Can a Maryland county require a permit for a small backyard shed?

Yes for zoning, setbacks, and electrical work. The IRC exempts buildings 120 square feet or less from a building permit, but counties may still require zoning approval.

Does every Maryland county use the same building code?

Yes. The MBPS requires every jurisdiction to use the same edition of the IRC, IBC, and IECC. Local amendments are allowed but cannot weaken state minimum standards.

Maryland Shed Permit Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Public Safety §12-503
Codes: IBC, IRC, IECC
Permit Exempt: Sheds 120 sq ft or less
Adopting Authority: Maryland DHCD
Local Amendments: Stricter only

Source: Maryland General Assembly

Full Breakdown

Public Safety Article Section 12-503 establishes the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS), which require every county and municipality to adopt the same edition of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Energy Conservation Code. The Department of Housing and Community Development must update the MBPS within twelve months of new I-code editions, and local jurisdictions must adopt within six months thereafter. Under IRC Section R105.2, accessory buildings of one hundred twenty square feet or less are exempt from a building permit, though zoning, setback, and electrical permits may still apply locally. Local amendments may be stricter but not weaker.

Violations & Penalties

Building without required permits or in violation of MBPS minimums can trigger stop-work orders, daily fines, mandatory removal, and denial of certificate of occupancy by local code officials.

Maryland Building Performance Standards Govern Sheds

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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