This guide helps users handle permit needs in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, including searching permit records, applying online, checking status, and finding the right permit type.
The main official service is the Anne Arundel County Land Use Navigator, supported by the Department of Inspections and Permits and the Permit Center.
Land Use Navigator permit search and applications
Anne Arundel County uses the Land Use Navigator for online permit services. Users can search permitting information without creating an account. Applying for a permit, requesting an inspection, applying for a license, viewing application history, accessing invoices, making online payments, and checking pending activity status require a free Land Use Navigator account.
Have the basic details ready before searching or starting an application.
- Street number and street name, without the street type, when searching by address
- Street name, if you need to view multiple addresses on the same street
- Tax Account ID, when available
- Record number, when checking fees paid or fees due
Use the portal for the main online permit workflow.
- Open search or start a permit record in Land Use Navigator.
- Select the Permits tab to search records or create an application.
- Register for a free account before applying, requesting inspections, or managing payments.
- Use My Records after login to review applications, fees, receipts, status updates, and approved documents.
Account note: new users registering for Land Use Navigator are asked for a username and password, security question and answer, contact information, and license numbers when registering as a licensed professional.
Permit requirement and record type checks
Before starting an application, confirm whether the work requires a permit and choose the correct record type. Anne Arundel County warns that choosing the wrong record type can require a new application, new permit fees, and a cancellation or refund request that may take up to 6 months.
The county’s permit guidance includes project-specific examples for residential, non-residential, trade, grading, septic, and fire protection work. Use check whether a permit is needed before selecting the application type in Land Use Navigator.
Some residential and non-residential permits require pre-application screening. Residential screening asks whether the proposed work is attached to, within, or within 3 feet of the principal structure and whether the project is a new townhome or condo. Non-residential screening asks whether the project is for an existing tenant, adds square footage, or divides a larger space into multiple suites or future tenant spaces.
Common Anne Arundel County permit categories
Permit types are grouped by the kind of work being performed. The table below summarizes the main categories named by Anne Arundel County.
| Category | Examples or purpose |
|---|---|
| Residential permits | Single-family dwelling work, accessory structures, mobile homes, residential solar, fireplaces, stove inserts, and waterproofing |
| Non-residential permits | Alterations, new structures, tenant improvements, whitebox work, signs, temporary tents, temporary trailers, pools, and shore-related work |
| Trade permits | Electrical, gas, mechanical, onsite, plumbing, propane storage tank, storage tank, TAP, and water/sewer connection permits |
| Grading permits | Grading permits, logging permits, and Standard Grading Plans for projects involving ground disturbance |
| Septic system permits | Perc test applications, septic installation permits, and subdivision perc applications |
| Fire protection system permits | Fire alarms, mag locks, fire suppression systems, sprinklers, smoke evacuation systems, and suppression tanks |
Online application steps in Land Use Navigator
After login, select Permits and then Create an Application. Read the directions, allow pop-ups as needed, accept the disclaimer, and continue to the record type selection.
- Select the correct record type for the proposed work.
- Enter the address, parcel, and owner information for the permit location.
- Add the licensed professional and required contacts.
- Complete the application information, including the description of work and property details.
- Upload required documents in PDF format.
- Review the application, certify the information, and continue to the fee screen.
- Check out and complete payment to receive the record number.
All permits must include at least one contact with the contact type of Applicant. Contact addresses must include a Mailing Address type to move forward.
Permit documents must be uploaded in PDF form. If a required document does not apply to the record, the system requires a blank document upload to continue.
Status, revisions, payments, and approved documents
Applicants can review permit status from My Records or by searching for the permit record. Open the record, choose Record Info, and select Processing Status to view review details, approximate due dates, completed reviews, and reviewer comments.
A green check mark means a review has been completed, not necessarily approved. An hourglass means a review is in process. A revision cannot be submitted until the manager review is complete and the Request Revision link becomes active.
Initial payments must be made through the record creator’s Land Use Navigator account. Anne Arundel County warns not to forward a payment link by email because payments made that way may not be applied to the record and may not be recoverable.
Approved documents are available from My Records by opening the record, selecting Record Info, and choosing Attachments. Issued building permits, approved site plans, approved construction plans, comment letters, and certificates of occupancy may be labeled by document type in the attachments area.
Online submission rules and current permit notices
Effective December 1, 2025, all new permit applications, except apartment submissions, associated trades, and revisions to existing paper applications, require online submission through the LUN System. Kiosks with scanners for documents 11x17 or smaller are available at the Permit Center, and other documents may be uploaded from a flash drive.
Bill 13-26 becomes effective May 25, 2026. Permit applications submitted on or after that date must comply with the updated code requirements.
The Department of Public Works has declared a moratorium on sewer capacity allocation approvals for all new development in the Baltimore City Sewer Service Area, effective March 2, 2026. Development and permit applications continue to be accepted, but projects or permits without a formal allocation before March 2, 2026 cannot be allocated or receive final approval. Properties with failing septic systems and tenant improvement permits requiring one or more EDUs are reviewed case by case.
Permit Center help
Use the Permit Center for questions about Land Use Navigator, permit applications, revisions, status checks, approved plans, and apartment project appointment requests.
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Permit Center, 2664 Riva Road, Heritage Office Complex, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 222-7730
Email: permitcenterhelp@aacounty.org
Common questions
Can I search Anne Arundel County permit records without an account?
Yes. Land Use Navigator allows users to search permitting and licensing information without registering. An account is required to apply, request inspections, manage payments, and view a full application history.
Where do I apply for an Anne Arundel County permit online?
Use Land Use Navigator to create a permit application online. First-time users should create a free account before applying or managing an existing record.
How do I know which permit record type to choose?
Use the county’s permit requirement guidance and any required pre-application screening before choosing a record type. Selecting the wrong record type can require a new application and another payment.
What should I use to check permit fees paid or fees due?
The fee report can be accessed with a permit record number. Logged-in users can also open the selected record and use the Report function to generate payment and fee details.
Where can I get help using the permit system?
Use review Land Use Navigator permit help or contact the Permit Center at (410) 222-7730.