Caroline County Planning and Codes Administration Caroline County Planning and Codes Administration


F.A.Q.'s
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  1. How long does it take to get a building permit?

    In order to get a building permit we need a site plan, health department approval, State Highway or Public Works approval (for new dwellings only or vacant lots where an accessory structure is being built), forest conservation approval, and erosion and sediment control approval. There may be additional information required such as for properties in the critical area or floodplain. In general you can expect a permit for a dwelling to take approximately 3 weeks from the time of application and site plan submittal and for accessory structures you can expect a seven day approval period. Each property, as well as each permit, is unique and the above time frame can only be used as a guide. All properties are inspected prior to the issuance of a building permit.
  2. How much does a building permit cost?

    See fee schedule.
  3. Will getting a building permit increase my property taxes?

    We have no control over property taxes and the impact of a building permit. We suggest you contact the Department of Assessment and Taxation at 410-479-5850.
  4. When is a building permit not required?

    A permit is not required for an accessory structure 100 square feet or less (all additions to residential structures require a permit regardless of size), replacing siding, shingles and windows provided there is no increase in square footage. When in doubt, call the office at 410-479-8100.
  5. Can the application be taken care of by the mail?

    No. We do not mail the application form to property owners because much of the information required is not readily accessible to property owners.
  6. Why do I have to draw a site plan?

    It is necessary for us to have a site plan, drawn to scale, of the property and the existing and proposed structures so that we can detect any problems with the location of the proposed structure at the time of application. Also, for properties which do not have a premise address we must have the exact location of the driveway and the location of the structures. It is also important for all site plans show any streams, ditches, wetlands, easements, etc.
  7. When do I get my new address?

    A new premise address will be issued when a building permit application has been made. It is necessary to have a site plan indicating the location of the driveway. The address will be assigned to properties based on the location of their entrance along the roadway. The address must be posted on the property immediately.
  8. What inspections do I need?

    Possible required inspections include preliminary, footer, foundation, rough-in, plumbing, electrical, framing, insulation, final, etc.
  9. What do I need to request a final inspection and obtain an occupancy permit?

    In order to request a final inspection and occupancy permit for a dwelling there must be an approved well certificate (Certificate of Potability) from the Environmental Health Department, approved electrical and plumbing finals, working smoke detectors, seeding and grading completed or scheduled (seeding and grading is at the discretion of the codes inspector). All permits require final inspections.
  10. Who does the electric and plumbing inspections and where do I get an application form?

    The First State Inspection Agency (800-468-7338) and the Middle Department Inspection Agency (410-822-8300) do the electrical and plumbing inspections for Caroline County. You must contact their offices directly in order to schedule the required plumbing and electrical inspections. Applications/Request for inspection forms are available at this office.
  11. Can I put a single-wide mobile home on my property?

    The first step to determining where a mobile home may be placed is to contact this office. We will need to know what structures are on the property at this time, and the exact location of the subject property. The first step is to determine the zoning of the property and should the property be zoned to allow a mobile home, a thirty day mobile home procedure may be conducted. The thirty day mobile home procedure consists of mailing out notices to adjoining property owners within 1,000 feet of the property, if within 30 days after the last person picks up their certified letter there is no objection, then we issue a permit for a single-wide mobile home. If someone does object the mobile home may not be placed on the property, however the applicant may choose to appeal the application to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
  12. Can I turn my garage into an apartment?

    A garage can be converted into an apartment provided that it meets all the requirements outlined in the Zoning Ordinance, including going through a thirty-day accessory dwelling procedure. Notices are mailed to adjoining property owners within 500 feet of the property, if within 30 days after the last person picks up their certified letter there is no objection, then a permit will be issued. If someone does object there can be no accessory dwelling on the property (ex. garage apartment), however the applicant may choose to appeal the application to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
  13. What is my zoning?

    To determine your zoning, call the office at 410-479-8100. Be sure to have your map, block and parcel or your premise address ready.
  14. If I live in a subdivision, who is responsible for the covenants and can I get a building permit for a structure that my covenants disallow?

    Private covenants in a subdivision are not under our jurisdiction. Generally, there is a homeowners' association that enforces the covenants, however if there is none then the case is a civil matter and is handled as such. This office will issue a permit for any structure that is in accordance with our regulations, even if it is contrary to your covenants. The office does not enforce covenants therefore we strongly suggest that you review your covenants when planning new structures.
  15. How many lots can I subdivide off of my property?

    In order to determine the number of lots that may be subdivided, we need to find the number of lots that have previously been subdivided since December 1, 1972. Once the number of previous lots has been determined we will know the subdivision potential of the property. In order to determine the subdivision potential of your property, first you may call to see if we have that information on file. If it is not on file, you must contact a surveyor or lawyer.
  16. How long does it take to have plats approved?

    The procedure for minor subdivision, addition and/or sewage reserve area relocation plats take 12 weeks on average from submittal to recordation. The plats are routed to various different agencies for comments and approvals which must be obtained prior to recording the plats. The 12 weeks includes the time waiting for responses from the different agencies and revisions from surveyors, however this process can be shorter or longer.


Health & Public Services Building, 403 South 7th Street, Suite 210, Denton, Maryland 21629-1335
410-479-8100 (Phone)   410-479-4187 (Fax)

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