Many factors affect the speed with which your application(s) are approved. For best results, it is critical that you carefully review your application and design documents prior to submission to ensure that all necessary documents are included and that the design is compliant with county code. Normally, permits can be issued within 10-15 business days if the application and construction documents are complete, accurate, and code-compliant.

Construction Document Requirements

Submitted documents must contain sufficient information for the plan reviewer to be able to review the proposed construction.

• Important New Requirements: Surveyed Plot plans for New Dwelling Permit applications ( Including Accessory Dwellings) and *NEW*- Requiring Location Surveys

  Effective immediately, all New Dwelling Permit applications must include a plot plan prepared and stamped by a registered surveyor.

  The plot plan must show the entire parcel, drawn to scale, and include at minimum:

  • Location of the proposed structure
  • Measurements from the proposed structure to all property lines
  • For setback requirements:
  • Inside town/city limits: contact the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Outside town/city limits: call 410-386-2980 (Zoning)
  • Location of any existing structures (if applicable)
  • Location of existing/proposed driveway(s)
  • Location of existing/proposed well and/or septic tank and drain fields, with measurements to the proposed structure
  • For details: Carroll County Health Department – 410-876-1884 (press 0)
  • Limits of disturbance (sq. ft.), spot elevations at least 10 ft out on all four sides, corner elevations
  • Must meet Chapter 152.066 for requirements contact Grading and Sediment Control at 410-386-2210
  • The access road name must be shown on the plot plan

  Transition Period: Applications submitted before July 1, 2026, may be accepted without the new plot plan requirement after evaluation. Beginning July 1, 2026, no exceptions will be allowed.

  *NEW*: A Location Survey will be required at time of the foundation inspection.

• ___ Two (2) complete sets of detailed construction plans – drawn to scale – to include:
  • ___ Footing, foundation, and framing plan
  • ___ Floor plan for each level with all rooms labeled with the proposed use and structural details
  • ___ Cross section (1/4 scale), including all framing details
  • ___ Wall section (1/2 scale)
  • ___ Include wall bracing compliance and details
  • ___ Elevations (front, rear and sides)
  • ___ Square footage total (finished and unfinished area(s))
  • ___ Manufacturer installation instructions (for manufactured mobile home only)
  • ___ Seal indicating plans are state-approved (modular dwelling only)
  • ___ Indicate if existing home is sprinklered (addition permits)
  • ___ A current Residential Energy Compliance Form must be submitted with permit application
  • ___ Home Builder’s License Number (for construction/placement of new dwelling by a licensed contractor)
  • ___ Townhouse drawings shall be designed by a Maryland registered architect and are required to be sealed and signed

Inspections

Your new home or addition will require a series of inspections throughout the building process. At a minimum, your project will require the following:

Building Inspections

• Footing
• Foundation
• Draintile
• Slab
• Framing
• Insulation
• Final

Electrical Inspections

• Rough-in
• Service
• Final

Plumbing Inspections

• Ground work
• Rough-in
• Final

Fire Inspections

• Rough-in
• Hydro
• Sprinkler Completion
• Final

Scheduling an Inspection

Fees

Please see Row A of the building permit fee schedule , Row A of the electrical permit fee schedule, Row A of the fire permit fee schedule and Row A of the plumbing permit fee schedule.

Impact fees are separate from permit fees and are meant to offset the burden that new development creates on schools and parks. The fees are levied on building permit applications and must be paid prior to the issuance of the building permit. Please see our page on impact fees.