A guide to navigating permits in Montgomery, Frederick, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and Howard Counties

If you’re planning to add a deck or screened porch to your Maryland home, there’s one step you can’t skip: the permit process. Whether you’re expanding an existing space or building something brand new, local counties require permits to ensure the work meets safety and zoning standards.

But here’s the catch: permitting isn’t the same everywhere. Each Maryland county—and sometimes even specific communities—has its own process, requirements, and timelines.

At Design Builders, we’ve built high-end outdoor living spaces in nearly every jurisdiction across suburban Maryland. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a project in Montgomery, Frederick, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, or Howard County.

📜 When Do You Need a Permit?

In general, a permit is required for any home improvement project that involves:

• Structural work (building a deck, screened porch, or pergola)

• Modifications to square footage

• Adding a roof or enclosure

• Electrical or plumbing work outdoors

You likely don’t need a permit for cosmetic updates—such as staining a deck or replacing floorboards without touching the framing. But the moment you build, enclose, or expand, your project must be reviewed by the county.

🏡 County-by-County Permitting Overview

Montgomery County

Montgomery County has one of the strictest and most comprehensive permitting systems in Maryland. Homeowners must:

• Submit site plans and construction drawings

• Comply with zoning and setback rules

• Provide details on materials, elevations, and stormwater runoff

Decks, screened porches, patios with roofs, and outdoor kitchens with utilities all require permits.

Timeline: 3–6 weeks, though more complex projects can take longer.

Important: Resubmitting a design or making changes after your initial submission often resets the review process, pushing you to the back of the queue.

Frederick County

Frederick offers a more streamlined process but still requires permits for:

• New decks or any expansion to an existing one

• Screened porches or permanent roof structures

• Electrical installations or plumbing

They also have specific setback and impervious surface rules, especially in rural and agricultural zones.

Timeline: 2–4 weeks with a fairly quick resubmission cycle for minor adjustments.

Prince George’s County

PG County requires a permit for nearly all outdoor additions, including decks, porches, patios with covers, and gazebos. The permitting process involves:

• Zoning and structural review

• Electrical (if needed)

• Site plan approval for large additions

Timeline: 3–6 weeks, depending on project scope. Like Montgomery, plan revisions may trigger a new review period if the changes are significant.

Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel’s permitting rules vary based on proximity to the water and whether you’re in a critical area. If you’re near the Chesapeake Bay or a tributary, you’ll face:

• Critical Area Buffer rules

• Environmental site design considerations

• Possible grading or stormwater permits

Even standard decks and porches require building permits throughout the county.

Timeline: 4–8 weeks, potentially longer in coastal zones.
Plan resubmissions or redesigns will typically restart or extend the clock.

Howard County

Howard County has a relatively builder-friendly system, with online applications and digital submission options. That said, all structural and enclosed exterior additions require permits, including:

• Decks, porches, patios with roofs

• Electrical hookups for lighting, fans, or TVs

• Screens and pergola systems

Timeline: 2–5 weeks depending on backlog.
If you revise your plan after initial submission, the review period restarts in most cases.

⏱️ How Long Do Permits Take?

Across these Maryland counties, you can generally expect:

• 2–4 weeks for simple deck builds

• 4–8 weeks for screened porches or covered structures

• Longer timelines if there are HOA approvals, stormwater plans, or zoning complexities involved

Pro tip: Submit everything cleanly and completely the first time to avoid restarts. It can make a two-week difference or more.

❌ What Happens If You Skip the Permit?

Skipping the permit might seem tempting—but it can lead to serious consequences:

• Fines and stop-work orders

• Difficulty selling your home later

• Voided homeowner’s insurance if damage occurs

• Risk of being forced to tear down the structure

Permits aren’t just red tape—they’re protection. They help ensure your project is safe, legal, and future-proof.

🛠️ The Design Builders Advantage

Permitting in Maryland isn’t always easy—but we handle it for you. At Design Builders, we:

• Prepare and submit detailed plans

• Handle county communications and revisions

• Work with HOAs and zoning offices

• Stay on top of your timeline

Whether you're in Bethesda, Ellicott City, Frederick, or Bowie, we've got the experience to get your project approved—and built—the right way.

📞 Call 301-875-2781 or 📧 email tim@designbuildersmd.com to start your project today.