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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Montgomery County.

Current Montgomery County adoptions include the 2021 International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Energy Conservation, Green Construction, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes with county amendments; 2021 NFPA 1 Fire Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code with local fire-safety amendments; NFPA 70/National Electrical Code as adopted by Maryland and Montgomery County; Maryland Accessibility Code; and the 2025 Maryland State Fire Prevention Code. The county lists the 2026 NEC as pending rather than adopted.

Inspection lane

Use the DPS online inspection request portal after plan reviews are complete and the permit is issued; enter the permit's Contact ID and select a date within the next seven business days. For next-day commercial inspection problems before noon call 240-777-0311. Framing/close-in inspections require associated electrical rough-in and mechanical close-in inspections; final building inspection requires associated electrical and mechanical finals. No inspection can be scheduled for inactive, stop-work, unpaid, denied, or otherwise unresolved applications.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The county says permits are usually not required for bathroom caulking; cabinets; driveway work on private property; same-location/same-height replacement of a fence originally installed with a permit; floor coverings; gutters/downspouts; patios; prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep; private walkways; retaining walls not over 48 inches measured from footing bottom to top unless supporting a surcharge; retractable awnings/canopies; roof covering only; siding; in-kind storm windows; swings/playground equipment/playhouses/treehouses; wall repair/painting; windows/doors without changing opening or net clear opening; and window screens. Permits are still required for most structural/accessory work, including all sheds and decks, and municipal/HOA rules may also apply.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Use the DPS online inspection request portal after plan reviews are complete and the permit is issued; enter the permit's Contact ID and select a date within the next seven business days. For next-day commercial inspection problems before noon call 240-777-0311. Framing/close-in inspections require associated electrical rough-in and mechanical close-in inspections; final building inspection requires associated electrical and mechanical finals. No inspection can be scheduled for inactive, stop-work, unpaid, denied, or otherwise unresolved applications.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Montgomery County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 240-777-0311 (DPS/MC 311); 240-777-6370 (permit status/application support).

How long might review take?

Eligible residential fast-track applications may be issued in a few hours; other adequately prepared applications, such as regular deck reviews, may take up to 17 days. Actual timing varies by application type, corrections, and outside approvals.

How are inspections scheduled?

Use the DPS online inspection request portal after plan reviews are complete and the permit is issued; enter the permit's Contact ID and select a date within the next seven business days. For next-day commercial inspection problems before noon call 240-777-0311. Framing/close-in inspections require associated electrical rough-in and mechanical close-in inspections; final building inspection requires associated electrical and mechanical finals. No inspection can be scheduled for inactive, stop-work, unpaid, denied, or otherwise unresolved applications.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Current Montgomery County adoptions include the 2021 International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Energy Conservation, Green Construction, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes with county amendments; 2021 NFPA 1 Fire Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code with local fire-safety amendments; NFPA 70/National Electrical Code as adopted by Maryland and Montgomery County; Maryland Accessibility Code; and the 2025 Maryland State Fire Prevention Code. The county lists the 2026 NEC as pending rather than adopted. The county says permits are usually not required for bathroom caulking; cabinets; driveway work on private property; same-location/same-height replacement of a fence originally installed with a permit; floor coverings; gutters/downspouts; patios; prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep; private walkways; retaining walls not over 48 inches measured from footing bottom to top unless supporting a surcharge; retractable awnings/canopies; roof covering only; siding; in-kind storm windows; swings/playground equipment/playhouses/treehouses; wall repair/painting; windows/doors without changing opening or net clear opening; and window screens. Permits are still required for most structural/accessory work, including all sheds and decks, and municipal/HOA rules may also apply.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.