Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Permits & Inspections
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Permits & Inspections
Permit applications are made on the portal.
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Permits & Inspections
Permit status may be found on the portal.
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Building codes including structural, electrical, plumbing, and other components are designed to help ensure safety. Codes set standards and help builders, homeowners and the community have safe and secure buildings for many generations. When you obtain a permit, you are gaining the benefit of a certified inspector that can offer experience and guidance to help save you time, money and frustration.Permits & Inspections
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Permits & Inspections
The end result of the permitting process is the issuance of the Certificate of Completion. The Certificate of Completion is issued when all final inspections have been approved and the construction has been approved for use. It is sent to the applicant of the Building Permit. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued for new dwelling permits and non-residential permits.
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Permits & Inspections
The Permits & Inspections Department issues electrical, plumbing and gaming licenses. A Business license may be obtained through the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 301-600-1976.
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Permits & Inspections
If your property is not within an Incorporated Town or Frederick City, a permit for a fence is not required, because County Zoning regulations do not require a Zoning Certificate for a fence. Please check with Zoning Administration to confirm setback and height requirements.
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Yes, a permit is required.Permits & Inspections
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Permits & Inspections
Inspection requests are made by email (permits@frederickcountymd.gov) or you may schedule an inspection through the portal at https://planningandpermitting.frederickcountymd.gov/.
The permit number, permit type, kind of inspection, name (and company if applicable) and phone number are required. Requests received prior to 12:00 p.m. will be accommodated the next business day. If the inspector is unable to meet this request, the person that requested the inspection will be notified by phone. Please review the inspection procedures for more detail.
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Permits & Inspections
The inspector will leave an inspection sticker at the site along with a notation and contact information for further questions. You may also check the inspection status on the portal at https://planningandpermitting.frederickcountymd.gov/.
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Permits & Inspections
A Building Permit is required if the shed is 150 square feet (10 ft x 15 ft) or larger. A Zoning Certificate may be required if the shed is less than 150 square feet. If the property is located within an Incorporated Town or Frederick City, contact the town or city office for specific requirements.
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1)all property lines; 2)square footage or acres of property; 3)house location with proposed project; 4)setbacks; 5)property owner name and address; 6)well & septic locations if applicable; 7)driveway location, and; 8)any other existing structures. Contact the Permits Office at 301-600-2313 and select #4 for more specific requirements.Permits & Inspections
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Setbacks are the distances in feet from the proposed structure to the property lines in all directions. If there is a structure between the property line then the distance from the structure is used as the setback.Permits & Inspections
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Permits & Inspections
Redecorating and minor repair jobs such as painting, wallpaper, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work do not require a permit.
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Yes, a building permit is required if the pool depth is at least or greater than 24 inches. A 48 inch barrier is required by code. For more information, please visit the building permit information on swimming pools/hot tubsPermits & Inspections
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Any new plumbing requires a plumbing permit. Any replacement appliance or fixtures that are not "like-kind" (same mechanical and electrical rating as the appliance being replaced) or if the replacement causes piping to be added or moved.Permits & Inspections
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Any new wiring, including low voltage, service work, reintroduction of service, generators, pools/hot tubs, street lighting and illuminated signs require an electrical permit. Replacement of an appliance or a fixture not of the same rating requires an electrical permit.Permits & Inspections
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Burning permits are issued by the Environmental Health Department,301-600-3168.Permits & Inspections
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Check the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) Maryland Home Improvement Commission's webpage.Permits & Inspections
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Permits & Inspections
Impact Fees are required on all new development to cover a proportionate share of the costs for capital facilities necessary to accommodate development impacts on public schools and libraries to ensure adequate public facilities are available in a timely and well-planned manner. More information on this and the fee schedule can be found by visiting the fee website. Contact Permits & Inspections at 301-600-2313 with questions.
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Permits & Inspections
Contact the Small Business Coordinator or Planning & Permitting Ombudsman by completing a contact form online.
FrederickCountyMD.gov/ApplicantSupport
They can assist...
- When you want to open a small business
- If you need help submitting an application
- If you need help navigating the application portal
- Don't know who to contact for help
- Need help understanding processes
- Want someone to review your process timeline
- Need help dealing with a challenging situation
- If you are a property owner and need assistance on a project