City of Annapolis
Maryland · Est. 1649
Resident Services

Apply for Permits & Licenses

Whether you're adding a deck, opening a restaurant, or renewing a rental license, every application starts here. Most can be completed online in under 15 minutes.

Apply, pay, and track everything in the CSS Portal. Already started an application? Sign in to continue or check status.

What are you applying for?

Choose who's applying

Building Permit

Online

Required for new construction, additions, structural changes, decks over 30" high, and most interior renovations.

Review
10–15 days
Fee
From $75
Inspections
Required
Start application → What's required?

Fence Permit

Online

Fences over 4 feet tall, or any fence in a historic district, require a permit before installation.

Review
5–10 days
Fee
$50
Inspections
1 final
Start application → Setback rules

Tree Removal

Online

Removing trees over 6" in diameter on private property requires city review, with replanting requirements.

Review
7 days
Fee
$25
Inspections
Site visit
Start application → Tree ordinance

Historic District Review

Online + Hearing

Exterior changes to properties in the Historic District require Historic Preservation Commission approval.

Review
30–45 days
Fee
$100+
Hearing
Required
Start application → HPC guidelines

Residential Parking Permit

Online

For residents living in designated permit-only zones. Two permits per household plus visitor passes.

Issuance
Same day
Fee
$25/year
Renewal
Annual
Apply → Eligible zones

Pier & Mooring

Online + Maritime

For docks, piers, mooring buoys, and other structures in city waters. Coordinates with Harbormaster.

Review
30–60 days
Fee
From $150
State approval
Required
Start application → Maritime rules

Trade Permits

Online

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and gas piping work. Requires licensed Maryland contractor.

Review
3–5 days
Fee
Varies by scope
License req
Yes
Start application → Contractor reg

Contractor Registration

Online

Annual registration required for all contractors working in the City of Annapolis.

Processing
5–7 days
Fee
$100/year
Insurance
Required
Register → Requirements

Right-of-Way Permit

Online

For any work in public streets, sidewalks, or utility easements — utility taps, excavation, dumpster placement.

Review
5–10 days
Fee
From $50
Bond
May apply
Start application → Bond schedule

Demolition Permit

Online

Required for full or partial demolition of any structure. Asbestos survey may be required.

Review
10–14 days
Fee
From $150
Pre-survey
Required
Start application → Asbestos info

Rental License (New)

Online

Required for any property rented to non-family residents. Includes property maintenance inspection.

Processing
14–21 days
Fee
$110/unit
Inspection
Required

Rental License Renewal

Online

Renew before expiration to avoid late fees and possible occupancy restrictions. 2-year term.

Processing
Same day
Fee
$110/unit
Term
2 years
Renew → Check status

Short-Term Rental

Online

Required for Airbnb, VRBO, and similar short-term rentals under 30 days. Owner-occupancy rules apply.

Processing
21–30 days
Fee
$250/year
Zoning
Review required
Apply → STR ordinance

Property Maintenance Appeal

In-person

Appeal a code enforcement citation or property maintenance order before the appeals board.

Deadline
30 days
Fee
$100
Hearing
Scheduled
File appeal → Appeal process

Business License

Online

Required for most businesses operating within Annapolis city limits. Some professions need additional state licensing.

Processing
14 days
Fee
From $50
Renewal
Annual

Sign Permit

Online

Required for new business signage, sign replacement, or modification. Historic district has stricter rules.

Review
7–10 days
Fee
From $75
HPC review
If historic
Apply → Sign ordinance

Food Establishment

Online + Health Dept

For restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and caterers. Health department inspection coordinated with County.

Processing
30+ days
Fee
Varies
Inspections
Multiple
Apply → Food safety

Outdoor Dining / Sidewalk Cafe

Online

For tables, seating, or service in the public right-of-way adjacent to a licensed restaurant.

Review
14–21 days
Fee
From $200
Insurance
Required

Special Event Permit

Online

Festivals, races, parades, block parties, and large gatherings on public property or that affect traffic.

Lead time
60+ days
Fee
From $100
Insurance
Required
Apply → Planning guide

Park / Facility Reservation

Online

Reserve a park pavilion, athletic field, or community center room for a private gathering.

Lead time
14 days
Fee
From $50
Capacity
Varies
Reserve → Facility list

Street Closure

Online

Temporary closure of city streets for events, moves, or filming. Coordinates with Police & DPW.

Lead time
21 days
Fee
From $150
Detour plan
Required
Apply → Closure rules

Film & Photography

Online

Commercial filming or photography on public property, including streets, parks, and the City Dock area.

Lead time
14 days
Fee
From $250
Insurance
Required
Apply → Location guide

How the permit process works

5 steps from start to finish
  1. Determine what's needed

    Use our permit finder above, or call us. Some projects need multiple permits or HPC review.

  2. Prepare documents

    Site plans, drawings, contractor info, and proof of property ownership or authorization.

  3. Submit & pay

    Apply through the CSS Portal. Fees can be paid by card or eCheck at submission.

  4. Review & revisions

    City staff review your application. You'll receive comments online if changes are needed.

  5. Inspections & close-out

    Once approved, schedule inspections at key milestones. Final inspection issues the certificate.

Documents you may need

Forms & checklists
Document When required  
Site Plan Template
Scaled drawing of property with proposed work location and setbacks
Building, fence, deck, pier permits Download PDF ↓
Contractor Information Form
Licensed contractor details, insurance, and MHIC registration
All trade and building permits Download PDF ↓
Historic District Application
Detailed description, photos, and materials for exterior changes
Properties in historic district Download PDF ↓
Rental Inspection Checklist
Pre-inspection self-check for landlords applying for licenses
Rental license (new & renewal) Download PDF ↓
Special Event Planning Guide
Full requirements for events including insurance, security, and sanitation
Special event permits Download PDF ↓
Right-of-Way Bond Schedule
Bond amounts and surety requirements for work in public right-of-way
Right-of-way permits Download PDF ↓

Frequently asked questions

Permits & licenses
Do I need a permit for a small home project?+
Generally, yes — for anything structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or affecting the building envelope. Painting, flooring, and minor cosmetic work usually do not need a permit. See the full exemption list →
How long does a building permit take to approve?+
Standard residential permits typically take 10–15 business days. Commercial and historic district projects take longer, often 30–60 days. Submitting complete plans speeds the review.
Can I do work myself, or do I need a contractor?+
Homeowners can do work on their own primary residence for many permit types. Electrical and plumbing work requires a licensed contractor in most cases. Rental and commercial properties always require licensed contractors.
What happens if I do work without a permit?+
Work performed without a required permit may result in stop-work orders, double fees, and required removal or remediation. Unpermitted work can also affect property sales and insurance claims.
How do I check the status of my application?+
Sign in to the CSS Portal with the email you used to apply. You'll see status, any review comments, scheduled inspections, and outstanding fees. You can also enter your permit number in the sidebar tracker. Track now →
Who do I contact with questions before I apply?+
Planning & Zoning at 410-260-2200 can help with use, setbacks, and historic questions. The Permit Center at 410-260-2240 helps with building, trade, and process questions. Both are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.