HOW LONG IS A PERMIT VALID?

Building

• Construction must begin within 12 months of approval date.
• If work does not progress for 6 months after initial construction start-up, permit is declared invalid.

Please call (410) 638-3366 for more information.

Electrical

• Valid for 12 months from date of issue. If no inspection activity is performed within the 12 month period, permit is canceled. There is no refund of permit fee.

Please call (410) 638-3363 for more information.

Mechanical

• Valid for 12 months from date of issue.  If no inspection activity is performed within the 12 month period, permit is canceled.  There is no refund of permit fee.

Please call (410) 638-3215 for more information.

Plumbing

• Valid for 12 months from date of issue. If no inspection activity is performed within the 12 month period, permit is canceled. There is no refund of permit fee.

Please call (410) 638-3215 for more information. 

 

WHEN PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

Generally, to:

• Construct or alter a structure
• Place a structure
• Demolish or move a structure
• Make a change of use
• Install or alter any equipment which is regulated by the Harford County Code

PERMIT APPLICATIONS

Building Permit - Commercial or Residential

Application can be made at the Harford County Administrative Office Building, Planning and Zoning Department, 220 South Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland (second floor).

Call (410) 638-3103 for more information.

Electrical Permit - Commercial or Residential 

• Application for an electrical permit must be made by a master electrician, licensed in Harford County, at the Electrical Services Division (220 South Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland (second floor)).
• Prior to performing electrical work in their own home, a homeowner shall apply for a one-time homeowner’s permit...must pass a homeowner’s test.

Call (410) 638-3363 for more information.

Gas Fitter Permit - Please call (410) 638-3215 for more information.

Mechanical Permit - Commercial or Residential

• Application for a mechanical permit must be made by a master HVACR contractor, registered in Harford County, at the Plumbing Services Division (220 South Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland (second floor)).
• Prior to performing HVACR work in their own home, a homeowner shall apply for a one-time homeowner’s permit...must pass a homeowner’s test.

Call (410-638-3215) for more information.

Mobile Home Building Permit - Please call (410) 638-3385 for more information.

Plumbing Permit - Commercial or Residential

• Application for a plumbing permit must be made by a master plumber, registered in Harford County, at the Plumbing Services Division (220 South Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland (second floor)).  
• Prior to performing plumbing work in their own home, a homeowner shall apply for a one-time homeowner’s permit...must pass a homeowner’s test.

Please call (410) 638-3215 for more information.

Swimming pool permit - See swimming pool requirements...

Taxi cab permit - Please call (410) 638-3010 for more information.

PERMIT REFUND INFORMATION

Building Permits

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.

Please call (410) 638-3103 for more information relative to building permits.

Electrical Permits - No refund of fees on issued permits.

Please call (410) 638-3363 for more information relative to electrical permits.

Mechanical Permits - No refund of fees on issued permits.

Please call (410) 638-3215 for more information on mechanical permits.

Plumbing Permits - No refund of fees on issued permits. 

Please call (410) 638-3215 for more information relative to plumbing permits.