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1. When do I need a permit?

Permits are most likely required for the following items.  Prior to doing any work, be sure to check with the Community Development Department in City Hall for permits and guidance.  You and your contractor are held equally responsible to obtain the proper permits and to verify all information.

• Commercial and Residential (New and Alteration) Construction
• Electrical, Plumbing and Utility Work
• Signs
• Water Sewer Connection
• Occupancy Change
• Demolition
• Use of Public Right of Way
• Pools, Porches, Fences, Block or Retaining Walls, Hot Tubs, Sheds, etc.
• Decks or Patios 
• Excavations, etc.

Permits may be obtained by applying through the online portal, Citizenserve.

2. What if I own an historic building?

If your property falls within the locally zoned historic district, you must submit (in addition to any required building or occupancy permits) a Certificate of Appropriateness Permit application for review by the Historic Preservation Commission. This applies to ALL exterior changes to a structure, including painting, additions, alterations, awnings, entrances and doors, porches, fences, siding, signage, window replacement, demolition and new construction. 

The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month, however, to be added to the agenda for consideration, the deadline for applications to be submitted is one week prior (the first Wednesday of the month). Applications can be submitted online (Citizenserve) or at the Community Development department in City Hall.

3. How long does it take to get a permit?

Once an application is submitted to the Community Development department, it could take one to one and a half weeks for a simple permit, but could be longer for something more involved.  If applying for your permit through the online services portal (Citizenserve), you can keep up-to-date by logging in and checking the permit status online.

4. How do I find out where my property lines are located?

To find your property lines, you should begin with checking your deed - it should contain a description (in words) of your property’s boundaries.  If you do not have access to the deed, or the description is not sufficient to follow, you can look at the property survey (also known as a plat) which should show your property lines and measurements.

A final option, if the deed or property survey are not available or are unclear, is to hire a professional surveyor to do a land survey.  They can measure and map your property so you have a clear understanding of your boundaries.  The costs may vary depending on your location and project and you may want to collect estimates from several surveyors to find the one that best suits your needs.  The surveyor does need to be licensed in Maryland and should carry professional liability insurance.

5. What is the zoning for my property?

We have an interactive online zoning map that can help determine what zoning the property falls under.  A Zoning Determination request can also be submitted to the Community Development department (Citizenserve).

6. What are my building setbacks and yard requirements?

These are dependent on the zoning determination, and vary.  The best resource is to check Municode, Chapter 25, Article XI, Section 25-133.

7. May I see the plans approved for my neighbors construction project?

If you wish to view plans or permits for projects, you may do so by visiting the Community Development department in City Hall.