Apex Construction Facilitates Ocean City Building Construction Permits

Don't do any work in Ocean City without a permit, it's not worth the fines!  Make sure you know the laws so you don't get caught with stiff penalties.  Allow us to do your home improvement project and we'll make sure all the permits are filled.  Apex Construction can help you with the permit application process in Ocean City, MD.  Just let us know how we can help!

Effective February 1, 2011 the building permit fee will be due with the permit application. If an applicant elects to cancel a project after plan review, 50% of the application fee will be refunded to the applicant.

Construction Permits

Almost all construction activities in the Town of Ocean City require a permit. Construction activities that do not need a permit are: Exemption from obtaining a permit is not an authorization for any work to be performed in violation of City code. Although a permit may not be required for work other approvals may be necessary. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact us.

Building:

• Non-Structural repairs up to $5,000 (valuation based on fair market labor and materials) that do not alter the size, shape, bulk or floor plan of the structure. Window and door replacements are considered structural as are docks, piers, boatlifts and bulkheads. In addition any structural repair work associated with decks or balconies including columns, beams, or joist replacement is structural and requires a permit.

• Most painting, papering, tiling, & carpeting

• Repairs to cabinets, counter tops or similar finish work

• Repair of cracked or broken windows

• Repairs of existing parking lots or driveways

• Repairs to swing sets or pother playground equipment accessory to a single family dwelling

• Roof repair or roof shingle repairs

Electrical:

• Minor repair work including replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Mechanical

• Portable heating, ventilating or cooling appliances

• Piping within a heating or cooling appliance

• Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe

Plumbing

• Stoppage of leaks provided the defect does not require the removal and replacement with new material.

• The clearing of stoppages

• The repairing of leaks in valves or fixtures

• The removing and reinstallation of a water closet for a cleanout opening provided the reinstallation does not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or new fixtures.

• Removal and replacement, or repair of existing domestic/residential lavatory faucets, domestic/residential kitchen faucets, domestic/residential laundry tray faucets and shower heads provided such replacement does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of any portion of the drainage and venting plumbing system, valves, water pipes, backflow devices or traps.

• Removal and replacement, or repair of existing domestic/residential clothes washing machines, domestic/residential food waste grinder (garbage disposals), and domestic/residential dish washers provided such replacement does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of any portion of the drainage and venting plumbing system, valves, water pipes, backflow devices or traps.

• Removal and replacement, or repair of existing domestic/residential electric water heaters and domestic/residential electric tankless water heaters provided such replacement does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of any portion of the drainage and venting plumbing system, valves, water pipes, backflow devices or traps.

All other construction activities will require a Building Permit.

To apply for a building permit download the building permit application form and call 410-289-8855 to schedule an appointment with a building official. You should have the following materials ready prior to your appointment with the building official:

1.  

   1. A completed building permit application

   2. Payment for the permit fee

   3. 2 copies of building plans and material specifications as required.

   4. 6 copies of a site plan for any project that changes or adds to the foot print of a building. This includes additions, fences, decks, walkways, patios, sheds, and new air-conditioning units.

   5. Proof of Maryland Home Improvement Contractors License, Plumbers License, HVACR License and/or Electricians License as required.

Depending on the complexity of your project, additional plans, calculations, permits, reviews, and approvals may be required including: Zoning, Stormwater Management, Critical Areas, Fire Marshall, Port Wardens, Worcester County Soil Conservation District, and others. Application forms for many of these permits are available here.

Some permit applications may be dropped off without an appointment, these are:

• Plumbing, Electrical, or Mechanical Only Permits

• Roofing Shingle Replacement with manufacturers data

• Window/Door replacement with manufacturers data

• Fence with site plan

• Siding with manufacturers data

• EIFS Exterior finish system with manufacturers data

• HVAC Replacement Permits

Drop off permits are generally processed within 5 working days. Process time for all other permits will vary depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the plans and specifications. They key to a quicker permit turn-around is to have a complete, correct, and detailed set of plans.

Incomplete applications or plans received from building professionals including contractors, engineers and architects will not be accepted for review under any circumstances.