| Project on an existing house | Howard County building permit? |
|---|---|
| Roof covering replacement (up to 64 sq ft of sheathing) | Not required |
| Siding, same-size windows and doors, gutters | Not required |
| One-story shed under 200 sq ft | Not required |
| Fence 7 ft or under, not around a pool | Not required |
| Retaining wall 3 ft or under | Not required |
| Deck (exempt only if freestanding, under 25 sq ft and 30 in high) | Yes |
| Addition, basement finishing, structural alteration | Yes |
| Any exterior change in a historic district | Yes, Historic Preservation Commission approval |
Exemptions from Howard County's amendments to the 2021 codes. The county adopted updated codes effective September 7, 2025; confirm the current list with the permit office.
1. Who issues permits
Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) issues building and trade permits for the whole county, including Columbia, Ellicott City and Elkridge. Its office is at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City (410-313-2455), and applications go through the county's online Citizens Access Portal. Inspections are handled from 7125 Riverwood Drive in Columbia (410-313-1823), with separate footing, framing, insulation, deck and final inspections plus trade inspections.
2. What is exempt
On an existing single-family home, Howard County doesn't require a building permit for a new roof covering (with no more than 64 square feet of sheathing replaced), siding, same-size windows and doors, gutters, patios and driveways, one-story sheds under 200 square feet, fences up to 7 feet that don't enclose a pool, and retaining walls up to 3 feet. Almost every deck, addition, basement finish and structural change needs one.
3. Columbia: covenant approval comes first
Most Columbia homes are under Columbia Association covenants. Additions, decks and other exterior changes may need approval from your village's Architectural Committee, separate from the county permit. Apply through the village Covenant Advisor with an Exterior Alteration Application; the Resident Architectural Committee reviews it, and the decision usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Work started before approval may have to be removed.
4. Historic districts
In Howard County's historic districts, including Ellicott City and Lawyers Hill in Elkridge, the Historic Preservation Commission issues Certificates of Approval for all exterior changes, from repairs to new construction and demolition. Staff can handle small jobs as minor alterations, posted for 5 days; others go to the Commission, which generally meets the first Thursday of the month (410-313-2350).
5. Flood risk in Ellicott City
After the 2016 and 2018 floods, the county's Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan has finished three retention ponds holding over 13 million gallons, and is building a mile-long North Tunnel to the Patapsco, targeted for substantial completion in fall 2027. If your property is near Main Street, the Tiber-Hudson or the Patapsco, check the floodplain map before you plan.
6. Fees and licensing
Howard County charges permit fees by square footage or as flat fees by project type, rather than by the value of the work, with a technology fee added; the current schedule is on the county's forms and fees page. The county issues its own electrical licenses through its Board of Electrical Examiners. In Anne Arundel County, see our Anne Arundel permit guide; in Baltimore County, our Baltimore County guide.
