FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General FAQs

• How do I get to your office?

Directions

• What are your hours of operation?

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 pm., Monday through Friday.  Building Permits can be applied for between 8:00 a.m - 3:00 p..m. Monday through Friday.  Trade permits can be applied for 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• What do I need in order to apply for my building permit?

See Building Permit Process.

• Can someone else apply for my building permit?

Yes you can send a representative but you must have an affidavit signed by you and your representative granting your representative authority to apply on your behalf. If a contractor is applying on your behalf you may also provide a copy of the contract of sale between both parties in lieu of the affidavit.

• At what stages of construction do I call for inspections?

See Inspection Requirements.

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Building FAQs

• What is the purpose of a building permit?

Building permits are required to ensure public safety, health, and welfare as they are affected by building construction through structural strength, adequate egress facilities, sanitary equipment, light, ventilation and fire safety.

• A building permit is valid for how long?

Every permit issued shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within six (6) months from the issue of the permit, or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of six (6) months after work has commenced.

• Can a building permit be extended?

A permittee holding an unexpired building permit may apply for a one-time six-month extension, provided the permittee can show good and satisfactory reasons beyond control that the work cannot be commenced within the six-month period from the original permit issue date. A letter must be sent to the Director for review requesting an extension. If the permit is determined to be renewed, no additional fee is required for this one time extension.

• What is the ground show load for Washington County?

35 psf

• What is the footing depth in Washington County?

The footing depth in Washington County is 30 inches below finish grade.  Footings must also extend to undisturbed soil.

• Can you tell me if a contractor has a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license?

Information can be obtained from the MHIC at 410-333-6309, Mond ay through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 P.M. You can also visit the state’s website at http://dllr.state.md.us/query/home_imprv.html.

• How many days in advance do I have to request my inspection?

A twenty-four hour notice is required for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections. However inspections may take up to 24 to 48 hours to be completed.

• What size accessory structure requires a frost-line footing?

Those exceeding 200 square feet required frost-line footings.

• How do I coordinate an inspection time?

You and your contractor should coordinate your inspection requests so that they can be provided in a timely manner. Although specific times cannot be given, you can contact your area inspector directly to find out if it will be completed in the AM or PM. A list of all departmental personnel can be obtained in the phone directory. The inspectors check their voice mailboxes throughout the day and will return their calls at their earliest convenience.

• Do I need a building permit to replace my windows and doors?

Windows and doors may be replaced without a building permit, provided the opening clear egress width, height, and total square footage shall not be reduced. For additional information, contact a Permit Technician by calling 240-313-2450, Extension 2, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• How long does it take to get a building permit after the application is filed?

The processing time required before approval and issuance varies for different types of construction projects. Some permits for small projects may be issued within two to three days. Larger and more detailed construction projects will require review of construction plans and other related issues by one or more different county/state agencies. For additional information, contact a Permit Technician at 240-313-2460, Extension 2, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• How long does it take to obtain a shed permit?

A shed permit less than 200 square feet - 400 square feet may be issued.  Sheds over 400 square feet may be issued in 5 to 7 days.  These times may vary due to the complexity and volume of permits.

• How many residential building permits can be applied for at one time?

To ensure that permits are processed in an efficient and timely manner for all customers, no more than 3 permits for new units (dwellings) will be processed per day and no more than 6 new units (dwellings) per week by any one owner, contractor, developer or designee.

• What is the local building design requirement in Washington County, Maryland
  (based on 2003 International Building Code (IBC) and 2003 International Residential Code (IRC))?

• Footing depth 30 inches below finish grade
• Minimum roof line load is 30 psf (non-reducible)
• Design wind speed is 90 mph, 3 second wind gusts
• Ground snow load is 35 psf

• What building codes do you use?
• 2003 International Residential Code
• 2003 International Building Code
• 2003 International Plumbing Code
• 2003 International Mechanical Code
• 2005 National Electrical Code
• 2006 NFPA-101 Life Safety Code
• 2006 NFPA-1 Uniform Fire Code
• 2003 International Energy Conservation Code
• Maryland Accessability Code

• When is it necessary to have a grading permit?

If the proposed grading disturbs over 5,000 square feet of surface area or over 100 cubic yards of fill material is utilized, a permit is required.

• Is a permit required for a residential swimming pool?

Yes, Pool greater than 2 feet deep and/or equipped with a water recirculating system require a permit.

• Do I need a permit for a pellet stove?

Yes, a mechanical permit is required.

• What type of inspections are requiredfor a pellet stove?

A final building inspection is required once the pellet stove has been installed per the manufacturer's instructions and per the U.L. Listing.

• When will my Certificate of Occupancy document be completed?

Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained before occupying the building. Due to the processing time required to verify supporting documents and collection of all applicable fees, the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by the end of the second business day following the approval of all agencies.

• Can the Certificate of Occupancy be expedited?

The Certificate of Occupancy can be expedited by the end of the first business day following the final building inspection approval for an expediting fee of $75.00.

• Can the expedited Certificate of Occupancy be faxed?

To have the expedited Certificate of Occupancy faxed, an additional faxing fee of $25.00 will be charged. However the faxing fee must be paid before the original Certificate of Occupancy is released.

• Can the Certificate of Occupancy be issued the same day as the building inspection?

No. Due to the processing time required to verify supporting documents and collection of all applicable fees, the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by the end of the second business day following the final building inspection approval.

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Zoning FAQs

• Can you tell me how my property is zoned?

Presently this information cannot be provided over the website. We are in the process of entering existing data into Washington County’s geographic information system (GIS) and hope that this information will be available in the near future. However, to find this information out you may visit the Washington Co. Dept. of Permits & Inspections, located at 80 West Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740, or call 240-313-2460, Extension 2, to speak with a Permit Technician, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

• What are the setbacks for my property?

A. If you know the zoning of the particular piece of property you can find the setback information located in our current Zoning Ordinance. You may visit the Washington Co. Dept. of Permits & Inspections, located at 80 West Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740, or call 240-313-2460, Extension 2 to speak with a Permit Technician, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 P.M.

• What is the cost of the Washington County Zoning Ordinanace?

The cost of the Washington Zoning Ordinance is $20.00 (Please make checks payable to the Washington County Treasurer.)

• How can I purchase a copy of Washington County's Zoning Ordinance?

Visit our offices at 80 West Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or send a letter requesting an Ordinance with a check in the amount of $30.00 to cover the cost of the ordinance plus shipping.

• How do I determine if someone is in violation of the Washington County Zoning Ordinance?

You may visit our offices at 80 West Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, MD or contact a Permit Technician at 240-313-2460, Extension 2, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to determine if a violation exists.

• Are there laws to protect a renter?

The livability code provides protection to tenants and covers:

• Rodent/insect control
• Defective roofs, windows, frames, stairs, porches, and handrails
• Defective exterior paint, walls or surfaces
• High grass/weeds
• Defective interior surfaces, i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, etc.
• Plumbing facilities, i.e., bathtub or shower, kitchen sink, water closet, and lavatory

• What are the penalties facing the general public for failure to comply with the Zoning Ordinance?

Up to $1,000 a day fine per violation, in which each and every day is a separate offense.

• Who do I call for high grass/weeds?

Contact a Permit Technician at 240-313-2460, Extension 2, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m to register a complaint. Make sure you have the property owner’s name and/or address of the property you are registering the complaint. The name of the complainant must be given at the time the complaint is registered.

• What is a Zoning Confirmation Letter?

A Zoning Confirmation Letter is a letter from the Zoning Administrator that identifies and describes the zone in which a property is located. The letter may include information about the permitted uses in the zone, pending or resolved zoning violations, and standards to apply in case disaster destroys the improvements on the property. It also verifies the property was in compliance at the time permits were issued. The letter is mainly used to submit to lenders for financing or refinancing.

• What is the process for a Zoning Confirmation Letter?

A request can be made to the Zoning Coordinator in writing. The request should indicate what information the lender is requesting.

• What is the cost of a Zoning Confirmation Letter?

The cost for each property for which a Zoning Confirmation Letter is requested is:

• For Commercial properties $100.00
• For Residential properties $100.00

• When will the Zoning Confirmation Letter be ready for pick up?

The Zoning Confirmation Letter will ccormally be ready within seven days. A check in the amount of the fee must be received by the Department of Permits & Inspections before the letter is released.

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Electrical FAQs

• Can you recommend an electrical contractor?

No. For inquiries concerning licensed electricians, contact a Permit Technician at 240-313-2460, Extension 2, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

• When is an electrical permit required?

An electrical permit is required for work that involves installing, repairing, or maintaining any electrical wiring or device designed for conducting, consuming or converting electrical current.

• How is an electrical permit obtained and who may apply?

Anyone may apply for an electrical permit. However, the application must be signed by an electrician licensed in Washington County, Maryland, signifying they are accepting the full responsibility to complete the work.

• What conditions of licensing, if not met, could affect obtaining an electrical permit?

• Expired Certificate of InsuranceExpired Master Electrician's License
• Expired Electrical Contractor's Business License

• What is the cost of an electrical permit?

The cost of the permit depends on the extent of the work being done. Electrical Permit Fees.

• What is the application process?

Electricians or their representatives may apply in person or by mail.

The application will be checked for the following:

• Completeness
• Valid and current business and master's license numbers
• Up-to-date insurance certificate
• Outstanding Notices for "Violation for the premise" (outstanding fees or fines will be collected with the permit fee)
• Building Permit (if required for the work being done) issuance prior to the electrical permit application


If all conditions are met

• Fees are calculated and collected
• A receipt is issued
• A permit number is assigned
• The permit is issued while the customer waits

• How long will it take to process an electrical permit?

Processing an electrical permit for walk-in transactions usually take no more than 15 minutes. Mail-in applications are usually processed within two working days.  However, an electrical permit is contingent on the building permit approval and will not be issued until all approvals have been received for the building permit.

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Plumbing FAQs

• Do I need to get a permit to replace my hot water heater?

Yes, in order to ensure proper installation and compliance with required codes, a permit is required.

• Can you recommend a plumbing contractor?

No, but for inquiries concerning licensed plumbers, contact a Permit Technician at 240-313-2460, Extension 2, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

• What is the cost of a plumbing permit?

The cost of the permit depends on the extent of the work being done. Please see Plumbing Permit Fees.

• What is the application process?

Plumbers or their representatives may apply in person or by mail.

The application will be checked for the following:

• Completeness
• Valid and current business and master's license numbers
• Up-to-date insurance certificate
• Outstanding Notices for "Violation for the premise" (outstanding fees or fines will be collected with the permit fee)
• Building Permit (if required for the work being done) issuance prior to the plumbing permit application


If all conditions are met

• Fees are calculated and collected
• A receipt is issued
• A permit number is assigned
• The permit is issued while the customer waits

• How long will it take to process a plumbing permit?

Walk-in transactions usually take no more than 15 minutes to process the permit per applicant.  On-line permit applications may be approved immediately, depending on the scope of work. Mail-in applications are usually processed within two working days.  However all plumbing permit applications are contingent on the building permit approval; the plumbing permit will not be issued until all approvals have been received for the building permit.

• Can a homeowner do their own plumbing work?

Washington County is permitted to grant a homeowner a permit to those qualified to perform work on their own residence.  The homeowner can do plumbing in or on his or her place of residence owned by him or her.         Homeowners requesting to perform their own HANDS-ON plumbing work shall take a written or oral examination of basic plumbing skills, given by the Washington County Department of Permits & Inspections on a one-time basis only.  After receiving a score of 70% or greater, the homeowner will be permitted to obtain a plumbing permit to perform his/her own hands-on plumbing work within the confines of his/her own dwelling, up to 3 feet (915 mm) from the foundation wall on the building drain. Homeowners making application must sign a release agreement stating that he/she intends to personally occupy the dwelling that said house is not for sale, rent or commercial use, and that the house is not being built or remodeled by the property for the purpose of offering it for sale, rent or commercial use.  A valid drivers license or photo identification shall be presented at time of examination. 

• What are the minibum fixture requirements for residential construction?

1 water closet, 1 lavatory, 1 bathtub/shower, 1 kitchen sink and 1 automatic clothes washer connection.

• How can I find out if a contractor is a State Licensed Plumbing Contractor?

Visit the State of Maryland Dept. of Licensing & Regulation website at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/plumber.html.

• How does someone apply for a Washington County Plumbing License?

Refer to Permits Tab under Plumbing Licensing and Forms.

• How does someone apply for a Washington County Mechanical License?

Currently, Washington County does not have a mechanical license. A Copy of the Maryland state HVAC license must be submitted with the first completed Washington County mechanical permit that is applied for. .

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Mechanical licensing is processed through the state.  For more information, contact their webswite at www.dllr.state.md.us/license/hvacr/hvacrinto.html