Maryland Shed & Garage Permit Guide
Maryland doesn't have a single statewide rule — every county sets its own thresholds. Here's the county-by-county breakdown for our delivery area.
Updated for 2025–2026
We handle permits so you don't have to.
White Pine Structures is a specialty builder of portable structures & detached buildings — not a general contractor. We help navigate your township's permit process. Our permit assistance fee is $275 for most townships (some townships charge more).
The Short Version
120–400 sq ft
Permit threshold varies by county
Always
Zoning review required, any size
$50–$120+
Typical permit fee range
County-by-County Requirements
Montgomery County
Strictest county in MD — zoning review + site plan required for all sizes
Permit: Permit required for ANY size
Fee: $118.96 flat (under 200 sq ft)
Baltimore County
Also required regardless of size in historic districts, floodplains, or Critical Area
Permit: 120+ sq ft
Fee: Varies
Howard County
Over 400 sq ft requires frost footing (30" below grade). Adopted 2024 IRC.
Permit: 200+ sq ft
Fee: Varies
Anne Arundel County
Critical Area (Chesapeake Bay) always requires a permit. Online-only submissions since Dec 2025.
Permit: 150+ sq ft or over 10 ft avg height
Fee: Starting ~$50
Prince George's County
Under 150 sq ft exempt only if it's the only shed. Online via Momentum portal.
Permit: 150+ sq ft
Fee: Varies
Harford County
Under 200 sq ft: site plan only (no construction drawings)
Permit: ALL sizes require a permit
Fee: Varies
Carroll County
Prefab sheds under 150 sq ft on skids may be exempt. Health Dept approval needed.
Permit: 150+ sq ft (if on permanent foundation)
Fee: Varies
Washington County
Most permissive in MD. Under 400 sq ft: no building permit needed.
Permit: 400+ sq ft
Fee: Application + per sq ft
What’s Always Required in Maryland
Zoning review
Every county requires confirmation that your shed meets setback rules, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions — even when a building permit is exempt.
Electrical permit
Running power to any shed requires a separate electrical permit and inspection, regardless of the shed's size.
Flood zone compliance
Properties in FEMA flood zones or the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area have additional requirements including elevation certificates.
HOA approval
If you're in an HOA, their rules are often stricter than county rules. Get approval before ordering.
Typical Setback Requirements
Side yard: 3–10 feet
Varies significantly by county
Rear yard: 3–10 feet
Some counties measure from roofline
From house: 6–10 feet
Fire separation requirement
From well/septic: 10+ feet
Health department requirement
The Permit Process
Call your county permitting office
Confirm the permit threshold for your specific zoning district. Rules can differ even within a county.
Prepare a plot plan
Show your property lines, existing structures, proposed shed location, and setback distances. Hand-drawn is usually fine for smaller sheds.
Submit your application
Many MD counties have moved to online portals (Anne Arundel, Prince George's). Check your county's website.
Pay fees ($50–$120+)
Montgomery County charges a flat $118.96 for sheds under 200 sq ft. Others are typically $50–60.
Wait for approval (6–17 business days)
Timeline varies. Some counties offer expedited review for small accessory structures.
Final inspection
Most counties require at least a final inspection. Larger sheds with foundations may need footing + framing inspections.
What If You Skip the Permit?
Maryland counties take unpermitted construction seriously:
- •Fines starting at $125 (Anne Arundel) and escalating
- •Stop-work orders and potential forced removal
- •Property liens that complicate future sales
- •Insurance companies may deny claims on unpermitted structures
- •Retroactive permits cost more and require exposing completed work
How We Can Help
We deliver throughout Maryland and know the county-by-county requirements. Let us save you the research.
- We'll tell you exactly what your county requires for the size you're considering
- We provide engineered drawings when counties require them
- Our structures meet Maryland wind and snow-load requirements
- Free guidance on site prep and placement for your property
More Permit Guides
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