Search Baltimore County Permit Records

This page helps users handle permit needs in Baltimore County, Maryland, including permit searches, records requests, applications, and inspection-related next steps.

The Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections and its Permit Search tools are the main official channels for finding permit information and requesting related records.

Permit Search

Use the Baltimore County search for permits map to look up building, electrical, gas, and plumbing permit information. The tool requires users to accept the warranty and disclaimer before viewing permit results.

Have one of these details ready before searching:

• Street address in Baltimore County
• Permit number, if known

The search guide notes that most records are available online from 2009 onward and that new records are added daily.

• Open the Permit Search map and accept the terms and conditions.
• Use the Find Permits search box to enter an address or permit number.
• Review the permit groups shown by trade, such as building, electrical, gas, or plumbing.
• Select an individual permit to view details such as status, permit number, application date, issued date, and description of work.

Tip: For best performance, Baltimore County recommends using the latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.

Permit records and Confirmation of Records requests

For property-related permit records, Baltimore County uses a Confirmation of Records request to examine documents associated with a property. This request can cover building, electrical, gas, and plumbing applications, inspections, and permits, along with Code Enforcement cases and use of occupancy records.

Submit the Confirmation of Records Request when you need staff to confirm records connected to a Baltimore County property. The Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections has 21 days to fulfill this type of request.

Most files are retained for three years and then destroyed. Research begins after payment is received.

Records Search and Requests

Baltimore County directs many permit and property questions to public search tools before a formal request is submitted. The county identifies public search options for active development, building, electrical, gas and plumbing permits, County-owned property, property ownership, rental licenses, use and occupancy, vacant property, and zoning case history.

Use the county’s records search and request guidance to decide whether the record should be found through a search tool, a Confirmation of Records request, or a Public Information Act request.

Permit applications and online accounts

Building, plumbing, electrical, and other construction permit applications must be completed online. Public workstations and staff are available in the lobby to help customers create online accounts and applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

Use the Baltimore County apply for a permit page to log in, choose a permit type, and review application requirements. Permits are valid for one year, with an option to request one additional year when the application is filed.

Do not work on an expired permit. If a permit has expired, a new permit is required. If it has not expired, an extension may be requested.

Inspection scheduling

Inspections for building, electrical, and plumbing permits must be scheduled through an online account. Scheduling requests must be submitted by 2 p.m. the prior business day.

To schedule an inspection, users need a permit number and an existing online account. To cancel or reschedule, cancellations must be submitted through the online account by 6 a.m.

For an estimated inspection time, call the office between 7:30 and 8 a.m. on the day of the inspection.

Fees and request timing

Several Baltimore County permit record requests include fees and review timelines:

Public Information Act requests

A Public Information Act request may be used to review available records and obtain copies of disclosed records. Some public records may be confidential under federal or state statutes, court rules, or common law privileges.

Code Enforcement cases, permits, applications, inspections, and use of occupancy records are not handled as PIA requests for this purpose. Baltimore County routes those items through the appropriate records search and Confirmation of Records process.

The Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections identifies several divisions for records, including Building Plans Review, Code Enforcement, Development Management, Development Plans Review, Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses, and Zoning Review.

Permit help and contacts

Use these Baltimore County contacts for permit records, permit questions, and inspection scheduling support.

• Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections, County Office Building, 111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204
  Phone: (410) 887-3353
• Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections permit process help
  Phone: (410) 887-3900
• Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections permit requirement questions
  Phone: (410) 887-3953
• Building inspections
  Phone: (410) 887-3953
• Electrical inspections
  Phone: (410) 887-3960
• Plumbing inspections
  Phone: (410) 887-3620