Montgomery County, MD Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed for
- alter, enlarge, remove, demolish
- Issuing agency
- Dept. of Permitting Services
- Exempt
- ordinary repairs, no structural/utility work
- Civil fine
- $500 initial, $750 repeat
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days to Board of Appeals
Summary
Montgomery County requires a Department of Permitting Services permit before you enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish a building under Code § 8-24(a): cosmetic ordinary repairs are exempt, but structural, electrical, and plumbing work is not.
It is unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, remove or demolish a building or change the occupancy of a building from one use group to another requiring greater strength, exitway or sanitary provisions; ... without first filing an application with the department in writing and obtaining the required permit therefor; except, that ordinary repairs as defined in Section 8-3 which do not involve any violation of this Chapter are exempt from this provision.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County Code § 8-24(a) makes it unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish a building, or change its occupancy to a use requiring greater structural, exitway, or sanitary capacity, without first filing a written application with the Department of Permitting Services and obtaining a permit. Ordinary repairs that don't touch structural walls, egress, or utility systems are exempt under § 8-3. The Director may revoke a permit for false statements (§ 8-21) or issue a stop-work order (§ 8-20). Appeals of a permit denial go to the County Board of Appeals within 30 days (§ 8-23). This chapter doesn't govern Rockville, Gaithersburg, or Takoma Park, which run their own permitting.
Violations & Fines
Renovating without a permit is a Class A violation: up to $1,000 and 6 months jail criminally, or a $500 civil fine ($750 for a repeat offense) under § 1-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen in Montgomery County?
What happens if I renovate without a permit?
Does this apply if I live in Rockville or Gaithersburg?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland building safety overview
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