| Project | County permit? |
|---|---|
| Replace shingles only | Not required |
| Replace sheathing and shingles | Yes, building permit |
| Replace or alter trusses or rafters | Yes, building permit |
| New or enlarged window or door openings | Yes, an alteration |
| Siding, same-size windows, gutters | Not addressed on the county's list; ask the Permit Center |
| Any exterior change in the Annapolis Historic District | Yes, city Certificate of Approval |
1. Roofs
Anne Arundel County's rule: "Replacement of shingles ONLY does not require a permit. Replacement of both sheathing and shingles and/or Trusses requires a building permit." That is filed as a Residential Single Family Dwelling permit in the Land Use Navigator. Since sheathing often turns out to be rotten once the old roof comes off, ask your roofer how they handle a mid-job permit before you sign.
Whether or not a permit is needed, the county's residential code requires an ice barrier underlayment, and roofs are designed for a 115 mph wind speed and a 25 psf ground snow load.
2. Siding, windows and doors
The county's "Do I need a permit?" list doesn't address siding, same-size window replacement or gutters. It does say alterations to a house need a permit, and cutting a new opening or enlarging one changes the structure, so plan on a permit for that. For anything unclear, the county asks homeowners to email [email protected] before starting.
3. Inside Annapolis city limits
The City of Annapolis issues its own permits. City Code §17.05.020 exempts residential non-structural replacement or repair of windows, doors or siding from a building permit. In the Historic District, though, every exterior change needs a Certificate of Approval from the Historic Preservation Commission, including roofing, siding and windows. See our City of Annapolis permit guide and historic district guide.
4. Fees and contractors
County building permit fees are based on the cost of the work: a $18,000 reroof with new sheathing works out to $198, plus the $43 application fee. Try our permit fee calculator. Roofing and siding contractors working on your home need a Maryland Home Improvement Commission license; see our hiring guide.
