Do I need a building permit in Washington County, MD?

Many people want extra storage.   What are your next steps? First, you start looking at sheds, garages and/or carports for that space?  Then the question of permits comes up, do I need one or not?

If you live in Washington County (with the exception of City of Hagerstown, see another section) you do not need a permit for any shed, garage or carport less than 200 square feet. However, that may vary from township to township, so it is best to check with your local town office on rules and regulations for your particular township.

For sheds, garages, and/or carports over 200 square feet, the process is quite simple with the correct and accurate paperwork. You can go to your local town office in Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Funkstown, City of Hagerstown, Hancock, Keedysville, Sharpsburg, or Williamsport and fill out a building permit application.  Outside those town limits you must apply at Washington County Department of Permits & Inspection; county Administration Annex;  80 west Baltimore Street; Hagerstown, MD 21740, 240-313-2460, with the same application as for the towns above.

For most areas:

You will need a plot plan of the entire parcel, drawn to scale, showing the following:

• Location of proposed structure with accurate measurement to each property line
• Location of all existing structures
• Location of existing/proposed driveway(s)
• Location of existing/proposed well and septic area
• Limits of ground disturbance and soil stockpile area

You will also need two (2) complete sets of detailed construction plans, drawn to scale, showing the following:

• Footing and foundation plan (if structure is over 400 sq-ft.)
• Floor plans for each level with all rooms labeled with the proposed use
• Cross section (1/4 scale)
• Elevations (at least two)
• Square footage total

Building fees for garages, carports, and sheds are $80.00 ($65.00 application fee and $15.00 technology fee) plus $.10/sq ft.

The permit offices hours at all locations are Monday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.