Howard County, MD Basement Remodeling & Finishing Permits

Updated 2024

If you're planning a basement remodeling or finishing project in Howard County, Maryland, you’ll need to obtain the necessary building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits.

Below is a comprehensive guide outlining the fees and requirements.

Building Permits in Howard County, MD

The cost of a building permit depends on the type of residential structure:

• Single-Family Homes: $0.18 per sq. ft.
• Multi-Family Buildings: $0.22 per sq. ft.
• Technology Fee: A 10% technology fee is applied to all permits.

Foundation Permit

Requires prior approval and payment of all applicable fees (including building permit and water/sewer utility fees).

• Fee: $200 (+ filing fee)

Alterations & Repairs for Single-Family Homes

• Filing Fee (Non-Refundable): $25
• Single Room/Area (≤200 sq. ft.): $50
• More than One Floor/Area (>200 sq. ft.): $100

For a detailed fee schedule, covering additional structures like swimming pools, satellite dishes, and trellises, visit the Howard County Permits Website.

Electrical Permits

Application Fee: $50 (+ 10% technology fee)

Permit Fees vary based on service type and project scope:

Residential Flat Rate Schedule (New Construction)

• 1 or 2 Family Dwelling (0-200 Amp Service): $150
• 1 or 2 Family Dwelling (201-400 Amp Service): $200
• 1 or 2 Family Dwelling (401-600 Amp Service): $300
• 1 or 2 Family Dwelling (Over 600 Amp Service): $500

Multi-Family Electrical Permits

Includes service and common area wiring: $100 per unit

Residential Alterations & Additions

• Flat Fee: $50
• Multi-Family Units: $50 per apartment unit

For more complex projects, additional fees may apply. Check the electrical permit fee schedule for further details.

Plumbing & Gas Permits

• Application Fee: $50 (+ 10% technology fee)

Additional fees apply based on the number and type of fixtures:

Fixture Fees

• 1st Fixture: $25
• Each Additional Fixture: $5

Special Fixture Fees

• Sump Pump: $25 each
• Laundry Tray Pump: $25 each
• Sewer Ejector: $25 each
• Swimming Pool Pump: $25 each
• Hot Water Heater: $25 each
• Hot Water Boiler: $25 each

Commercial plumbing permits start at $50, with additional fixtures costing $5 each. Certain fixtures, like boilers and pool pumps, are $50 each.

For a full breakdown of commercial plumbing fees, refer to the Howard County Permit Fee Schedule.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) Permits

• Application Fee: $50 (+ 10% technology fee)

Permit Fees vary based on building type:

HVAC Fees by Property Type

• Single-Family Homes (Attached/Detached): $40 per heating/cooling zone
• Multi-Family & Multi-Occupancy Residential (Apartments, Condos, Hotels, Motels): $80 per unit/room

The HVAC fee schedule is simpler compared to other permits, but you can always check the official Howard County permit fee schedule for more details.

Final Notes & Additional Resources

Permit fees are subject to change, so always verify with Howard County Permits & Inspections before starting your project.

For the latest fee schedules and online applications, visit: Howard County Permits & Inspections

By following the proper permit process, you can ensure a safe, compliant, and hassle-free basement remodeling project in Howard County, MD.