Permitting

New Permitting Software - Coming Soon!

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We have integrated Cloudpermit to facilitate the submission of online applications for all building and land-use related permits beginning January 1, 2025. The addition of this tool will greatly enhance the transparency and accountability of our Planning & Zoning process, for both staff and applicants. 

Standard Building Permits will now require a two-pronged approach: a Building Permit and a Land-Use Permit. The Building Permit will govern that the project meets building codes. The Land-Use Permit will help guide structural placement, ground grading, and other environmental concerns. 

Additional functionality (ie; code enforcement) will eventually be added to the Cloudpermit interface making it easier to communicate with and track projects alongside our Planning & Zoning team. 

With the Cloudpermit Building Permit system, you can conveniently apply for permits and track their status. Additionally, the system allows you to initiate an application and save progress for completion at a later time. You will also receive timely email updates regarding the status of your permit application.

Take the first step today by creating your account. Beginning January 1, you will be able to start using the system fully. To create a Cloudpermit account, CLICK HERE.

To Create an Account

To get started with Cloudpermit, you need to Create an Account. Note: you will need an email address to use the system.
  1. Go to the Cloudpermit site
  2.  Click on “CREATE NOW” found under the Register for an account column.
  3. Provide your email address.
  4. Cloudpermit will send an email to the address you have provided.
  5. Open the email and complete the registration process.

Note: this email is only valid for 24 hours. The next time you visit the site, you’ll login using your email and password.

Permitting Overview

Generally, new construction that has a footprint larger than 100sf requires a permit. This includes prefabricated structures. Additionally, grading activities involving heavy equipment requires a permit. In some cases, earth disturbances less than 5,000sf may be exempt from permitting, but all land use code provisions apply at all times. For more information visit the FAQs page.

Inspections: Projects subject to the building permit process require inspection. Examples of projects subject to the building permit process are as follows:

  • All new dwelling units

  • All non-residential structures excepting agricultural structures

  • All residential additions and accessory structures >600sf in floor area, in aggregate

Decks associated with new authorized dwelling construction require plan review, permits and inspection. Deck construction or reconstruction without a roof system generally does not require authorization (a permit) if the deck is <600sf in area and < 30" above grade.  For deck construction or reconstruction >600sf in area and exceeding 30" above grade at any one point, a permit may be required. An applicant is encouraged to submit an application and construction drawing to Permits Office staff for evaluation and verification to whether permitting and inspection is necessary. For more information on inspections and applicability thereof, please visit the Office of Building Safety and Construction's web page or contact the Permits Office at 301-777-5951.

Renovation: Generally, renovation work does not require a permit from the Permits Office but shall conform to all applicable Codes. Relative to the definition of "renovation", please contact the Office of Building Safety and Construction for a definitive answer. The Building Safety Office may be reached at 301-777-5951.

Fees: Fees for permit applications help offset administrative cost. Fees must be paid in full prior to distribution. Fees are collected by the County’s Tax and Utilities Office, located on the second floor of the County Office Complex. Checks are to be made payable to the Allegany County Commissioners. The average permit fees for a dwelling is $550.00. The average permit fee for a mobile home is $325.00. For more information on fees, visit the FAQs page.

Submissions: Upon submission of a complete application and payment of applicable fees, a processed application will be distributed to the appropriate release agents.  It is necessary for the Applicant to make direct contact with some of these agents. The Permits Office will provide a completed Review Checklist upon application.

Post Issuance: After the applicant has addressed all requirements, and approvals are received at the Permits Office, a Permit will be issued. Unless otherwise instructed, issued permits will be available for download on the Cloudpermit website. A Permit Issued placard will be included with the issued permit to be displayed at the project site.

Permitting Flowcharts

  1. Permit Process Flowchart - Post-Submittal Review (PDF)
  2. Permit Process Flowchart - Pre-Submittal Process (PDF)