InstaBidsBaltimore permit search: look up, apply and check a permit
Look up a Baltimore permit in E-Permits, the online system of the Department of Housing and Community Development: search by address or record number under Permits and Inspections, with no account needed. The city says renovations, modifications, and reconstructions always need a permit. Search permits in E-Permits
InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.
- Describe it onceBy chat, or through your own AI assistant, and add photos.
- Post it and send itContractors bid in writing on that scope.
- Compare line by lineEvery quote is written against the same scope.
- You chooseContact details stay hidden until you pick and they confirm.
For your AI assistant
MCP connector · REST API · plain HTMLHand any of these to your assistant and it can help you write this job's request; you send the request yourself. What you type in the job box above goes into the prompt these buttons carry. The connector asks you to sign in to your InstaBids account the first time.
- MCP connector URL
https://instabids.ai/api/agent/mcp - Agent API (OpenAPI)
https://instabids.ai/openapi.json - Start-request link
https://instabids.ai/intake?from=permits-md--baltimore-city--baltimore--building-permits&utm_source=permits&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=permits-v3 - Prompt for any AI, with your job
- ChatGPTOpens with the prompt
- ClaudeOpens with the prompt
- GrokOpens with the prompt
- GeminiCopies the prompt, then opens
Every page is plain HTML. Steps for every assistant: add to your assistant.
Baltimore permit numbers at a glance
| Initial review backlog (city figure) | Over 1,700 applications in May 2025, down to 68 as of February 5, 2026.What We've Improved | Baltimore City, Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30 |
|---|---|
| Weekly auto-issuance for qualifying permits | Projected weekly rates of 16% to 27% of applications, as the city reports them.What We've Improved | Baltimore City, Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30 |
| Inspection booking cut-off | 2:30 P.M. the day before the date you request.INSPECTION GUIDELINES AND OTHER PERMIT INFORMATION, Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30 |
| Shed size that needs no permit | Up to 120 square feet of floor area, one story and detached, at a one- or two-family dwelling.WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT, Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30 |
| New housing units authorized, Baltimore city, 2025 | 543 new privately-owned housing units authorized in 2025 (Census county-equivalent figure for the independent city, not Baltimore County).Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, annual county file 2025, Baltimore city, Maryland (independent city) (county grain), read 2026-10-30 |
| Single-family units authorized, Baltimore city, 2025 | 254 of those units were 1-unit homes (same Census row).Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, annual county file 2025, Baltimore city, Maryland (independent city) (county grain), read 2026-10-30 |
How to search a permit by address in Baltimore
The public record search sits in E-Permits under Permits and Inspections. Its search page asks you to enter information to search for records, and Search by Address is one of the search types. You need no account for it; the city’s permit-status guide gives the steps without logging in:
- “Click “Advanced Search””
- “Click arrow by “Search Records/ Applications””
- “Select “Permits and Inspections””
Source: City of Baltimore E-Permits:, read 2026-10-30
The record number finds a permit fastest, but the record type, the address or trade license information also help identify it. If the results are wrong or too many, redo the General Search with more information or open Search Additional Criteria for more fields.
The record number is the best way to find a permit, but you can use the record type, address, or trade license information to help identify the specific permit.
Source: City of Baltimore E-Permits:, read 2026-10-30
Do I need a permit to repair or replace a roof in Baltimore?
Replacing roof shingles and replacing roof tarring are on the city’s list of work exempt from permit for one- and two-family dwellings. For roof work beyond those two items, the city’s general rule applies: constructing, altering or repairing a structure takes a permit, while ordinary repairs that are in fact maintenance generally do not.
- “Replacing roof shingles”
- “Replacing roof tarring”
Source: WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT, read 2026-10-30
The city adds that an exemption does not authorize work done in violation of its Building, Fire, and Related Codes.
Do I need a permit for a shed in Baltimore?
Not for a small one: one-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures with a floor area of no more than 120 square feet are on the city’s exempt list for one- and two-family dwellings.
One-story detached accessory structures used a tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11 m 2).
Source: WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT, read 2026-10-30
Tearing one down is different: demolition of accessory structures is on the razing permit’s list of work that needs a permit. That permit asks for the contractor’s name and registered license, unless you are an owner demolishing your own residential detached garage or shed.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Baltimore?
Building a deck is constructing a structure, which the city’s general rule puts under a permit. Its permit-type page lists Rooftop deck guidelines among the resources for new construction and additions under the One and Two Family Combo Permit, the permit for constructing buildings and accessory structures. The city’s inspection guidelines give decks two building inspections: footing and final.
Decks Footing; final
Source: INSPECTION GUIDELINES AND OTHER PERMIT INFORMATION, read 2026-10-30
The footing inspection comes after the excavation for the footings is complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place.
Do I need a permit for a pool in Baltimore?
Yes for an inground pool and for an above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches at a one- or two-family dwelling: both are on the city’s list of work that needs a permit.
- “Swimming Pool - 1 & 2 Family Dwelling Inground”
- “Swimming Pool - 1 & 2 Family Dwellings Above Ground >24" deep”
Source: Permit Information by Category | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
A prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep is on the exempt list, and for that one the city points you to its Zoning Department about zoning for the project.
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
Source: WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT, read 2026-10-30
Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Baltimore?
The city answers this with its list of the work that requires a contractor. Construction work on 1- and 2-family dwellings needs a Maryland Home Improvement (MHIC) contractor, and electrical, mechanical, gas and plumbing work, demolition (razing) permits, extensive structural alterations such as demolishing exterior walls or removing and replacing joists, and underpinning are on the same list.
Construction Work on 1- and 2-Family Dwellings: Requires a Maryland Home Improvement License (MHIC) contractor
Source: Building Permits | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
One owner case is written out: a razing permit asks for the contractor’s name and registered license unless you are an owner demolishing your own residential detached garage or shed. To add a contractor to an application, you need their registered name and license number from the permits database.
Contractor’s name and registered license, unless you are an owner demolishing your own residential detached garage or shed
Source: Permit Information by Category | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
What work does not need a permit in Baltimore?
The city’s rule of thumb: ordinary repairs that are maintenance generally need no permit, while alterations generally do. Its exempt list for one- and two-family dwellings includes interior finish work such as painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and counter tops, minor repair or patching of drywall or plaster, boarding exterior openings with plywood, and swings and other playground equipment.
Minor repairs usually don't need permits unless the item is completely replaced or significantly changed. However, renovations, modifications, and reconstructions always need a permit.
Source: Building Permits | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
The full list is the city’s list of repairs that don't require permits document, and the city notes that an exemption does not authorize work done in violation of its codes.
How much is a permit and how long does it take in Baltimore?
City permit fees, quoted from the E-Permits portal notice and the DHCD Building Permits page
Permit fees are set by the Baltimore City Building Code, § 109, and depend on the type of building and the kind and amount of work. Since July 1, 2026, the application fee for construction permits is collected when you submit, and for a One- and Two-Family Combo Permit it is $25. The city’s estimator adds the permit fees, the application fee, any plan review fee and the 5% permit tax; its worked example for renovating 1,400 square feet of a rowhouse comes to about $737, which the city calls an estimate, not a bill. These are government permit fees, not the cost of the work.
One- and Two-Family Combo Permit (BRCM) Application Fee - $25
Source: Accela Citizen Access, read 2026-10-30
Effective July 1, 2026, the Permits Office will now collect the Application Fee for construction permits (BRCM and BCCM) at the time of submission. The fee amount remains unchanged; however, it will no longer be included in the total fees due at the end of the permitting process.
Source: Accela Citizen Access, read 2026-10-30
Example: Renovating 1,400 square feet of a rowhouse, with 8 plumbing fixtures, a new electric water heater, 12 electrical circuits, and a 200-amp service, with plan review, comes to about $737. (This is the worked example from the estimator’s Notes & Disclaimers tab ($582 permit fees + $25 application + $100 plan review + $30 tax).
Source: Building Permits | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
On timing, the city reports that its initial review backlog fell from over 1,700 applications in May 2025 to 68 as of February 5, 2026, and that certain simple permits are now issued automatically once applicants submit complete and accurate materials, with no technical review by city staff. Applications in Planning and Historic districts are referred to another agency for extra review after you submit.
The first intake stage has seen dramatic impact: initial review backlogs dropped from over 1,700 applications in May 2025 to 68 as of February 5, 2026.
Source: What We've Improved | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
All permits require inspections, which you schedule online in your E-Permits account; the cut-off for booking is 2:30 P.M. the day before the date you request. Most electrical, mechanical, plumbing and H.V.A.C.R. permits get a rough-in inspection, and all of them get a final inspection.
The cut off time for scheduling inspections is 2:30 P.M. the day prior to the date requested.
Source: INSPECTION GUIDELINES AND OTHER PERMIT INFORMATION, read 2026-10-30
Before you apply in Baltimore: checklist
Project information: your role in the project, and the address and contact information of the property owner.
The work: a description of the work, the estimated cost of the project including labor and materials, and for trade work the fixtures or devices being added, replaced or installed.
Estimated cost of the project or work - the estimated cost of work is what you expect to spend on the project, including labor and materials. It is usually not the same as your permit fee.
Source: Permit Information and Requirements | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
Contractor and documents: the contractor license number and name when that applies, and any documents attached in PDF format. For new construction or additions under 600 square feet the city lists a site plan, floor plans, foundation plan, roof plan, elevations and cross-sections.
Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for the portal, which the city says gives the best experience.
Baltimore permit portal
Baltimore’s permit portal is E-Permits, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can view information there without an account; applying starts with creating an E-Permits account, which the full set of services needs. You can also complete an application in person at the kiosk of the city’s permit office.
You can view information without creating an account. However, you need to create a user account to use all our services.
Source: Accela Citizen Access, read 2026-10-30
For step-by-step how-to guides and video recordings, the city sends you to Permit Like a Pro.
Baltimore permit status
You can follow your application’s status in real time in E-Permits. Open the record by its blue record number to see the record number, type of permit, current status and expiration date. In the processing status, a green checkmark only means a task is completed; the city says it does not show whether that task was accepted or passed.
You can review the status of your application in real time via the E-Permits portal.
Source: Building Permits | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
The city also runs a public dashboard for the permits system, updated daily, with real-time insight into permit applications and processing timelines.
Baltimore permit records
Permits created before February 3, 2025 sit in the city’s older system. To see them in your E-Permits account, you connect the new account to your existing permits with the PIN record number process; the city reports that an automated process linked 127,000 PINs to accounts.
Even if you had an account before, you’ll need to create a new account so your permits and license registrations connect correctly. You will have to connect your new account with the older system to be able to see your permits (permits created before February 3, 2025).
Source: Building Permits Help Center | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
Searching records needs no account: you can search permit or license registration information in E-Permits and narrow a General Search with more information.
How do I contact the Baltimore building department?
Building permits in Baltimore sit with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which makes sure buildings in Baltimore City follow the rules for safety and construction. Its Permits and Plans Review Office takes in-person visits Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with no in-person assistance on Wednesdays. For phone and email contacts, use the DHCD Contact Us page.
Permits and Plans Review Office - Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Source: Permits, Inspections, Registrations, and Licensing | Baltimore City, read 2026-10-30
Sources
- Building Permits | Baltimore City (baltimorecity.gov), read 2026-10-30
- Accela Citizen Access (aca-prod.accela.com), read 2026-10-30
- Accela Citizen Access (aca-prod.accela.com), read 2026-10-30
- Building Permits Help Center | Baltimore City (baltimorecity.gov), read 2026-10-30
- City of Baltimore E-Permits: (s3.amazonaws.com), read 2026-10-30
- What We've Improved | Baltimore City (baltimorecity.gov), read 2026-10-30
- INSPECTION GUIDELINES AND OTHER PERMIT INFORMATION (s3.amazonaws.com), read 2026-10-30
- WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT (s3.amazonaws.com), read 2026-10-30
- Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, annual county file 2025 (www2.census.gov), row 2025,24,510 (Baltimore city, MD), sum of the Units columns 8 (1-unit), 11 (2-units), 14 (3-4 units), 17 (5+ units), 1-based as the file's header counts them, read 2026-10-30
- Permit Information by Category | Baltimore City (baltimorecity.gov), read 2026-10-30
- Permit Information and Requirements | Baltimore City (baltimorecity.gov), read 2026-10-30
- Permits, Inspections, Registrations, and Licensing | Baltimore City (baltimorecity.gov), read 2026-10-30