Administrative overview · FIPS 24047
Worcester 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
Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting (DRP) – Building and Zoning Divisions
For a project in or near Worcester 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
410-632-1200; Building plan review ext. 1150; inspections ext. 1173; customer service ext. 1136
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Worcester County Government Center, 1 W. Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD 21863
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Review expectation
N/A for general plan review or permit issuance; after all final inspections are approved, the county states that a zoning/occupancy certificate requires a minimum of 72 hours.
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 Worcester County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting (DRP) – Building and Zoning Divisions 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 410-632-1200; Building plan review ext. 1150; inspections ext. 1173; customer service ext. 1136.
How long might review take?
N/A for general plan review or permit issuance; after all final inspections are approved, the county states that a zoning/occupancy certificate requires a minimum of 72 hours.
How are inspections scheduled?
After issuance, coordinate required inspections with the Building/Housing/Zoning inspector through DRP at 410-632-1200 (Building Inspections ext. 1173). Residential inspection requests must be made 24–48 hours in advance; the county lists footing, foundation, framing/close-in, required trade approvals, and final inspections. A $25 reinspection fee applies when the builder is not ready. A zoning/occupancy certificate requires at least 72 hours after approval of final building/zoning, plumbing/electrical, and water/wastewater inspections.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
For permit submittals on or after May 29, 2024, Worcester County adopted the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code with local amendments. Reviews also reference the 2017 National Electrical Code, Maryland Accessibility Code, Maryland State Building Codes, and Worcester County Floodplain Management Code BR 2-301; third-party agencies handle National Electrical Code inspections. N/A - the current DRP checklist does not publish a minor/cosmetic exemption list and expressly states that permits are required for all accessory structures, including fences, sheds, hot tubs, pools, pole barns, lean-tos, pergolas, and gazebos. Contact DRP before assuming work is exempt; the county processes permits for unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities may have separate authorities.