Permits
Effective April 6, 2020, Harford County is enforcing the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Mechanical Code, with local amendments, as adopted by Harford County Council Bill 19-032.
Application for an electrical permit must be made by a master electrician, licensed in Harford County, at the Permit Center, 220 S. Main Street (1st floor), Bel Air, Maryland. Prior to performing electrical work in their own home, a homeowner shall apply for a one-time homeowner’s permit and must pass a homeowner’s test. Call 410-638-3363 for more information.
How long is a permit valid?
Building
Construction must begin within 12 months of approval date. If work does not progress for six 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 are permits required?
Generally, to:- Construct or alter a structure
- Demolish or move a structure
- Install or alter any equipment which is regulated by the Harford County Code
- Change of use
- Place a structure
Permit applications
Building permit - commercial or residential
Application can be made at the Harford County Administrative Office Building, Permit Center, 220 S. Main Street (1st floor), Bel Air, Maryland. Call 410-638-3122 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 Permit Center, 220 S. Main Street (1st floor), Bel Air, Maryland. Prior to performing electrical work in their own home, a homeowner shall apply for a one-time homeowner’s permit and 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 Permit Center, 220 S. Main Street (1st floor), Bel Air, Maryland. Prior to performing HVACR work in their own home, a homeowner shall apply for a one-time homeowner’s permit and 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 Permit Center, 220 S. Main Street (1st floor), Bel Air, Maryland. Prior to performing plumbing work in their own home, a homeowner shall apply for a one-time homeowner’s permit and 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 Permit Center, 220 S. Main Street (1st floor), Bel Air, Maryland, and upon cancellation thereof shall be refunded 50% of the fee paid provided that application for the refund is made within six months of the issuance of the permit. Please call 410-638-3122 for more information relative to building permits.No refunds are issued for electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits.
- Please call 410-638-3363 for more information relative to electrical permits.
- Please call 410-638-3215 for more information on plumbing or mechanical permits.