Shed Permits in MD: The Ultimate Guide

Obtaining shed permits in MD requires reaching out to your local building department or relevant authority. The specific requirements and application process may vary slightly based on your city or county. It’s important to note that there are size limitations for constructing a shed without a permit in Maryland, which can differ depending on local regulations (see our table for links to local governments). 

Generally, smaller sheds referred to as “accessory structures” may not require a permit if they are under a specific size threshold. However, to ensure compliance and avoid any potential violations, it’s crucial to verify the exact size limitations with your local authorities. If you’re in the market for a shed for sale in MD, be sure to follow the proper permitting process to ensure a smooth and compliant construction.

Do you need a permit for a shed in MD?

In Maryland, if you wish to have a shed in your garden or backyard, you are usually required to obtain a permit for its construction. However, in many counties and cities within Maryland, if your shed’s dimensions are 150 square feet or less, you do not need to acquire a shed permit. But we have made the process easy for you to check your specific city or county regulations. Simply view our table of relevant links, and get your answers!

For an overview of Maryland’s building codes, check out the Maryland government page. 

Do I need a shed permit in Montgomery County, MD? 

Yes, a permit is required for any size shed in Montgomery County, MD. 

Do I need a shed permit in Baltimore, MD?

Yes, if your shed is larger than 120 square feet, then a building permit is required for your shed. 

Do I need a shed permit in Prince George’s County, MD?

Yes, if your shed is larger than 150 square feet, you need to get a permit in Prince George’s County before starting construction. 

Do I need a shed permit in Howard County, MD? 

In short, yes. If your shed is larger than 200 square feet in Howard County, a permit is needed. For more information, look at Howard County’s government website. 

Where do I get a shed permit in MD?

There are three ways to apply for a shed permit in Maryland: applying online, in person, or via email. Regardless of the chosen method, you will need to fill out the application and wait for a response after making the necessary fee payment for your structure.

It’s essential to apply to the specific city or county where you reside in Maryland since each jurisdiction has different regulations and processes for obtaining a shed permit. These variations mean that you might need to follow different procedures to secure the permit for your shed, depending on the location. Find your local government page through our table of links.

What is the penalty if you don’t get a shed permit in MD?

Constructing a shed without obtaining the necessary permits can lead to various repercussions. 

• You may face fines and penalties imposed by local authorities for non-compliance. 
• The lack of a permit could result in a lien being placed on your property, causing potential complications when trying to sell or refinance your home. 
• Apart from legal issues, there are practical concerns as well, such as the risk of structural failure if the shed is not built to code. 
• If your property is part of a homeowner’s association, you may also face penalties from the HOA for violating their rules and guidelines. 

For more information, browse our table of links to local government building codes.

How much does a shed permit cost in Maryland?

Generally speaking, permit fees for sheds will cost around $50-$60. However, some areas (like Dorchester County) charge a fee per square footage. For example, if your shed is 200 square feet and your county charges $0.20 per square foot, you will pay $40 (unless they have a minimum fee amount of $50). Of course, the exact cost of a shed permit in Maryland can vary depending on the specific city or county where you are located (see our table of links).

How long does it take to get a shed permit in MD?

The approximate time it takes to get a shed permit in Maryland is 6-17 business days. The process and timeline for obtaining permits are usually set by local government regulations, and it can differ from one jurisdiction to another. For instance, in Maryland’s Montgomery County, obtaining a permit for multi-story sheds or those larger than 200 square feet involves a regular review process. These sheds may require extra inspections for footing and framing, along with the final inspection. Overall, this process can take 17 days, if a well-detailed document is submitted. 

What’s the Biggest Shed I can Have without Planning Permission in MD?

In most Maryland’s counties and cities, you can have a shed up to 150 square feet in size without requiring planning permission. However, for sheds larger than 150 square feet, a building permit is necessary before starting any construction. Depending on the shed’s features and intended use, you may also need to obtain additional permits for electrical and plumbing work. For more specific local information, check out our table of links to MD cities and counties.

How Long is a Shed Permit Valid in Maryland?

The validity period of a shed permit in Maryland can vary depending on the specific city or county where the permit is issued. Generally, shed permits are issued for a limited duration, which can range from six months to one year. Some jurisdictions might offer longer permit durations, but it’s essential to check the regulations of your local area to determine the exact validity period.

Shed permit requirements in the largest cities in Maryland

Browse our table to find out more about shed permits in MD, on the local government level. 

Shed Permit Requirements in Maryland Counties

Browse our table to find out more about shed permits in MD, at your local government level. 

Closing

Shed permitting is important in the process of getting your shed, and while it can be confusing, we trust this article helped answer your questions. You can also check out NJ’s shed permit guide, CT’s shed permit guide, NY’s shed permit manual, or MD’s guide to garage permits.

If you need help choosing the right shed, consider these 5 key points in buying a shed. Then, check out many styles of sheds, including Workshop, Maxibarn, or Modern models.