Building Permits
The Building Permits Section of the Department of Planning
and Zoning is responsible for entering and processing
all building permit applications. Planning Assistants
are available to assist in this process serve as approval
agents for permits compliance with zoning regulations.
Other approval agencies include the Department of Public
Works (grading, sediment control, stormwater management,
highways and water & sewer), the Health Department,
State Highway Administration, and the Department of
Inspections, Licenses and Permits (Construction Plan
Review).
Office Location and Hours:
Our office is located at 220 South Main Street, Bel
Air, Maryland 21014, on the second floor. Our telephone
number is 410-638-3103, and our fax number is
410-879-8239. Building. permit applications are accepted M-F
7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is a building permit needed?
A permit is generally needed to: construct or alter a structure, place a structure (including
swimming pools), demolish or move a structure, make a change of use, install or alter any equipment which is regulated by the Harford
County Code. A permit is also required for certain home occupations (a
business operated from your home or home-based business), and for
the storage of untagged or inoperative vehicles. If you are unsure if a permit is needed, call the Planning and
Zoning Department at 410-638-3103.
How can I obtain a building permit application?
Permit applications are available at the Planning and Zoning Department, 220 S. Main St., Bel Air (410)-638-3103, or can be downloaded from our DILP website.
Who can apply for the permit?
The property owner, or his/her designee, must apply in person for the building permit. If the owner is
authorizing someone else to apply on their behalf, they must sign an authorization form and this form must be
presented at the time of application.
How can I check the status of my
building permit?
IF YOU KNOW THE BUILDING PERMIT NUMBER, you can check
the status online www.harfordcountymd.gov/dilp/permits.
If you do not know the permit number, you must call
our office at the number above.
How long does it take to receive an approved permit?
Generally all applications will be reviewed within 10 working days.
Permits for fences and pre-built sheds, may be issued upon application, if
the property is serviced by public water and sewer. How long is a permit valid?
A permit is valid for one year from issuance. If construction is initiated and continues, the permit will remain valid. If work does not progress for 6 months after initial construction start
up, a permit expires.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Where no work has been done under a permit issued, the holder of the permit may deliver the permit to the Department of
Planning and Zoning (220 South Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland (second floor), and upon cancellation thereof, shall be refunded 50% of the fee paid provided that application for the refund is made within 6
months of the issuance of the permit.
Where can I get a site plan?
Location surveys are generally distributed at the settlement table which indicate the
location of existing structures on the property. You may use this and add the proposed
construction which should be drawn to scale. The County does not have "as built"
site plans on file. If one is not available, a surveyor could do this for you.
Who do I contact regarding building inspections?
www.harfordcountymd.gov/dilp/buildingInspections.html
or call 410-638-3366 Who do I
contact for a mobile home or manufactured housing building permit?
Please call 410-638-3385 for more information.
Do I need a permit for a deck, shed,
fence, club basement or patio?
Yes, a permit is required for any alteration, new construction or business use of any
type or size.
For residential permits the following is required:
1. Two (2) sets of detailed construction plans, drawn to scale, to include foundation,
floor plans, cross section and elevations on all four sides.
2. Four (4) site plans, drawn to scale, which show the size of the lot, the size of the
proposed work with distances from the structure to all property lines, the driveway and
any existing structures. If applicable, the location of the well and septic system should
be located on the plan.
3. Letter of authorization from property owner, if owner is not the applicant.
Please NOTE: An appointment is required for eight or more permits at any one time!!
For commercial permits the following is required:
- Site Plan Approval Letter or Approved DAC Waiver.
- Two (2) sets of detailed construction plans and three (3) copies of
the floor plan.
- Six (6) site plans, drawn to scale, showing the location of all existing structures and
proposed work with distances from the structure to all property lines.
- Letter of authorization from property owner, if owner is not the applicant.
Can I park an untagged or inoperable vehicle on my property?
Yes, within a garage or for 6 months with a valid storage permit.
Can I have horses on my property?
Horses are permitted on properties. However, a private stable shall be located at
least 50 feet from any public road or non-residential lot line and 100 feet from any
residential lot line. Pastures, when fenced, may extend to the property lines.
Where can dog runs be located and do I need a permit?
A permit is required. Runs or pens for animals, other than horses, must
be located 50 ft. from all property lines. However, the housing of 6 or more
domestic animal on a property is considered a kennel and subject to additional
approvals.
Can I operate a business out of my home and do I need a permit?
Under certain criteria, a business may be operated from the home with a valid permit.
The business must be incidental and subordinate to the residential use. Some uses are
prohibited i.e. beauty or barber shops, dancing or karate schools, medical clinics, gift
stores, construction businesses.
Do I need a permit for a barn?
If your property meets specific criteria, you will not be required to
obtain a permit for a barn. To avoid confusion, and misinterpretation, we
ask that you please call the Department of Inspections, Licenses and
Permits 410 638 3366 to verify whether or not your specific property meets
the criteria.
What size accessory building can I put on
my property?
Accessory buildings may not exceed 50% of the habitable space of the dwelling nor
exceed the height of the dwelling. It may not be used for living quarters, storage of
contractor's equipment, commercial vehicles or conducting of any business.
Do I need a permit for a pond?
Contact the Soil Conservation Service at 410-838-6181 for any farm ponds. If a small
pond, contact the Department of Public Works Sediment Control Division at 410-638-3507.
Can I have a second dwelling on my
property?
Only one dwelling is permitted on any parcel except for tenant dwellings and cottage
housing. One tenant dwelling may be located on a parcel of 11 to 100 acres where there is
a bona fide agricultural use and the person living in the dwelling will be working in this
endeavor. Cottage housing is for members of the immediate family over 62 years of age or
physically or mentally handicapped. This is a temporary use which must be removed when no
longer needed. For a lot of more than 2 acres, a mobile home may be used. For a lot of
less than 2 acres, the housing must be in the principal structure.
What are the requirements for cottage housing?
A cottage house is permitted on a single lot in the AG, RR, R1, R2, RO and
VR Districts as a temporary second dwelling for members of the
immediate family who are over 62 years of age, or have a mental or physical
disability provided:
- The second dwelling is of a temporary nature. The use shall terminate and the dwelling shall be removed or abandoned within sixty (60) days when the need no longer exists or if the primary parcel is transferred or assigned. The second dwelling shall be occupied by a grandparent, parent, child, brother or sister, aunt or uncle of the owner and resident residing on the primary parcel.
- The occupant of the temporary second dwelling shall be more than
sixty-two (62) years old, or have a disabling physical or mental condition
which requires continued care and attention.
- On a lot of 2 acres or less the cottage house shall be located within a dwelling currently on the lot. On a lot of more than 2 acres the cottage house may be located within a dwelling currently on the lot or be a mobile home.
- When the cottage house is a mobile home, skirting of a compatible material is
substituted for a foundation.
What are the fees for construction?
View listing of fee
schedules
What are the phone numbers of the agencies approving my permit?
- Construction Plans 410-638-3366
- Zoning 410-638-3103
- Health Dept. 410-638-8421
- County Highways 410-638-3507
- Stormwater Management 410-638-3545
- Sediment Control 410-638-3507
- Water & Sewer 410-638-3289
- State Highway 410-545-5583
Where can I obtain a building license
www.harfordcountymd.gov/dilp/building.html
What are the zoning classifications?
Agricultural
The purpose of this district is to provide for continued farming activities, conserve
agricultural land and reaffirm agricultural uses, activities and operations within the
agricultural zoned areas. It is the further purpose of this district to maintain and
promote the rural character of this land as well as promote the continuance and viability
of the farming and agricultural uses. Low density residential development is also
permitted.
Rural Residential
This district is intended to acknowledge and protect existing concentrations of
residential development in the rural areas and provide for low density residential uses
where not in conflict with agricultural activities.
R1, R2, R3 and R4 - Urban Residential Districts
These districts are intended to accommodate urban residential needs by providing for a
wide range of densities and building types. Conventional Development with Open Space (COS)
and Planned Residential Development (PRD) are permitted where open space and environmental
features are provided or preserved.
R - Urban Residential District
This district is intended to accommodate detached, single-family residences on a
minimum lot size of one acre, with public water and sewer required for development.
VR - Village Residential District
This district is intended to preserve and enhance the character and function of
established rural settlements. This district allows residential uses on small lots as well
as certain business uses. Where appropriate, the historic District overlay may be used to
achieve architectural compatibility between old and new buildings.
RO -Residential/Office District
This district will provide for conversion of existing residential structures to small
office uses in areas where adjacent commercial activity, heavy commercial traffic or other
similar factors make these properties no longer suitable for residential purposes. Design
and approval of structures must be compatible with nearby residential properties.
VB - Village Business District
This district is intended to provide business services to rural areas and to preserve
and enhance the character and function of long-established rural settlements. This
district complements the VR by providing a mix of business and residential uses at an
appropriate scale. Where appropriate, the Historic District overlay zone may be used to
achieve architectural compatibility between old and new buildings.
B1, B2 and B3 Business Districts
The B1, B2 and B3 Districts are intended to provide sufficient and convenient locations
for business uses that serve the needs of local neighborhoods and communities and the
traveling public.
B1, Neighborhood Business District, is intended to provide limited retail and service
facilities convenient to residential neighborhoods. To this end, uses are limited
primarily to convenience goods and services satisfying the household and personal needs of
the residents of abutting residential districts, resulting in similar building bulk and
low concentration of vehicular traffic.
B2, Community Business District, is intended to provide a wider range and scale of
retail, business and service uses than are permitted in the B1 District and, is oriented
to serve several neighborhoods. The intensity of development as well as the concentration
of vehicular traffic is greater than B1 District.
B3, General Business District, is intended to provide a wide range of retail, service
and business uses serving local and county-wide area. Such activities are generally
CI - Commercial Industrial District
This district is intended for industrial, office and business uses of a moderate scale
and intensity.
LI - Light Industrial District
This district is intended to permit a mix of light manufacturing, warehousing, and
service uses. Retail sales are not permitted except as accessory to a manufacturing
or distribution operation where the product is produced or warehoused on site or as
otherwise permitted.
GI - General Industrial District
This district is intended for industrial uses of a larger scale or more intensive
processing with large areas of uncovered storage which may generate substantially more
impact on surrounding properties than intended in the Commercial Industrial District.
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