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

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. Homeowners undertaking their own project need to complete an Affirmation of Homeowner.

iv. 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

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:

1. You must pick up the permit in the Planning and Zoning Office, Monday through Friday, between 8 AM and 5 PM.
2. You must display your permit on the job site.
3. You must schedule inspections throughout the building process.

HVAC and Electrical Third Party Agency Info.

No Permit Required For The Following

Building:

• Non-Structural repairs up to $5,000 in total value that do not alter the size, shape, bulk or floor plan (valuation based on fair market labor and materials)

• Most painting, wallpapering, tiling, and carpeting.

• Repairs to cabinets, counter tops or similar finish work.

• Repair of cracked or broken windows.

• Repairs of existing parking lots or driveways.

• Repairs to swing sets or other playground equipment accessory at a single family dwelling.

• Roof repair or roof shingle repair.

Electrical:

• Minor repair work including replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Mechanical:

• Portable heating, ventilating or cooling appliances.

• Piping within a heating or cooling appliance.

• Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.

Plumbing:

• Stoppage of leaks provided the defect does not require the removal and replacement with new material.

• The clearing of stoppages.

• The repairing of leaks in valves or fixtures.

• The removing and reinstallation of a water closet for a cleanout opening provided the reinstallation does not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or new fixtures.

• Removal and replacement, or repair of existing domestic/residential lavatory faucets, domestic/residential kitchen faucets, domestic/residential laundry tray faucets and shower heads provided such replacement does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of any portion of the drainage and venting plumbing system, valves, water pipes, backflow devices or traps.

• Removal and replacement, or repair of existing domestic/residential clothes washing machines, domestic/residential food waste grinder (garbage disposals), and domestic/residential dish washers provided such replacement does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of any portion of the drainage and venting plumbing system, valves, water pipes, backflow devices or traps.

• Removal and replacement, or repair of existing domestic/residential electric water heaters and domestic/residential electric tankless water heaters provided such replacement does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of any portion of the drainage and venting plumbing system, valves, water pipes, backflow devices or traps.

Exemption from obtaining a permit is not an authorization for any work to be performed in violation of City Code. Although, a permit may not be required for work, other approvals may be necessary.

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