Before you build your deck, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your local laws and regulations regarding home construction.

Here are some answers to common questions regarding permits and construction in Maryland.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Patio in Maryland?

Do I Need a Permit?

It’s fairly typical that a building permit will be required by your state when having major housing additions built.

A great first step in your deck building plans is to check with local regulations to ensure that your dream deck can legally be built on your property. Although there are state regulations, codes will differ from county to county. In Baltimore County, for example, a building permit is required for:

  • Decks greater than 16 inches above the lowest grade
  • Decks that exceed 120 square feet
  • All accessory structures located in a flood zone
  • All accessory structures located in historic districts
  • Enclosing of open porches or decks
  • Change of use of structure
    ….among many others.

How Do I Get a Permit?

Maryland has a Department of Permitting Services that will review your deck plans and designs, conduct inspections and surveys, and are the ones who will ultimately decide whether to approve or deny your deck build.

Most of the time, you can find a building permit application on your county’s official website.

Here are links to building codes of and permit applications for some Maryland counties:

Baltimore County
Anne Arundel County
Calvert County
Howard County
Montgomery County

What About My HOA?

In addition to your county and state, your neighborhood’s homeowner’s association will likely have rules of their own.

Your HOA’s rules can override county or state statutes as well, so if you have an HOA, it’s best to start with them and make your way up. In the very early stages of your deck designing phase, schedule to meet with an HOA representative or board member in order to discuss what your deck plans include. If you’re lucky, there won’t be many restrictions and you will have minimal guidelines to comply with.

Save yourself the hassle and let a professional deck builder handle the building permit for you!
North American Deck and Patio, LLC is a Maryland deck and patio contractor located in Crofton, Maryland. We have over 25 years of experience designing and building custom decks, porches, patios, fencing, and more. Contact our professionals today to request a free consultation.

Why Choose North American Deck and Patio

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Our 30+ years of experience and accumulated knowledge sets us apart from our competitors. We have designed and worked on a variety of different landscaping projects each customized to fit the needs of the customer. Our expertise allows us to ensure that you get exactly what you want – and we’ll even back it up with a warranty.

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North American Deck and Patio is the Reliable Maryland Deck and Patio Company delivering consistent results guaranteed by an honest warranty.

Thousands of Happy Customers

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross

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View Areas Served

Anne Arundel County Deck and Patio: Annapolis (21401, 21403, 21409), Arnold (21012), Crofton (21114), Crownsville (21032), Gambrills (21054), Glen Burnie (21060, 21061), Hanover (21076), Jessup (20794), Pasadena (21122), Severn (21144), Severna Park (21146).

Baltimore County Deck and Patio: Arbutus (21227), Catonsville (21228, 21250), Cockeysville (21030, 21031, 21065), Dundalk (21222), Edgemere (21219), Essex (21221), Garrison (21055), Lansdowne (21227), Lochearn (21207), Lutherville (21093), Middle River (21220), Milford Mill (21244), Overlea (21236), Owings Mills (21117), Parkville (21234), Park Heights (21215), Pikesville (21208), Randallstown (21133), Reisterstown (21136), Rosedale (21237), Timonium (21093), Towson (21204), White Marsh (21162), Woodlawn (21207), and more.

Calvert County Deck and Patio: Dunkirk (20754), Chesapeake Beach (20732), North Beach (20714), Prince Frederick (20678), Owings (20736), Solomons (20688).

Howard County Deck and Patio: Clarksville (21029), Columbia (21044), Cooksville (21723), Dorsey (21075), Elkridge (21075), Ellicott City (21043), Fulton (20759), Glenelg (21737), Glenwood (21738), Granite (21163), Hanover (21076), Highland (20777), Jessup (20794), Lisbon (21765), Marriottsville (21104), North Laurel (20723), West Friendship (21794), Woodbine (21797), Woodstock (21163), and more.

Montgomery County Deck and Patio: Olney (20832), Damascus (20872), Laytonsville (20882), Silver Spring (20910), Clarksburg (20871), Gaithersburg (20878), Germantown (20876), Bethesda (20816), Chevy Chase (20815), and more.

Prince George's County Deck and Patio: Bowie (20715, 20716, 20720, 20721), Beltsville (20705), Adelphi (20783), College Park (20740,20742), Greenbelt (25689), Hyattsville (20781, 20782, 20783, 20784), Landover (20785), Laurel (20707, 20723), Springdale (20774), Upper Marlboro (20772, 20774), Woodlawn (21207).

St. Marys County Deck and Patio: Leonardtown (20650), Mechanicsville (20659), Lexington Park (20653), Piney Point (20674), Tall Timbers (20690)

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