MD
Maryland permits & licenses
Last verified October 15, 2026
General information, not legal advice.
License thresholds and permit rules change, and your city or county enforces the permit. Local rules vary. Anything this research could not confirm is shown as “Check with your local building department,” not as a rule you can rely on.
Contractor license
Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), Maryland Department of Labor
NO dollar threshold: an MHIC contractor license is required whenever someone acts as a home-improvement contractor (Bus. Reg. 8-301). Since 2024, licensees must carry $500,000 general liability insurance (secondary source). Licensed electricians/plumbers/HVACR working within scope are exempt from MHIC.
Homeowner exemption
Summary
MHIC covers contractors, not homeowners working on their own home. Homeowner trade permits are set by the county.
Electrical
Check with your local building department
Plumbing
Check with your local building department
HVAC
Check with your local building department
Permit notes for common projects
Permit triggers are set and enforced locally (county/city building department), under the state code listed. Always confirm with the local building department.
Governing code
Maryland Building Performance Standards (IBC/IRC-based); counties may amend
Water heater
Check with your local building department
Toilet
Check with your local building department
Ceiling fan, outlet, or GFCI
Check with your local building department
Fence
Check with your local building department
Deck
Check with your local building department
Shed
Check with your local building department
What this page does not confirm
- Homeowner electrical/plumbing/HVAC rules are entirely county-level and weren't researched county by county.
- Every permit trigger is unverified.
Sources
Projects that hit these rules
Published by Fixit Express. Last verified October 15, 2026. Full disclaimer