Maryland

Maryland Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

You get a Maryland carport or metal garage permit from your local office, never from the state, even though Maryland has one statewide building code. Each county, Baltimore City and some towns enforce the code themselves, and each one can add its own local changes. That means the size where a permit kicks in, the paperwork and the setbacks can all change from one county to the next. Start with the permit office for the county or city where the building will sit, and ask before you order.

Building code in effect

Maryland builds to the Maryland Building Performance Standards, which are the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code with Maryland amendments (COMAR 09.12.51, effective May 29, 2023). State law requires every jurisdiction to use the same edition, and local governments had to start enforcing the 2021 codes by May 29, 2024. Counties and cities can amend the codes to suit local conditions. In June 2026 the state proposed moving to the 2024 codes, but that proposal was withdrawn in October 2026, so the 2021 codes are still the ones in effect.

Who issues permits

Building permits come from your county permit or inspections office, or from Baltimore City if you are in the city. Under state law, the county usually enforces the code, but some incorporated towns run their own permit office instead, so check whether your address is inside town limits. Zoning is often a separate review that covers setbacks, height and where the building can sit on your lot. Electrical work is handled under its own state electrical rules, so wiring a garage usually means a separate electrical permit.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Size limits are set locally: Maryland does not set one statewide square-footage cutoff for sheds and accessory buildings. Each county decides, so ask your county what size triggers a permit.
Example, Baltimore County: A residential accessory structure over 120 square feet needs a building permit, and any size needs one in a floodplain, the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area or a historic district.
Carports and garages: A carport or garage of the size most people buy will likely need a permit in most Maryland counties. Larger buildings may also need frost-line footings or full construction plans, depending on the county.
Enclosing a carport: Adding walls to an existing carport changes the building, so treat it like new construction and check with your permit office first.
Commercial property: Buildings on commercial lots are reviewed under the International Building Code and usually need sealed plans and a full plan review.

Farm buildings

Maryland's statewide farm rule is narrow. Public Safety Article Section 12-508 exempts agricultural buildings used for agritourism from the building standards in 19 named counties (and any other county that opts in), as long as the building is structurally sound and in good repair. The state code also adopts IBC Appendix C for Group U agricultural buildings. Beyond that, each county sets its own farm building exemption. For example, Anne Arundel County exempts buildings that are integral to the farm's operation on land zoned or assessed as agricultural, but still requires a farm plan, erosion and stormwater approvals, and trade permits for electric, plumbing and mechanical work. Ask your county how it handles farm buildings before you order.

Wind and snow

Maryland weather changes a lot from one end of the state to the other. The western mountain counties see heavier snow, while the Eastern Shore and areas near the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast deal with stronger wind from coastal storms. Your county sets the wind speed and snow load your building has to meet, so ask for those numbers when you call. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county permit office (or Baltimore City, or your town) before you order. Ask whether you need a building permit, a zoning approval or both, what setbacks apply and what wind and snow ratings they want.
Ask if your lot is in a floodplain, the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area or a historic district. Those areas can require a permit no matter how small the building is.
Check your HOA rules and deed restrictions, since they can limit size, color or placement even when the county says yes.
Have a level site ready, whether that is a concrete slab, a gravel pad or graded ground. If your county wants engineered drawings for a certified building, ask us and we can help you get them.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Maryland?
Most likely, yes, unless it is very small. Each county sets its own cutoff. Baltimore County, for example, requires a permit for accessory structures over 120 square feet. Call your county permit office before you order.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Maryland?
Yes, in nearly every case. A garage is built to the Maryland Building Performance Standards, and your county or city will usually want a site plan and building plans. Wiring it will need a separate electrical permit.

Are farm buildings exempt?
Sometimes. State law exempts agricultural buildings used for agritourism in most counties, and many counties exempt true farm buildings on agricultural land. You may still need zoning, erosion control or electrical approvals, so ask your county first.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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