing, rehabilitating, demolishing, or moving any structure, changing use, installing regulated equipment, moving a lot line affecting a structure, or performing grading or excavation.

Zoning and placement

Historic and architectural preservation districts, landmark status, zoning design review, stormwater plans, and grading requirements can affect permit approval.

Building and trade review

Baltimore residential permit categories include one- and two-family combo permits and interior, exterior, demolition, addition, underpinning, and related work.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the project affects structure, use, exterior features, grading, excavation, stormwater, historic property, or regulated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical equipment.

Documents to prepare

• Residential permit application
• Project description
• Plans or scale drawings if required
• Stormwater, grading, or historic materials if applicable

Inspection planning

• Apply through ePermits when applicable
• Upload required documents
• Respond to plan review
• Schedule inspections
• Keep approvals available

Official sources

• Baltimore Building Code Section 105 Permits
• Baltimore Combination Permit Guidelines
• Baltimore E-Permits Slides

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.