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Anne Arundel County established a charter form of government in 1964.

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With almost 54,000 businesses, Anne Arundel County is a major hub of commerce and development. With a $35 billion economy, low taxes, a vast multi-modal transportation system, highly skilled workforce and excellent educational institutions, Anne Arundel County is the premier location to do business.

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Permits

The Department of Inspections and Permits is responsible for issuing permits to residents and businesses.

Do I Need a Permit?

Find out if the work you have planned requires a permit to be issued.

Permit Categories

See a list of permit categories below that the County provides. Please click on the category name for more information.

Permits are required for the installation or alteration of fire protection systems.

Permit Types

Fire Suppression Tank

For the installation or modification to all non-water based suppression systems, including but not limited to: wet chemical and dry chemical, and clean agents.

Fire Alarm /Mag Lock

For the installation or modification of a fire alarm system. Mag Lock permits are for the installation or modification to egress door access control systems.

Fixed Suppression System

For the installation or modification to all non-water based suppression systems, including but not limited to: wet chemical (installed on kitchen hoods), dry chemical (installed in paint booths), and clean agents (installed in electrical rooms).

Non-Residential Sprinkler

For the installation or modification of a fire sprinkler system designed to NFPA 13.

Residential Sprinkler

For the installation or modification of a fire sprinkler system designed to NFPA 13D.

Smoke Evacuation System

For the installation or modification of smoke control or pressurization systems.

A grading permit or a Standard Grading Plan is required when a project involves ground disturbance. A grading permit is required if the proposed project fails to meet the limitations of a Standard Grading Plan.

Permit Types

Grading Permit

A grading permit or Standard Grading Plan is required when a project involves ground disturbance. A grading permit is required if the proposed project fails to meet the limitations (1-12) of a Standard Grading Plan.

Logging Permit

Logging operations are limited to tree cutting at or above existing ground, leaving stumps, ground cover, and root mat intact. No stump removal, understory vegetation removal or conversion of woodlands to pasture will be allowed.

Permits are required for any non-residential building, demolition, addition, alteration or repairs involving structural replacement.

Permit Types

Apartment Project Review Request

Permitting for a newly constructed apartment community requires an initial review by a permit coordinator.

Non-Residential Alteration Permit

The alteration and/or renovation of a non residential space that is currently occupied by an existing tenant.

Non-Residential Antenna Permit

Alterations to an existing cell tower. An Antenna is a device used for transmitting, receiving, and supporting cellular telecommunications or personal communications service.

Non-Residential Celltower Permit

A tower constructed for or an existing structure that has been adapted for the location of transmission antennae or related equipment to be used in the provision of telecommunications services or personal communications services.

Non-Residential Demolition Permit

Interior/exterior complete and/or partial demolition of a non residential structure.

Non-Residential Foundation Permit

A permit that allows construction of a non-residential foundation up to grade.

Non-Residential New Structure, Addition, Accessory Structure Permit

The complete or partial construction of a non-residential structure.

Non-Residential Retaining Wall Permit

A retaining wall is a structure designed and constructed to resist the lateral pressure of soil. A permit is required for all retaining walls 24”+ in height. Retaining walls can also be used as a form of landscape decor.

Non-Residential Shell Permit

A shell is a base building with minimum fixtures that allows tenants to build out the space to better fit their needs.

Non-Residential Solar Permit

Installation of solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. A solar panel is a collection of solar cells.

Non-Residential Swimming Pool / Spa Permit

A swimming pool or spa for public use. Operation and maintenance are provided by a private management company.

Non-Residential Tenant Improvement Permit

An improvement which specifies the authorized occupant, use, and classification of the non residential space.

Non-Residential Whitebox Permit

The improvement of empty non-residential space for future tenant use.

Pier Bulkhead Revetment Work Permit

A permit is required for the construction/installation of non residential piers, bulkheads, stone revetment, and beach replenishment.

Sign Permit

Any public displayed information that is presented in the form of words, symbols, and/or pictures. It is designed to advertise a business.

Temporary Tent Permit

Temporary shelter structure used for special events, fairs, weddings, etc.

Temporary Trailer Permit

A structure (trailer) used to accommodate temporary offices during construction.

Permits are required for any residential building, demolition, addition, alteration or repairs involving structural replacement.

Residential Permit Types

Mobile Home Permit

A mobile home is a prefabricated structure used as a permanent home. They are often permanently or semi-permanently stationed in one place, but can be moved from one site to another.

Plans on File

A licensed contractor can submit construction plans within the current code year for the county to place on file for future use.

Residential Accessory Structure

Residential accessory structures such as barn, detached garage, gazebo, pool house, studio/workshop, 2nd floor addition to detached structure, detached porch, detached deck, shed, fence, retaining wall and others.

Residential Antenna Permit

Permits are required for ham radio antenna.

Residential Fireplace Permit

A permit is required for the installation of a fireplace. This includes the interior or exterior construction and/or alteration of the fireplace and chimney.

Residential Single Family Attached Permit

The new construction or demolition and rebuild of a single family attached. This includes but is not limited to townhouses and condos.

Residential Single Family Dwelling Permit

The construction or demolition and rebuild of a single family dwelling, interior and exterior alterations to an existing single family dwelling and anything attached to the single family dwelling.

Residential Solar Permit

Installation of solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. A solar panel is a collection of solar cells.

Residential Stove Insert Permit

The installation of a stove insert into an existing fireplace.

Residential Waterproofing Permit

The exterior or interior installation of drains, sump pumps and etc., to prevent water from penetrating the basement of a residential structure.

Inspections and Permits is responsible for issuing permits for work that is occurring at Residential properties throughout the County.

Permit Types

Residential/Commercial Perc Test

Properties that are served or proposed to be served by a private onsite sewage disposal system require a perc test application.

Septic Installation Permit

A Septic Installation Permit is required for the installation of any onsite sewage disposal system (commercial or residential).

Subdivision Perc

Subdivision projects served by private water wells and/or onsite sewage disposal systems must submit an application for the subdivision of land to the Health Department.

Licensed electricians, plumbers and mechanics may apply for permits.

Permit Types

Electrical Permit

An electrical permit encompasses the electrical work to bring power to the structure such as installing electrical wiring, fixtures, & transformers.

Gas Permit

A gas permit is required for adding or relocating gas fixtures, appliances, or piping

Mechanical Permit

A mechanical permit is required prior to conducting any mechanical work such as heating,duct work, or cooling. This also includes the installation of a commercial kitchen hood.

Onsite Permit

An onsite permit is required for the installation or relocation of water lines, sewer lines, or fire supply lines to a non residential structure.

Plumbing Permit

A plumbing permit is required for adding or relocating fixtures & piping. This can also include the piping for future use.

Propane Storage Tank

A propane storage tank permit is required for the installation of a residential or non-residential propane storage tank over 125 gallons.

Storage Tank

A storage tank permit is required for the underground or above ground storage of water, gasoline, diesel, fuel oil or other liquids.

TAP Permit

A TAP Permit is required for a single lot connection when a public works agreement has not been executed.

Water/Sewer Connection Permit

A water/Sewer Connection permit is required for the final connection of public utilities to a structure, this includes the installation of the water meter.