| Bathroom change | County permit? |
|---|---|
| Moving the toilet, shower, tub or sink | Yes, plumbing permit |
| Adding a new bathroom | Yes, plumbing permit, often a building permit |
| New circuits, lighting or an exhaust fan circuit | Yes, electrical permit |
| Moving or removing a wall | Yes, building permit |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | Yes if drain or valve moves (plumbing) |
| Swapping a vanity, tile or fixtures in place | Not listed by the county; ask if unsure |
1. Plumbing is the usual trigger
Anne Arundel County requires a plumbing permit for "adding or relocating fixtures and piping," including piping for future use. Most real bathroom remodels move a drain, a valve or a fixture, so most need one. The permit is pulled by a licensed master plumber and includes a ground, rough-in and final inspection. Fees are $51 for the first fixture plus $8 for each additional fixture, plus a $43 application fee.
2. Electrical and walls
New circuits, lighting, heated floors or an exhaust fan circuit need an electrical permit ($95 for a remodel without a panel change). Relocating or removing any wall needs a building permit with plans drawn to scale. Homeowners can pull a building permit for their own home, but plumbing and electrical work must be done by tradesmen licensed in the county.
3. What inspectors check
The county builds to the 2021 International Residential Code. Behind tile in tub and shower areas, it requires water-resistant gypsum backer board. Inspectors will look at the plumbing rough-in before walls close, the wiring, and the finished work. Schedule through the Land Use Navigator or at 410-222-7784.
4. Adding a bathroom on septic
If the house is on a private septic system, a project that adds living space goes to the Health Department, and you list existing and proposed bedrooms. A new bathroom that comes with a new bedroom, such as a basement suite, can require a septic upgrade before the Health Department signs off. See our septic guide.
5. Hiring and Annapolis
Check that your contractor holds a Maryland Home Improvement Commission license and that the plumber and electrician are licensed; our hiring checklist covers what to verify. Inside Annapolis city limits, the city issues the permits, and its code requires a permit to install, alter or replace any plumbing or electrical system.
