As a resident of Maryland, it’s your responsibility to receive all the needed permits for your future garage before you begin building. But honestly, the whole process is not nearly as daunting as you may have imagined! In fact, we are here to guide you through the process by answering many questions regarding permits.
As always, building codes and requirements vary on the city and county level. So, we decided to relieve your headache and created a table with links to the most populated cities and counties. Simply jump ahead to our table and find answers to your local permit questions.
If you are on the look-out for a new garage, at Shed’s Unlimited we allow you to fully customize your future garage to meet all of your needs.
Alrighty, let’s move on to permitting answers!
Table of Contents
In almost every case, yes! All attached garages in MD must obtain a residential building permit prior to beginning construction. While detached garages almost always require a building permit, there are a few areas of Maryland that have exceptions. For example, Worcester County does not require a building permit for accessory structures that are less than 500 square feet.
In most areas of Maryland, you will be required to have your garage inspected after you have received your needed permits.
Of course, you should always contact your local government. We have made this process easy for you by adding a table of links to specific cities and states which provide additional garage permit details and information. Or, you can browse Maryland’s government page.
Usually, no. Generally, when you receive your garage permits in MD, you also get zoning approval at the same time. However, there are a few areas of Maryland that require zoning permits for detached garages that do not need building permits. For example, Worcester County enforces zoning permits for detached garages less than 500 square feet (since they do not require a building permit). We recommend contacting your local government to understand zoning requirements for your garage.
Yes, all attached and detached garages in Carroll County, MD require a building permit. If your project involves electrical or plumbing work, separate permits for those aspects are also necessary.
After you have received your building permits, a thorough inspection will be required, covering the following items:
You can access your permit application here.
Yes. If you plan to build a detached garage in Montgomery County, then you will need to get a building permit.
Additionally, if you want to add an attached garage, you will need a building permit which would be classified as an “add/alter permit.” If you decide to make your garage space livable, you must follow the guidelines for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
In short, yes. Whether you are wanting to add an attached or detached garage, a building permit will be needed in Prince George’s County, MD. It’s important to note that your garage will also require inspection as part of the process.
In most cases, yes, you will need a garage permit in Howards County, MD. If your detached garage is smaller than 200 square feet, a permit is not necessary. In reality, most garages are easily larger than 200 square feet. However, if you are considering constructing an attached garage, then you will need to get a building permit.
Find your garage permit application here.
Yes. In Baltimore, Maryland, every garage (whether attached or detached) needs a building permit. To obtain the permit for your attached garage, you need to submit site plans. And, If your attached garage is larger than 600 square feet, you’ll also need detailed construction plans.
For small detached garages (under 600 square feet), submitting site plans is necessary when applying for the permit. However, if your detached garage is over 1,000 square feet, you’ll need both site plans and detailed construction plans for the permit application.
Typically, it can take anywhere from 6-15 business days to receive your garage permit in MD. While most regions of Maryland provide garage permits after 2-3 weeks, some areas (like Charles County), tend to deliver garage permits in as little as six days.
Overall, the requirements for a garage permit in MD can vary across the county and city level. We have uploaded some items found from different local government websites throughout Maryland. Of course, you will want to contact your local jurisdiction to ensure you have all of the needed details.
But for now, you can get a rough idea through this list:
The overall price for garage permits in MD vary considerably. There are three ways that fees are charged:
Some areas of Maryland have set fees for permits. For instance, the city of Laurel charges a flat $125 to obtain a garage permit.
On the flip side, other cities and counties within Maryland charge based on the overall square footage of the garage you are planning to construct. To illustrate, building an attached garage in the city of Rockville will cost you $0.23 per square foot. So, if you plan to build a 20×20 garage, you will be paying $92 for your building permit.
In yet other scenarios, building permit fees are based on the estimated value of your garage. In Anne Arundel County, you will be charged $140 if your garage will cost more than $25,000 (and $0.007 times the estimated cost above $25,000).
Check with your local government to understand more about costs of garage permits.
Generally, your garage permit is valid for 180 days (or six months) in MD. However, many areas of Maryland will allow you to apply for an extension, if needed. Once again, check with your local government to find out the specifics of your permit validity, since it can vary by location.
In most cities and counties within MD, you can conveniently obtain and complete garage permits online. Interestingly, electronic permits are the only option in Carroll County. However, some jurisdictions do offer the option to submit building permit applications in person or through email. Of course, it is best to check out your local government’s standard procedures.
The answer to this question is nuanced. Here are few tips to consider:
If you fail to obtain your garage permits before beginning construction, you are at risk of being penalized.
To understand your local government’s penalties, see our table of links.
We get it. Garages serve various purposes, such as being converted into living spaces on either the upper or lower levels. However, before you complete the area and start living there, it’s necessary to obtain a certificate of occupancy from your local government.
To ensure you have the correct information about the requirements, we recommend consulting our tables, which provide links to the websites of your local government.
Take a look at our table to find out more about garage codes in MD, on the county level.
| Aberdeen | https://alleganygov.org/250/Which-Projects-Need-a-Land-Use-Permit |
| Annapolis | https://www.annapolis.gov/1064/Building-Permit-Information |
| Baltimore | https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/pai/application/accessory-structure |
| Bladensburg | https://bladensburgmd.gov/government/documents___reports.php#outer-7 |
| Bowie | https://www.cityofbowie.org/116/Building-Permits#:~:text=restrictions%20may%20apply)-,Garage%20conversions,-New%20homes |
| Brunswick | https://brunswickmd.gov/index.asp?SEC=%7B0058AD2F-30B7-4982-9067-B77D487D7AEE%7D&Type=B_BASIC&persistdesign=none |
| Cambridge | https://www.choosecambridge.com/153/Building-Safety-Services |
| Easton | https://eastonmd.gov/358/Section-6-3-Applications-and-Permits#:~:text=Residential%20Accessory%20Structures%20that%20are%3B%20not%20greater%20than%20220%20square%20feet%20in%20floor%20area |
| Elkton | https://www.elkton.org/building-zoning/pages/building-permits |
| Ellicott City | https://www.howardcountymd.gov/inspections-licenses-permits |
| Frederick | https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/214/Building-Permits |
| Gaithersburg | https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/services/permitting-inspections/residential-permits/garage-permits |
| Germantown | Unincorporated Area (See Montgomery County in table below) |
| Glen Burnie | https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/permits/do-i-need-permit#:~:text=Garage%20(Attached),10%20working%20days |
| Greenbelt | https://www.greenbeltmd.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development/building-and-construction-permits |
| Hagerstown | https://www.hagerstownmd.org/221/Building-Permits |
| La Plata | https://www.townoflaplata.org/179/Building-Permits |
| Laurel | https://www.cityoflaurel.org/permits/permits/residential https://www.cityoflaurel.org/permits/permits/garages |
| Mount Airy | https://www.mountairymd.gov/180/Accessory-Structure-Permits |
| Rockville | https://www.rockvillemd.gov/170/Residential-Construction |
| Salisbury | https://salisbury.md/departments/infrastructure-development/permitting-construction-info/building-permit-guidelines-procedures |
| Silver Spring | Unincorporated Area (See Montgomery County in table below) |
| Takoma Park | https://takomaparkmd.gov/services/permits/municipality-letters/ |
| Waldorf | https://www.charlescountymd.gov/government/planning-and-growth-management/planning-and-growth-management-frequently-asked-questions |
| Westminster | https://www.westminstermd.gov/139/Community-Planning-Development |
Browse our table to find out more about garage codes in MD, on the county level.
Allegany County | https://alleganygov.org/250/Which-Projects-Need-a-Land-Use-Permit |
| Anne Arundel County | https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/permits/do-i-need-permit#:~:text=Garage%20(Attached),10%20working%20days. |
| Baltimore County | https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/pai/application/accessory-structure#:~:text=Accessory%20Structure%20Permit-,Residential%20Accessory%20Structure%20Permit,designated%20Baltimore%20County%20Historic%20District |
| Calvert County | https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/2991/Garage |
| Caroline County | https://www.carolinemd.org/288/Building-Permits-Zoning-Certificates |
| Carroll County | https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/public-works/permits-inspections/residential-projects/building-an-attached-garage/ https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/public-works/permits-inspections/residential-projects/building-a-detached-garage/ |
| Cecil County | https://www.ccgov.org/government/land-use-development-services/permits-and-inspections-division/building-permit-applications |
| Charles County | https://www.charlescountymd.gov/government/planning-and-growth-management/online-permitting |
| Dorchester County | https://dorchestercountymd.com/planning-zoning/frequently-asked-questions/ |
| Frederick County | https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/faq.aspx?TID=79 |
| Garrett County | https://www.garrettcounty.org/permits-inspections/permitting-process-1#:~:text=Building%20Permits%20are,for%20agricultural%20structures |
| Harford County | https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1012/ShedDetached-Garage |
| Howard County | https://www.howardcountymd.gov/inspections-licenses-permits#:~:text=Building%20permits%20are%20required%20for%20sheds%20when%20the%20total%20square%20footage%20is%20greater%20than%20200%20square%20feet%20and%20for%20sheds%20larger%20than%20400%20square%20feet%20that%20will%20require%20a%20frost%20footing%20that%20will%20be%20at%20least%2030%20inches%20below%20grade |
| Kent County | https://www.kentcounty.com/planning/faq |
| Montgomery County | https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Process/rci/residential-access-structure.html |
| Prince George’s County | https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/permits/when-permit-required |
| Queen Anne’s County | https://www.qac.org/294/PermittingZoning |
| Saint Mary’s County | https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/lugm/Permits/ |
| Somerset County | https://www.somersetmd.us/departments/departments_-_n_-_z/planning_and_zoning/index.php |
| Talbot County | https://talbotcountymd.gov/index.php?page=Permits_and_Inspections |
| Washington County | https://www.washco-md.net/wp-content/uploads/Residential-Building-Fee-Schedule-2023.pdf |
| Wicomico County | https://www.wicomicocounty.org/274/Permits-Inspections-Licenses-and-Fire-Pr |
| Worcester County | https://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/drp https://www.co.worcester.md.us/sites/default/files/How_to_Permit_App.pdf |
Don’t let the permitting process hinder you from obtaining your dream building! We would love to show you two prefab garage options that could potentially meet the needs of your property.
At Shed’s Unlimited we know that sometimes functionality is the key factor in your decision making. That’s why we craft a Standard Workshop Double Wide Garage that can accommodate your needs, yet not break the budget.
We understand the need for living space when it comes to finding a garage. Our Legacy Two-Story Workshop garages give you the opportunity to create an apartment space, kids corner, gym space, or a private office…while still having space to store vehicles and other nicknacks.
Wow, that was a lot of information! And our hope is that now you feel confident on your next steps to obtaining a garage permit in MD. If you would like to further understand building codes, read our article on shed permits in MD. Wanting some additional inspiration on garages? Check out our article here or our story about Renee’s party garage. Additionally, we would love to offer a free quote, to get you on the path to a new garage.
Well, that’s all for now. Happy garage building!
Create the building of your dreams by customizing a design in 3D. You can also call us at 717-442-3281. We're here to assist you!
See what our past customers have to say about us! (You can also check our third-party Google reviews and Facebook reviews.)
943 Reviews 4.9 Average Rating
Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I
Our Sheds Unlimited experience began on their informative website. We used their on-line design tool to create our shed, and the project flowed smoothly from design to delivery. Our site is very steep, and I truly doubted they would be able to deliver our 12’ X 14’ shed. They committed to delivery after reviewing pictures of our narrow street and steep hillside yard. Nate is a master equipment operator. He had our shed sitting perfectly level on our pad about 30 minutes after arrival. I was amazed by what he could with their specialized equipment. Fantastic work Sheds Unlimited!!
Duncannon, PA August 12, 2024Sheds Unlimited tailored a classic shed to fit my existing 10’x12′ concrete slab, stiffened the floor, and added 6 ft. doors for a large mower. Steve Wagner, sales rep, estimated 4-6 weeks to build it.
Sheds Unlimited tailored a classic shed to fit my existing 10’x12′ concrete slab, stiffened the floor, and added 6 ft. doors for a large mower. Steve Wagner, sales rep, estimated 4-6 weeks to build it.
Anthony delivered the shed just shy of 6 weeks. It was neat watching him off-load and move the shed using the remote control ‘mule’. Our bumpy terrain didn’t phase him getting to the pad. He patiently maneuvered it so that the shed sits squarely on the pad. Anthony inspected the shed (roof, siding, windows, doors) to make sure nothing was misaligned. He obviously is a good employee, confident, skilled, and experienced dealing with delivery ‘opportunities’ and anxious customers.
The left-behind two page Building Quality Control checklist showed how much detail and quality went into building the shed.
All in all Sheds Unlimited built and delivered a superb shed.
Can’t say enough nice things about these guys. Dealt with Cleon for ordering. Very friendly and easy to work with. Their customer service is second to none. Even the delivery guy was very nice. Had
Can’t say enough nice things about these guys. Dealt with Cleon for ordering. Very friendly and easy to work with. Their customer service is second to none. Even the delivery guy was very nice. Had to replace a door that was damaged in a storm and they were able to build a new one for me quickly and at a very reasonable price. I would absolutely order another structure from them in the future, and plan to refer friends and customers looking for a well-built structure to look into Sheds Unlimited
Birchrunville, PA November 20, 2023
What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua
What can I say about Sheds Unlimited that hasn’t been said? The process to design what I wanted could not have been easier, the delivery was spot on time and the installation crew (Gideon, Joshua and Leroy) was awesome! I could not say enough good things about Sheds Unlimited, I highly recommend them!
Jonathan Golding September 12, 2023
I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web
I started this process of building a garage 2-3 years ago. I called local builders. Two of them never returned my calls, and one guy chewed me out for finding his number on the web and calling him without being referred by someone. I’m not kidding, this is how the building contractor experience is right now in New England. My web searches always turned up Sheds Unlimited and I saw that they had stories from folks in New England who had used them to build garages even though they are in Pennsylvania. I decided to go through the quote process. There was a similar shed & garage company closer to my home in New England so I got quotes from both of them for similar garages. The New England company quoted me a number that was 2 1/2 times higher than Sheds Unlimited quote. I decided to go with Sheds Unlimited. I worked with Sergey in sales over many emails on exactly what I wanted. There was never a moment when he seemed bothered or impatient by my questions and my changes. Everything was possible and everything had a clear dollar amount, the sale never felt rushed. I finally decided on a design and paid the deposit. The local permit process went smoothly with the plans I purchased from Sheds Unlimited. The process of getting a foundation and pad from a local contractor was probably the most difficult part of the process. Contractors that do concrete work, are used to working with builders, not private homeowners. But I found a guy and gave him the plan and I eventually got a nice pad and foundation. I told Michael from Sheds Unlimited the pad was ready and I expected to wait 10+ weeks since it was now summertime. I got the call only 5 weeks later from Gideon the project manager that they were ready. On the scheduled day Nathan and his crew of 3 young, hard working Amish carpenters arrived and discovered that my driveway was the worst-case scenario. They could not get their very long and heavy trailer up our driveway due to the tightness of the turn and narrowness of the driveway. So they had to unload everything from the trailer at the road to my build site which is about 900 feet from the public road. They dealt with local vehicle traffic, and unhelpful local police. The young crew had to run back and forth the 900 feet to walk alongside the forklift to make sure the preconstructed structural members did not swing into trees. Not once did they show any frustration or anger. Nathan was still positive and smiling when I talked with him about it later. So after all this arrival difficulty, when they finally starting constructing the garage, it went up incredibly fast. Every worker knew their part. There was no question about what they should be doing. They practically got the whole 2-story 2 car garage up in one day even after the delay from the driveway issues. They only stopped for the day when torrential rain finally started. They showed up at 5:30 AM the next day and finished the job. I can’t say enough great things about what I witnessed with this construction crew. Like I said, I have never seen anything like them in 26 years of hiring various contractors for home projects.
If you are considering a garage or shed, don’t even think twice. Contact Sheds Unlimited today. I guarantee you have never worked with any company as satisfying as them.
Our experience with ShedsUnlimited was the best experience we have ever had with a construction contractor. From the initial estimate through the final product, they were great to work with and went above and beyond
Our experience with ShedsUnlimited was the best experience we have ever had with a construction contractor. From the initial estimate through the final product, they were great to work with and went above and beyond on several things. When our local county had questions on the design for permitting, ShedsUnlimited worked directly with them, answering all their questions and moving the project forward. When the county decided (after the fact) that one window needed safety film added, ShedsUnlimited took care of that as well at no cost to us. The overall process went exactly as the website describes, and our 54×24 building was exactly as promised, with the efficient, friendly team completing the assembly in just 2 days! The materials and construction quality were excellent. A large, well-constructed building for significantly less money than a local contractor would charge! I highly recommend ShedsUnlimited for any size building project.
