---
title: "Howard County Building Permits: What Needs One | TBG"
description: "Which home projects need a Howard County permit, what is exempt, how Columbia covenant approval and Ellicott City historic review fit in, and how fees work."
url: https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/howard-county-building-permits/
last_updated: 2026-10-14
---

[TBG](https://thebrettgroup.com/) / [Home Remodeling](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/) / Howard County permits

Local guide · Howard County · October 2026

# Do you need a building permit in Howard County?

Howard County exempts siding, same-size windows, small sheds and most fences, but most decks, additions and basements need a permit. In Columbia and the historic districts, a second approval comes first. Here is how it works.

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- **200 sq ft**: One-story sheds smaller than this are exempt
- **7 ft**: Fences taller than this need a permit
- **3 ft**: Retaining walls over this need a permit
- **Two approvals**: Columbia covenants and historic districts

| 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](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/permits-anne-arundel-annapolis/); in Baltimore County, our [Baltimore County guide](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/baltimore-county-building-permits/).

## Where this comes up most

[Columbia →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/columbia/) · [Ellicott City →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/ellicott-city/) · [Elkridge →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/elkridge/)

## Projects we match

- [Additions](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/additions/anne-arundel/): Bump-outs, second stories and in-law suites.
- [Basement finishing](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/basement/anne-arundel/): Living space, egress, bathrooms and waterproofing.
- [Decks & exteriors](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/decks-exteriors/anne-arundel/): Decks, porches, siding, windows and roofing.

## Common questions

### Do I need a permit for a shed in Howard County?

Not for a one-story detached shed under 200 square feet on an existing single-family property. Larger sheds need a permit, and any exterior change in a historic district needs Historic Preservation Commission approval.

### Do I need a permit for a deck in Howard County?

Almost always. Only freestanding decks under 25 square feet and under 30 inches above grade are exempt.

### Do I need Columbia Association approval for an addition?

Exterior changes such as additions and decks on property under Columbia Association covenants may need approval from your village Architectural Committee, separate from the county permit. Review usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

### Where do I apply for a building permit in Howard County?

Through the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) online Citizens Access Portal. The office is at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, 410-313-2455.

## Official sources

[Howard County DILP](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/inspections-licenses-permits) · [Howard County Citizens Access Portal](https://dilp.howardcountymd.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx) · [Howard County 2021 code amendments (PDF)](https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/build/doc/howard-code-amendments.pdf) · [Howard County: Adopted codes](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/inspections-licenses-permits/adopted-codes) · [Howard County: Inspection requirements](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/inspections-licenses-permits/inspection-requirements) · [Howard County: Forms and fees](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/forms-and-fees) · [Howard County Historic Preservation Commission](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-commission) · [Columbia village architectural committee contacts](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/planning-zoning/resource/columbia-village-architectural-review-committee-contacts) · [Hickory Ridge Village: Covenants](https://hickoryridgevillage.org/covenants/) · [Howard County: Ellicott City Safe and Sound update (Apr 2026)](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/News041326)

This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules and maps change; confirm the requirements for your property with the permit office before you design or sign a contract.

## More local guides

[Renovating or adding on in a flood zone in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/flood-zone-renovation-anne-arundel/) · [Building or adding on near the water: the Critical Area explained](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/building-near-the-water-critical-area/) · [Remodeling ideas for Anne Arundel County's most common house types](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/remodeling-anne-arundel-house-types/) · [Materials that hold up near the Chesapeake](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/chesapeake-coastal-building-materials/) · [Septic upgrades and Bay Restoration Fund grants in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/septic-upgrades-bay-restoration-fund/) · [Deck permits in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/deck-permits-anne-arundel/) · [In-law suites and accessory dwelling units in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/in-law-suites-adu-anne-arundel/) · [Energy rebates for Maryland home remodels in 2026](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/energy-rebates-maryland-remodel/) · [Renovating a home in the Annapolis historic district](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/annapolis-historic-district-renovation/) · [Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Anne Arundel County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/basement-finishing-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Do you need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Anne Arundel County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/kitchen-remodel-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Anne Arundel County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/bathroom-remodel-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Do you need a permit for a fence in Anne Arundel County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/fence-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Do you need a permit for a shed or detached garage in Anne Arundel County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/shed-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Do you need a permit for a pool or hot tub in Anne Arundel County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/pool-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Do you need a permit to replace a roof, siding or windows in Anne Arundel County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/roof-siding-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Permits for a home addition in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/home-addition-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Demolition permits in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/demolition-permit-anne-arundel/) · [How to get a building permit in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/how-to-get-building-permit-anne-arundel/) · [Buying or selling a house with unpermitted work in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/unpermitted-work-buying-selling-anne-arundel/) · [Building permits in the City of Annapolis](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/annapolis-city-building-permits/) · [Anne Arundel County permit fee calculator](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/permit-fee-calculator-anne-arundel/) · [Do you need a building permit in Baltimore County?](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/baltimore-county-building-permits/) · [Remodeling permits in Anne Arundel County and Annapolis](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/permits-anne-arundel-annapolis/) · [How to hire a home improvement contractor in Maryland](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/hiring-a-contractor-maryland/)