What Permits and Planning Do You Need for a Home Addition in Maryland?

Getting a home addition can save you a lot of money over making a move and allow you to stay in a home you really like or a neighborhood that’s particularly good for your family. But like many things in life, there’s some bureaucracy involved in home additions and some permits and planning permissions. You need to get it done here in Baltimore County, MD. We can help you with all of this.

Permits and Planning for Home Additions in Baltimore County, MD

Baltimore County regulations fall under the authority of the county’s Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) for building permits. Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) also apply to all one- and two-family dwellings, though local amendments are possible.

When Is a Permit Required?

You’ll need a building permit for any addition, alteration, or structural modification that:

• Expands the footprint, height, or an enclosed area of the structure
• Makes structural changes or creates a new bedroom or kitchen.
• Encloses an existing porch or deck into a living space
• Installs certain indoor systems, like a Residential Energy Storage System (ESS)

Minor, non-structural work typically does not require a permit unless you’re in a historic district or on the Landmarks List. But even if you don’t need a permit, all the electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires separate trade permits from licensed professionals, and contractors must hold a valid Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license.

Key Planning Considerations

Before you apply for a permit, verify your property’s zoning district. Zoning controls a lot of things, like your setbacks. These can vary, but typically in Baltimore County residential setbacks need to be 25 feet from the front, with varying distances to the sides and in the rear, depending on your zone and the building height.

Zoning also determines your height limits and some other restrictions, like rules on septic or well systems, environmental protections, or wetland areas. If your addition doesn’t meet standards for your zone, you may need a zoning variance or other special approvals.

Required Documents for a Home Addition

• Completed online application
• Site plan (for additions that affect the exterior)
• Construction plans
• 2021 IECC Residential Energy Efficiency Selection Form (for energy code compliance).
• Proof of MHIC license (if you’re using a contractor).

Other things can be required, depending on your addition. When you plan your addition with us, we can guide you through this process. We are fully insured and bonded, and we have Maryland’s oldest home improvement license number: MHIC # 3. We are also approved contractors for many homeowner associations in the state.

Get Started On Your Dream Addition Today

Talk to us today at Green Solutions Remodeling in Glen Arm online or by phone at 410-356-2525. We’ll set up a time to talk through your project and all the options and provide a written proposal. You get a dedicated project coordinator who will visit your home to review the project, schedule delivery and start dates, and be your personal contact through the entire process.

Tags: additions, permits
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