Annapolis, MD Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Dept. of Planning and Zoning
- Who must apply
- Owner and contractor jointly responsible
- Historic District
- Separate Certificate of Approval required
- Deck definition
- 'Platform deck' counted as a structure
- Penalty
- Municipal infraction, daily civil fine
Summary
Building a deck or patio in Annapolis requires a permit under City Code § 17.05.010 because a 'platform deck' is expressly defined as a structure in § 17.04.870; exterior work in the Historic District also needs a Certificate of Approval.
An owner of real property who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, transport an oversized load, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or other structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, or to cause any such work to be performed shall first file an application with the Director or the Director's designee for any permit required by this code to engage in the work and shall pay any applicable permit fees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Annapolis defines 'structure' in § 17.04.870 to include a 'platform deck,' so building one triggers the general permit requirement in § 17.05.010(A): the owner (or an authorized agent) must file an application with the Director of Planning and Zoning and pay the applicable fee before construction begins. Owner and contractor are jointly responsible for obtaining it (§ 17.05.060(A)). Exemptions under § 17.05.020 are limited to IBC/IRC/IEBC provisions and to non-structural window, door, and siding repairs, decks aren't covered. Exterior deck or patio work in the Historic District additionally needs a Certificate of Approval under § 17.05.010(B), whether or not the underlying work is otherwise permit-exempt.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit is a municipal infraction under § 17.05.010(D): a civil fine set by City Council resolution, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small deck need a building permit in Annapolis?
Is a building permit enough to build a deck in Annapolis's Historic District?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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