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?
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.