Construction Permits

BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION PERMIT

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Building Code for Windows and Door – Section 10.52 Paragraph (5)

Window requirements for all structures shall be in accordance with the International Building Code, except all windows and doors shall have Design Pressure Rating (DP) both positive and negative of at least 35 in buildings with a mean roof height equal to or less than 29 feet in height.

Any building with a mean roof height of more than 29 feet in height shall be required to have a minimum Design Pressure Rating (DP) of at least 45.

In addition, all emergency egress or rescue windows from sleeping rooms when applicable must comply with Section 1030 of the IBC 2015 Code and IRC 2015 Code Section R310.

Construction Equipment/Staging Permit Application for Right-of-Way Use and Revised Policy on Use of the City Right-of-Way

Deck, Guardrails and Stairs Safety Inspection Checklist

ALMOST ALL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE TOWN REQUIRE A BUILDING PERMIT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO

Windows and Door Replacements
New or Replacement Shed
New Roof
New Fence
New or Structural Repair to Stairs or Railings
Drywall/Ceiling
Mechanical (HVAC New or Replacement)
Electrical
Sign

New or Structural Repair to Decks/Balconies including Columns, Beams or Joist replacement
Deck Board Replacement
Docks, Piers, Pilings, Boatlifts and Bulkhead
Kitchen and Bath Remodel
New Commercial
New Residential
Development in the Floodplain

How To Apply For A Building Permit

All permit applications (with the exception of plumbing and gas) are to be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off in person. Click on the application below and submit it with all necessary plans and specifications.

New Construction

Sign Permit Application

alterations, repairs, mechanical, electrical, etc.

b. Depending on the type of job, you may need additional information:

i. Six (6) copies of the building plans and material specifications as required.

ii. Two (2) copies of a site plan for project that changes or adds to the footprint of a building, includes additions, fences, decks, walkways, patios, sheds, and new/replacement HVAC units

iii. HVAC permit applications need load calculations for new and replacement units.

c. Payment must be submitted at the time of application. The Town of Ocean City receipts cash, check or credit.
Permit Fees

d. Proof of Maryland Home Improvement Contractors License (MHIC), Ocean City Business License, Plumbers License, HVACR License and/or Electricians License as required.

2. Online Building Permit Submittal

a. Please call the Building Department at 410-289-8854 if you have any questions regarding online building permits.

3. Drop Off Permit Applications:

Plumbing Only	Window/Door replacement with Manufacturer’s data
Electrical Only	Fence with Site Plan
Mechanical Only with Site Plan and Load Calculations	Siding with Manufacturer’s data
Roofing/Shingle Replacement with Manufacturer’s data	EIFS Exterior Finish System with Manufacturer data

4. Walk-ins – Monday from 9:00am to 11:00am for HOME OWNERS ONLY

Electrical Only	Window/Door Replacement with Manufacturer’s data
Mechanical Only with Site Plan and Load Calculations	Siding Replacement
Roofing/Shingle Replacement with Manufacturer’s data	Deck Board Replacement

Incomplete applications or incomplete plans received from building professionals including contractors, engineers and architects will not be accepted for review under any circumstances.

Additional internal and/or external agency approvals may be required. Please call 410-289-8854 if you have any questions regarding the permit process or you may contact the department below.

Zoning Dept 410-289-8844

Critical Areas /Stormwater 410-289-8825

Fire Marshal Office 410-289-8780

Plumbing Department 410-524-6763

Plumbing Associate 410-289-8713

Drop-off permits are generally processed within 5 working days. Processing time for all other permits will vary depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the plans and specifications. The key to a quicker permit turn-around is to have a complete, correct, and detailed set of plans.

Once a building permit is approved:

You must pick up the permit in the Planning and Zoning Office, Monday through Friday, between 8 AM and 5 PM.
You must display your permit on the job site.
You must schedule inspections throughout the building process.
HVAC and Electrical reviews and inspections are performed by a third party inspection agency. Click the link for a list of approved agencies

Approved Third Party Inspection Agencies

If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, please call us at 410-289-8855.