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With all the stressful decisions that come with picking out new tile or purchasing energy-efficient kitchen or bathroom fixtures, it’s easy to forget an essential step in remodeling a home: permits.
Are you thinking about a bathroom remodeling project in Rockville, MD or another upgrade to your home? If so, it’s essential to understand the permit requirements in Rockville, MD. Read on to know which remodeling project needs and doesn’t need a permit.
When Is a Permit Needed for Home Remodeling in Rockville, MD?
Every home remodel is unique, meaning the permitting requirements will differ from project to project. Hence, always consult a professional before beginning any home remodeling project to ensure you know all the required permits. Also, be wary of anyone who tries to tell you that a permit isn’t necessary for your particular remodeling job, as this may indicate that they’re not a legitimate or licensed contractor.
For your reference, here are remodeling projects that need and don’t need a permit in Rockville, MD.
Remodeling Projects That Need a Permit
All interior and exterior structural repairs or alterations need a permit, as do some non-structural interior modifications. In addition, one or more inspections are required for most permits before the work can start. Lastly, the city’s Municipal Code and Charter, Maryland Fire Prevention Code, and other various codes and regulations heavily regulate construction in Rockville.
The majority of home remodeling projects may require building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits:
- Building: Required for the construction or modification of any new or existing single-family home, townhome, or duplex.
- Plumbing: Any changes to plumbing fixtures, including installing or replacing water heaters.
- Electrical: Adding or upgrading electrical fixtures, outlets, appliances, heating sources, or exhaust fans in your home.
- Mechanical: Most HVAC needs, including adding or replacing ducts, diffusers, grilles, and air conditioning units.
Remodeling Projects That Don’t Need a Permit
You won’t need a permit for some small interior projects that don’t alter the structure of your home, such as:
- Painting or restoring walls.
- Changing your countertops.
- Putting up new fixtures.
- Replacing old windows.
- Installing a new sink in the same location without modifying the existing plumbing lines.
Penalties for Working Without the Required Permit
If you didn’t obtain a permit, the City charges an investigation fee of $100 to $300 for each permit. Additionally, failing to get a permit can lead to fines of up to $1,000 from the State of Maryland Uniform Civil Citation. If the prescribed time limit expires and the fine remains unpaid, the City will send the citation to District Court for prosecution.
Who Is Responsible for Obtaining a Permit?
If a homeowner applies for and is granted a permit, they’re legally responsible for the project, adhering to all codes. In addition, the work covered by the permit must take place in said homeowner’s primary residence.
By Maryland State law, home improvement contractors working in the state must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). They’re also required to get any needed permits before starting construction projects.
You can check www.dllr.state.md.us for the list of all MHIC-licensed contractors available.
The Rockville Permits
The Rockville Permits Department is responsible for the safety of buildings in Rockville, Maryland. They do this by developing and enforcing building codes. Building codes cover all aspects of construction — from design requirements to building materials to parking and resistance to natural disasters; these Codes also regulate the electricity and plumbing of the city.
You may contact the Department of Buildings for questions about the following:
- Montgomery County building codes and ordinances
- Montgomery County building violations, appeals, complaints, and fines
- Building and construction permit searches
- Building and site inspection records
- Zoning regulations and laws in Montgomery County, Maryland
Talk to a Reliable Contractor!
A reliable Rockville home remodeling contractor has the experience to know which permits your home renovation requires to be safe and pass inspection. Furthermore, they’ll manage the entire permitting process for you — from filing paperwork and collecting fees to attending final examinations.
As an experienced Rockville MD Home Remodeling Contractor, the AC Remodeling team takes care of getting all the proper approvals and permits so you don’t have to worry. We guarantee your project will be 100% safe and up to code, regardless of how it was before we began the project.