Baltimore Department of Housing to Crack Down on Permit Violations

By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore

If you are a homeowner thinking about any construction or repair projects, make sure you are aware of the laws for acquiring a permit. Several regulations exist and as of recently, the Baltimore City Department of Housing stated that they are going to crack down on violations. Punishment could consist of a written warning, or expensive fees. You can read more about the specifics here.

Even less elaborate projects such as building a fence or repairing plumbing, may require you to get a permit before any construction begins. Check here to see if you will need a permit and if you will be able to get it over the counter. If you have any questions about whether or not you need to apply for a permit, call Baltimore Housing's Office of Permits & Building Inspections at 410-396-3360.

There are several reasons why the permit system is in place. Not only does it ensure that city codes are being met, the permit system seeks to preserve the historic districts of the city. Remember, if you are not sure if the work you will be doing will require a permit, call Office of Permits or check out their website to learn more. It is better to be safe than sorry in order to avoid paying those expensive fines.