Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in Baltimore: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).
Permit Fees
$10 for each 100 square feet or fraction of 100 square feet of deck area above footing.
A 300 sq ft deck: approximately $30 in building permit fees plus any plan review fees.
Processing Time
Most permits are valid for 6 months. Processing time varies.
Apply Online
Yes — via Baltimore ePermits
Building Code
International Building Code with Baltimore City amendments
A permit is required to build a deck on a residential house. Check with DHCD for any specific exemptions.
If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.
Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.
You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check Baltimore's specific documentation requirements.
Apply through Baltimore ePermits . Pay the permit fee at submission.
Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).
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Sources
Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with Baltimore's Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).