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Garage Permits in MD: The Complete Guide
As a resident of Maryland, it’s your responsibility to receive all the needed permits for your future garage before you begin building. But honestly, the whole process is not nearly as daunting as you may have imagined! In fact, we’re here to guide you through the process by answering many of your questions about permits.
Building codes and requirements vary by municipality. So, we’ve also created a table with links to the most populated areas. Click on your city name in the table to quickly find answers to your local permit questions.
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Do I Need a Permit to Build a Garage in MD?
In almost every case, yes. All attached garages in MD must obtain a residential building permit before construction begins. While detached garages almost always require a building permit, there are a few areas of Maryland that have exceptions. For example, Worcester County does not require a building permit for accessory structures that are less than 500 square feet.
In most areas of Maryland, you will be required to have your garage inspected after you have received the needed permits.
Of course, you should always contact your local government. We have made this process easy for you by adding a table of links to specific cities and states, which provide additional garage permit details and information. Or, you can browse Maryland’s government page.
Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Garage in MD?
Yes. In Maryland, running electricity to a garage typically requires an electrical permit.
The state adopts the Maryland Building Performance Standards, which include the National Electrical Code. These standards require that most electrical work, including installing new circuits or wiring to a detached or attached garage, be permitted and inspected by the local jurisdiction.
Because permits are issued at the county or municipal level, you’ll need to apply through your local permitting office before starting work.
What Happens If I Build A Garage Without A Permit?
Building a garage without a permit is considered a code violation in Maryland and can lead to several consequences, such as:
- Fines or civil penalties may be issued by the local jurisdiction
- A stop-work order can halt construction until proper permits are obtained
- You may be required to apply for permits after the fact, often with additional fees
- Inspectors can require you to open, modify, or remove work that doesn’t meet code
- Final approval may be delayed until the structure fully complies with building and electrical standards
In short, skipping the permit process can lead to added costs, delays, and required corrections before your garage can be legally approved. But once you have your permit, you can focus on creating the garage that’s perfect for your lifestyle.
What Customizations Can I Add To My Garage In MD?
You can customize your garage in various ways, but most upgrades must comply with Maryland’s local building codes and zoning regulations. While design flexibility is common, certain features may require additional permits or approvals depending on your location.
Some of the most popular garage customizations include:
- Electrical wiring and lighting for outlets, overhead lights, or workshop use
- Windows and doors for added natural light and accessibility
- Insulation and interior finishes to improve comfort and usability
- Loft or attic storage for maximizing space
- Heating or cooling systems for year-round use
- Exterior upgrades like siding, roofing materials, and color choices to match your home
Keep in mind that structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing additions typically require separate permits and inspections. Zoning rules may also affect things like garage size, height, and placement on your property.
Before finalizing your design, it’s always best to check with your local building department to confirm which customizations are allowed and what permits may be required.
Garage Permit Requirements For Cities in Maryland
Do I Need A Building Permit In Annapolis, MD?
Maybe. A building permit is only required in Annapolis if your detached garage or accessory building exceeds 200 square feet, though a zoning certificate is required regardless of size.
- Permit Threshold: A building permit is required for any detached accessory structure over 200 sq. ft.
- Zoning Review: All structures, including those under 200 sq. ft., require a Zoning Certificate to verify setbacks and lot coverage.
- Setbacks: Detached garages must be in the rear or side yard. Minimum setbacks are typically 3 to 5 feet from property lines.
- Foundation: Structures over 200 sq. ft. require a permanent foundation with footings extending 30 inches deep.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Aspen Hill, MD?
Maybe. In Aspen Hill, you generally do not need a building permit for a detached garage 200 square feet or less and under 15 feet tall, but larger structures always require one.
- Permit Threshold: Building permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Height Limit: Structures must not exceed 15 feet in height to qualify for the permit exemption.
- Setbacks: In most residential zones (R-60, R-90), garages must be in the rear yard and set back at least 5 feet from side and rear lines.
- Foundation: Any garage on a permanent concrete slab requires a permit regardless of square footage.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Baltimore City
Yes. Baltimore City requires permits for any structure over 120 square feet, so virtually any standard-sized garage will require a full building permit.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for any accessory structure greater than 120 sq. ft.
- Height Limit: Exempt structures must be 10 feet or less in mean height.
- Setbacks: Accessory buildings must be in the rear yard and maintain a 3-foot setback from property lines.
- Fire Safety: Any garage attached to a dwelling requires a permit and a 1-hour fire-rated wall between the garage and house.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Bel Air
Yes. While Harford County exempts structures under 200 square feet from building permits, the Town of Bel Air specifically requires a Zoning Permit for accessory buildings of any size.
- Permit Threshold: Harford County requires a building permit for structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Zoning: The Town of Bel Air requires a Zoning Permit for all structures, even those under 200 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: Minimum setbacks for accessory buildings in Bel Air are typically 5 to 10 feet from side and rear lines.
- Size Limit: Accessory buildings cannot exceed 50% of the habitable space of the main house.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Town of Bel Air Planning Department and the Harford County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Bethesda
Maybe. A building permit in Bethesda is triggered once a detached accessory structure exceeds 200 square feet in floor area or 15 feet in height.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Height Limit: Exemption applies only if the building is 15 feet tall or less.
- Zoning: Must comply with Article 59 of the County Code; garages must be behind the front building line of the house.
- Note: Properties in “Special Protection Areas” may have additional lot coverage limits.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Bowie, MD?
Yes. Since Prince George’s County sets the permit threshold at a low 150 square feet, nearly all residential garage projects in Bowie will require a permit.
- Permit Threshold: PG County requires a building permit for any shed or garage over 150 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: Must be at least 2 feet from side and rear property lines if the lot is under 1 acre; larger lots require greater distances.
- Application: All residential building permits must be submitted through the DPIE Momentum Portal.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Catonsville, MD?
Yes. Baltimore County mandates a building permit for any accessory structure larger than 120 square feet, making it a requirement for almost all garage builds in Catonsville.
- Permit Threshold: A building permit is required for any accessory structure greater than 120 sq. ft.
- Height Limit: Detached garages are limited to a maximum height of 15 feet.
- Setbacks: Must be located 2.5 feet from side/rear lines. If closer than 5 feet, a one-hour fire-rated safety wall is required.
- Foundation: Structures larger than 400 sq. ft. require frost-line footings.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Columbia, MD?
Maybe. You will likely need a Howard County building permit for your Columbia garage unless the structure is 200 square feet or less and meets all local association covenants.
- Permit Threshold: Building permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: Standard setbacks for detached garages are 10 feet from the side and 20 feet from the rear.
- Height: Limited to 15 feet in height for most residential zones.
- Note: Properties are often subject to Columbia Association (CA) architectural covenants.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Dundalk, MD?
Yes. In Dundalk, a permit is required for structures over 120 square feet, and additional environmental permits may be necessary due to proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for any accessory structure greater than 120 sq. ft.
- Critical Area: Properties near the shoreline may require a permit regardless of size due to Chesapeake Bay Critical Area runoff regulations.
- Yard Rules: Accessory structures cannot occupy more than 40% of the rear yard.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Ellicott City, MD?
Maybe. Howard County permits are required for Ellicott City garages over 200 square feet, but you must also ensure the project complies with historic district or slope-protection rules.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Foundation: Footings must be 30 inches deep for structures over 400 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: Structures must be behind the rear foundation line of the house unless a variance is obtained.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Essex, MD?
Yes. Standard garages in Essex exceed the Baltimore County 120-square-foot exemption limit and require a permit, often including a critical area review.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for any accessory structure greater than 120 sq. ft.
- Critical Area: Strict lot-coverage limits apply. Site plans must show “impervious surfaces” to ensure Bay protection compliance.
- Setbacks: 2.5 feet from property lines; 15-foot setback from the centerline of any adjacent alley.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Frederick, MD?
Yes. The City of Frederick generally requires a building permit for all new residential garages to ensure compliance with local land management and safety codes.
- Permit Threshold: A building permit is required for all new residential garages, attached or detached.
- Setbacks: If detached (6+ feet from house), must be 3 feet from side/rear lines. If on an alley, it must be 6 feet from the alley line.
- Foundation: Footing inspections are mandatory prior to pouring concrete.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the City of Frederick Department of Planning and Zoning directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Gaithersburg, MD?
Yes. Gaithersburg is one of the few jurisdictions that requires a permit for all residential garages, regardless of size, to verify fire safety and structural standards.
- Permit Threshold: A Residential Garage Permit is required for all new residential garages, regardless of size.
- Fire Separation: Attached garages must have 1/2” Type X drywall on walls and 5/8” Type X on ceilings shared with the house.
- Contractor: Work must be performed by an MHIC-licensed contractor or by the homeowner.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the City of Gaithersburg Planning and Code Administration directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Germantown, MD?
Maybe. A permit is required in Germantown if the garage exceeds 200 square feet, though you must also account for Montgomery County’s strict tree protection laws.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Tree Protection: Construction must comply with Roadside Tree Protection rules (COMCOR 08.26.02).
- Setbacks: Usually 5 feet from the rear and side lines for detached accessory buildings.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Glen Burnie, MD?
Maybe. In Glen Burnie, a building permit is only required for detached garages over 200 square feet, but zoning approval is mandatory for all accessory structures.
- Permit Threshold: Building permits are required for any garage or accessory structure over 200 sq. ft.
- Yard Location: Accessory structures are prohibited in the front yard.
- Setbacks: Minimum side and rear setbacks are typically 7 feet for suburban residential lots.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact theAnne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Hagerstown, MD?
Yes. Because Hagerstown requires a permit for any structure over 100 square feet, almost every garage project in the city will require official approval.
- Permit Threshold: Sheds and garages over 100 sq. ft. require a building permit.
- Foundation: Structures over 170 sq. ft. require a 30-inch deep frost-protected foundation.
- Setbacks: 4 feet from side property lines and 5 feet from the rear.
- Size Limit: A residential garage cannot exceed 900 sq. ft. in area.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the City of Hagerstown Planning and Code Administration directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In North Bethesda
Maybe. In North Bethesda, a building permit is necessary for any detached garage that is larger than 200 square feet or taller than 15 feet.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Code Standard: Follows the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted by the county.
- Setbacks: Accessory buildings must be set back from the side street at least as far as the principal building.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Odenton, MD?
Maybe. Anne Arundel County requires a permit for Odenton garages over 200 square feet, but smaller structures still require a “Zoning Only” review.
- Permit Threshold: Building permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: In most districts, the structure must be 3 feet from other buildings and 7 feet from property lines.
- Height: Detached accessory structures are limited to 15 feet in height.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Potomac, MD?
Maybe. While a building permit is only required for structures over 200 square feet, the large-scale garages typical in Potomac almost always exceed this threshold.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: Due to RE-1 and RE-2 zoning, side and rear setbacks can range from 10 to 15 feet.
- Impervious Surface: Strict limits apply to the total percentage of the lot covered by roofs and pavement.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Rockville, MD?
Yes. The City of Rockville requires a building permit for any garage or accessory structure with a floor area exceeding 150 square feet.
- Permit Threshold: Building permits are required for all garages and any accessory structure exceeding 150 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: Must be in the rear yard. Side and rear setbacks are typically 5 to 8 feet.
- Height: Maximum height for a detached garage is 15 feet.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the City of Rockville Planning and Development Services directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Severn, MD?
Maybe. Building permits are required for Severn garages over 200 square feet, but anything smaller still requires a zoning review to protect local septic systems.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Zoning Review: Structures under 200 sq. ft. require a Zoning Only permit to protect septic systems and easements.
- Application: Use the Land Use Navigator online system for all submissions.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Silver Spring, MD?
Maybe. In Silver Spring, you are exempt from a building permit only if your detached garage is 200 square feet or less and meets all height and setback rules.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Urban Districts: Silver Spring properties may have specific lot coverage rules within the Silver Spring Enterprise Zone.
- Height: Structures must stay under 15 feet to avoid variance hearings.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Towson, MD?
Yes. Most garages in Towson require a permit because Baltimore County’s exemption limit is a low 120 square feet of floor area.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for any accessory structure greater than 120 sq. ft.
- Yard Coverage: Accessory structures cannot occupy more than 40% of the rear yard area.
- Setbacks: 2.5 feet from property lines. Corner lots have additional side-street setback requirements.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Waldorf, MD?
Maybe. Charles County requires a building permit for Waldorf garages over 200 square feet, though a zoning permit is mandatory regardless of the building’s size.
- Permit Threshold: Building permits are required for structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Size Limit: Garage area cannot exceed 50% of the gross floor area of the house or 1,000 sq. ft.
- Setbacks: Must be at least 6 feet from side or rear property lines and 6 feet from the primary dwelling.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management directly.
Do I Need A Building Permit In Wheaton, MD?
Maybe. In Wheaton, you will need a building permit if your garage is larger than 200 square feet, and you must also comply with Montgomery County’s tree canopy regulations.
- Permit Threshold: Permits are required for accessory structures over 200 sq. ft.
- Tree Canopy: Construction must comply with the Montgomery County Tree Canopy Law.
- Setbacks: Typically 5 feet from side and rear lines; must be located behind the front line of the house.
For exact setback distances, lot coverage limits, and permit application requirements specific to your zoning district, contact the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) directly.
Next Steps for Your Garage Project
Before you begin building, it’s important to understand a few key requirements that can impact your garage project in Maryland:
Permit Exemptions:
Some small accessory structures (typically 120–200 sq. ft.) may not require a building permit, but this varies by location. A zoning permit is often still required.
Foundation Requirements:
Garages generally need footings below the frost line (commonly around 30 inches in Maryland), though exact specs depend on local codes.
Critical Area Limits:
Properties within 1,000 feet of the Chesapeake Bay or tidal waters may face stricter lot coverage rules and additional approvals.
HOA Considerations:
If you’re in an HOA, approval may be required. While not always tied to permitting, skipping it can lead to issues later.
Before You Build:
- Confirm local requirements (permits, setbacks, zoning)
- Check for easements (utilities, septic, wells)
- Secure all permits first to avoid delays or penalties
At Sheds Unlimited, we help simplify the process so you can move forward with confidence. Once your permits are in place, we’ll help you design a garage that fits your needs and your property.
Ready to get started? Let’s bring your Maryland garage project to life!
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customer reviews
See what our past customers have to say about us! (You can also check our third-party Google reviews and Facebook reviews.)
My experience from Sheds Unlimited was great. The website is very professional and informative. Working with Ryan to get our shed exactly how we wanted it was a pleasure and painless. Communication from the office
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My experience from Sheds Unlimited was great. The website is very professional and informative. Working with Ryan to get our shed exactly how we wanted it was a pleasure and painless. Communication from the office about build schedule and delivery was spot-on. Upon delivery Nate was great. He was very informative about the shed and meticulous on moving it to its location. Once he set the shed he asked us if we liked the location. We checked it and wanted it 3″ closer to the house. He was very happy to nudge it over and he saw how happy we were with it. It was a great experience from a great company. This is the only company to purchase a shed from. In the near future we are looking to have a garage installed and it will be from Sheds Unlimited. Thank You!!!
JNB
Sweetwater NJ
February 5, 2026
Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I
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Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I truly doubted they would be able to deliver our 12’ X 14’ shed. They committed to delivery after reviewing pictures of our narrow street and steep hillside yard. Nate is a master equipment operator. He had our shed sitting perfectly level on our pad about 30 minutes after arrival. I was amazed by what he could with their specialized equipment. Fantastic work Sheds Unlimited!!
Matt
Duncannon, PA
August 12, 2024
What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua
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What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua and Leroy) was awesome! I could not say enough good things about Sheds Unlimited, I highly recommend them!
Jonathan Golding
Howell, NJ
September 12, 2023
I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web
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I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web and calling him without being referred by someone. I’m not kidding, this is how the building contractor experience is right now in New England. My web searches always turned up Sheds Unlimited and I saw that they had stories from folks in New England who had used them to build garages even though they are in Pennsylvania. I decided to go through the quote process. There was a similar shed & garage company closer to my home in New England so I got quotes from both of them for similar garages. The New England company quoted me a number that was 2 1/2 times higher than Sheds Unlimited quote. I decided to go with Sheds Unlimited. I worked with Sergey in sales over many emails on exactly what I wanted. There was never a moment when he seemed bothered or impatient by my questions and my changes. Everything was possible and everything had a clear dollar amount, the sale never felt rushed. I finally decided on a design and paid the deposit. The local permit process went smoothly with the plans I purchased from Sheds Unlimited. The process of getting a foundation and pad from a local contractor was probably the most difficult part of the process. Contractors that do concrete work, are used to working with builders, not private homeowners. But I found a guy and gave him the plan and I eventually got a nice pad and foundation. I told Michael from Sheds Unlimited the pad was ready and I expected to wait 10+ weeks since it was now summertime. I got the call only 5 weeks later from Gideon the project manager that they were ready. On the scheduled day Nathan and his crew of 3 young, hard working Amish carpenters arrived and discovered that my driveway was the worst-case scenario. They could not get their very long and heavy trailer up our driveway due to the tightness of the turn and narrowness of the driveway. So they had to unload everything from the trailer at the road to my build site which is about 900 feet from the public road. They dealt with local vehicle traffic, and unhelpful local police. The young crew had to run back and forth the 900 feet to walk alongside the forklift to make sure the preconstructed structural members did not swing into trees. Not once did they show any frustration or anger. Nathan was still positive and smiling when I talked with him about it later. So after all this arrival difficulty, when they finally starting constructing the garage, it went up incredibly fast. Every worker knew their part. There was no question about what they should be doing. They practically got the whole 2-story 2 car garage up in one day even after the delay from the driveway issues. They only stopped for the day when torrential rain finally started. They showed up at 5:30 AM the next day and finished the job. I can’t say enough great things about what I witnessed with this construction crew. Like I said, I have never seen anything like them in 26 years of hiring various contractors for home projects.
If you are considering a garage or shed, don’t even think twice. Contact Sheds Unlimited today. I guarantee you have never worked with any company as satisfying as them.
If you are considering a garage or shed, don’t even think twice. Contact Sheds Unlimited today. I guarantee you have never worked with any company as satisfying as them.
Eric C.
Eliot, ME
August 15, 2023