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Permits & Inspections

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The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the adoption of the 2021 Building Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), effective July 1, 2024. This significant decision was made on February 27, 2024, following careful consideration and review by the BOCC.

To ensure transparency and provide valuable information to the public regarding the new building code, the Director of Permits and Inspections/Code Official and staff will be hosting two community meetings. These meetings will focus on informing residents and stakeholders about the important code changes.

The community meetings will be held at the Washington County Public Safety Training Center, 18350 Public Safety Pl, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

  • Meeting 1: Friday, April 19, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Meeting 2: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

To register for either community meeting, please contact Jennifer Mellott at 240-313-2434 or via email at [email protected]. When registering, please provide your contact information and the number of persons attending with you.

This proactive approach underscores Washington County’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents through the implementation of up-to-date building codes.

 

For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at [email protected].

 

HAGERSTOWN, MD (March 12, 2024) – The Washington County Division of Permits and Inspections announces new minimum requirements for all residential plans, effective March 25, 2024. These requirements are crucial to maintaining the safety and quality of residential construction projects throughout Washington County.

Key Changes and Requirements:

Effective March 25, 2024, the following minimum requirements will apply to all residential building permit submissions:

  • All plans (hand-drawn or otherwise) must be drawn to scale.
  • Submission must include:
  • Footing and foundation plan
  • Floor plan for each level with labeled rooms and proposed use
  • Cross section (1/4 Scale)
  • Wall section (3/4 Scale)
  • Elevations (Front, Rear, and Sides)
  • Square footage totals for finished and unfinished area
  • Dimensions must be measured from the exterior edge of the proposed structure’s footprint.
  • Conditions outlined in the policy will be added to and made part of the approved permit.
  • Modular Dwellings: State of Maryland approval must be obtained before permit issuance.
  • Sprinkler Requirements:
  • Mandatory for all new residential dwellings.
  • Mandatory for mobile homes manufactured after July 1, 2015.
  • Mandatory for additions if the existing house is already equipped with sprinklers.
  • Replacement Dwellings: Engineer’s certification required for cases where the foundation is existing or partial walls remain.
  • Townhomes: Submissions for more than three units must be signed and sealed by a licensed professional.

Permits & Inspections

Mission

To protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Washington County though the administration of land development and building related codes and ordinances and to provide direction and oversight for orderly, sound and cost effective land development that supports the Washington County economy and its citizens while assuring the maintenance and expansion of the infrastructure needed to serve it.

Vision

To work in cooperation with property owners, developers, consultants, and contractors to form a partnership for each project to provide the most efficient and cost effective service.

Documents, Forms, and Brochures

Document Repository

Learn More

Permits & Inspections

Washington County Administrative Annex

747 Northern Ave
Hagerstown, MD 21742

Phone: 240-313-2460
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 240-313-2461

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Permit Processing Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 7:30 am. – 3:00 p.m.

TTY users may call any government office through the Maryland Relay Service 1-800-735-2258

Liberal Leave is in effective for Washington County Government

LIBERAL LEAVE IS IN EFFECT FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Liberal leave is in effect for all non-essential personal on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, until noon. Essential personnel are expected to fulfill their duties as usual.

The starting time for today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting will be reevaluated at 9:00 am.

For those required to travel, exercise caution on the roadways. If driving is necessary, ensure your vehicle is completely cleared, drive at a reduced speed, practice caution, and avoid crowding or passing plows.
 
We’ll keep the public informed of any changes. Stay updated by monitoring Washington County Government’s website and social media channels for the latest information. Your safety is our priority!