Remodeling and building in Annapolis
Annapolis homes run from 18th-century brick in the historic district to mid-century ranches in Eastport and newer houses on the creeks. That range is why a remodel here starts with one question: is the house inside city limits, inside the historic district, or near the water?
Permits in Annapolis
If the property is inside Annapolis city limits (including Eastport), permits come from the City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning, not the county. City applications, plan review and inspection scheduling run through the City's online permitting system. Addresses outside city limits with an Annapolis mailing address are permitted by Anne Arundel County.
More detail in our permit guide for Anne Arundel County and Annapolis.
What to plan for in Annapolis
Historic district
Every exterior change to a building in the Annapolis local historic district needs a Certificate of Approval from the city's Historic Preservation Commission before work starts. Windows, doors, roofing and siding are common sticking points; owners have been cited for swapping wood windows for vinyl without approval. Some properties also carry preservation easements that need separate sign-off.
Waterfront lots
Much of Annapolis sits within 1,000 feet of tidal water, which puts it in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. Additions, patios and even tree removal near the water can trigger extra review, and the first 100 feet from the shoreline is a protected buffer.
Older houses
Plaster walls, older wiring and tight lots are common in the older neighborhoods. A good contractor prices in time for surprises behind the walls and for staging materials on narrow streets.
Projects we match in Annapolis
Kitchen remodels
Layouts, cabinets, counters and full gut renovations.
Bathroom remodels
Primary baths, hall baths and accessibility upgrades.
Additions
Bump-outs, second stories and in-law suites.
Basement finishing
Living space, egress, bathrooms and waterproofing.
New custom homes
Build on your lot with a registered Maryland home builder.
Decks & exteriors
Decks, porches, siding, windows and roofing.
Common questions
Who issues building permits in Annapolis?
Inside Annapolis city limits, the City of Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning. Outside city limits, Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits.
Who does the work?
An independently owned contractor licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (and, for new homes, registered as a Maryland home builder). TBG makes the introduction; you contract directly with the builder.
Does matching cost anything?
No. It is free to homeowners. TBG is paid by its partner contractors.
How much of a deposit can a contractor take?
Under Maryland law, a home improvement contractor can collect no more than one-third of the contract price when the contract is signed.
Nearby
Edgewater · Arnold · Severna Park · All of Anne Arundel County