Administrative overview · FIPS 24041
Talbot County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Talbot County Department of Permits and Inspections
For a project in or near Talbot County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
410-770-6840 (Permits and Inspections); 410-770-6849 (inspection scheduling); 410-770-6850 (code compliance)
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
215 Bay Street, Suite 3, Easton, MD 21601
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; inspections can be scheduled for the next business day when requested by 3:30 p.m.
Review expectation
Inspections can generally be scheduled for the next business day when requested by 3:30 p.m.; no universal plan-review issuance timeline is published.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →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.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Talbot County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Talbot County Department of Permits and Inspections 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 410-770-6840 (Permits and Inspections); 410-770-6849 (inspection scheduling); 410-770-6850 (code compliance).
How long might review take?
Inspections can generally be scheduled for the next business day when requested by 3:30 p.m.; no universal plan-review issuance timeline is published.
How are inspections scheduled?
After a permit is issued and active for at least 24 hours, request inspections through OpenGov or call 410-770-6849 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Trade inspections must be requested by the licensed trade contractor; electrical inspections go through MDIA at 410-822-8300 and sprinkler inspections through the Fire Marshal at 410-822-7609. Approved plans must be onsite, and final building inspection follows final plumbing, electrical, fire, and other required trade inspections.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Talbot County enforces the Maryland Building Performance Standards and local Chapter 28 building code. The county's codes page currently lists the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development modifications; applicants should confirm the applicable edition with the county because Maryland code editions and local pages are being updated. Talbot County says all work requires a permit except roof-shingle repairs, siding replacement, painting, fences under 4 feet tall, sidewalks, at-grade patios, driveways, playground equipment/swings, cabinet replacements, floor-covering replacements, in-kind window/door replacements, and repair of leaking pipes or fixtures. Zoning permits are required for agricultural buildings, sheds under 300 square feet, marine projects, and fences; incorporated towns may have separate jurisdiction.