Understanding Permits: What You Need for Home Renovations in Baltimore County
If you're planning a home remodel or addition in Baltimore County, one of the most important—but least understood—aspects of the process is permitting. Whether you're expanding your kitchen, finishing your basement, or building a new garage, permits are not just a formality—they’re a legal requirement. Navigating these rules on your own can be confusing and time-consuming.
At Prestige Home Remodeling, we remove that stress completely. As a full-service design-build firm, we handle the entire permitting process for you—from drawings and applications to inspections and approvals. That means you can focus on the fun parts of your remodel, while we deal with the paperwork.
Let’s break down what you need to know about permits, why they matter, and how the process works in Baltimore County.
Why Permits Matter for Baltimore County Homeowners
Permits exist to ensure that construction meets safety and zoning standards. Baltimore County’s Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) enforces these codes to protect homeowners, neighbors, and future buyers.
Failing to get proper permits can lead to:
Fines or stop-work orders
Delays in selling your home (unpermitted work must be disclosed)
Unsafe construction that doesn’t meet building codes
Voided homeowner’s insurance in the event of damage or liability
If you’re working with an experienced contractor like Prestige, you’ll never have to worry about these risks. We’re deeply familiar with local requirements and ensure every part of your project is up to code.
Learn more about Baltimore County permitting on the official PAI website.
What Types of Projects Require a Permit?
In Baltimore County, most major home remodeling projects require permits. The scope and type of your project will determine the specific permits needed. Here are some common examples:
1. Home Additions
Any new square footage added to your home—such as a sunroom, bedroom, garage, or second story—will require a building permit, zoning approval, and possibly structural engineering review.
See our Home Additions page to learn more about common addition types we build across the county.
2. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
Permits are required when you're altering plumbing, electrical, or structural components. Even replacing a load-bearing wall, moving fixtures, or installing new wiring can trigger permitting requirements.
Related: Kitchen Remodeling | Bathroom Remodeling
3. Basement Finishing
A permit is required to convert a basement into livable space, especially when adding insulation, electrical outlets, a bathroom, or a separate entrance.
Visit our Basement Remodeling page for examples of finished basement projects.
4. Decks and Exterior Structures
Decks above 30 inches in height require a building permit. Detached garages, sheds over 120 sq ft, and retaining walls also require review.
What’s the Permitting Process Like in Baltimore County?
Here’s a simplified look at how the permitting process typically works—though with Prestige, we take care of it for you:
Zoning and Site Review
Before submitting your permit application, your property must be evaluated for zoning compliance. This includes setbacks, lot coverage, and allowable uses for your zoning district.Plans and Documentation
You'll need detailed construction drawings, site plans, and possibly engineering stamps depending on the scope. Prestige handles all this for you using our in-house design team.Permit Application Submission
We submit your application and plans through Baltimore County’s online Permit Portal, tracking it through every step.Plan Review and Revisions
County staff will review the application and may request clarifications or modifications. We respond promptly and handle all communication.Permit Approval and Fee Payment
Once approved, we pay any applicable fees (which we’ll include in your overall estimate) and receive the permits.Inspections
Throughout the construction process, required inspections are scheduled and completed with the county. Prestige coordinates these on your behalf and ensures compliance.Final Approval and Closeout
Once the final inspection passes, the permit is officially closed, and your remodel is fully compliant.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit in Baltimore County?
Permit timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project. For simple remodels, it may take 1–3 weeks. Larger additions or multi-trade renovations may take 4–8 weeks or longer, especially if revisions are needed.
Because Prestige handles everything for you, we minimize delays by:
Submitting complete, accurate applications
Using established relationships with county staff
Tracking the approval process daily
Proactively scheduling inspections
What If I Already Started Without a Permit?
If you’ve already begun a project and discovered it requires a permit, don’t panic—but don’t delay either. The county may require you to stop work, apply for a “retroactive” permit, and complete inspections before resuming.
Prestige can step in at any point and help legalize the work, make adjustments to bring it up to code, and manage the retro-permitting process.
