Representative photoRemodeling and building in Arbutus
Arbutus, Halethorpe and Relay sit in southwest Baltimore County between UMBC and the Patapsco River. Relay, where Union troops guarded the Thomas Viaduct in 1861, is one of the county's historic districts.
Permits in Arbutus
Arbutus and Halethorpe are unincorporated, so permits come from Baltimore County's Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI), filed online. In Relay, exterior changes also go through the county's Landmarks Preservation Commission.
More detail in our Baltimore County permit guide.
What to plan for in Arbutus
Relay historic district
In Relay, roof, siding, window, door and trim changes need Landmarks Preservation Commission review; painting and like-for-like repairs do not. Decks, fences and sheds there need a permit at any size.
Decks and fences
Elsewhere, Baltimore County requires a permit for decks more than 16 inches above grade and over 120 square feet, and for fences 42 inches or taller.
Low-lying lots
Near the Patapsco, check the county floodplain map before you plan. Projects in the floodplain need permits for even small structures, plus two elevation certificates before the permit is closed.
Projects we match in Arbutus
TBG project · MillersvilleKitchen remodels
Layouts, cabinets, counters and full gut renovations.
Representative photoBathroom remodels
Primary baths, hall baths and accessibility upgrades.
Representative photoAdditions
Bump-outs, second stories and in-law suites.
Representative photoBasement finishing
Living space, egress, bathrooms and waterproofing.
Representative photoNew custom homes
Build on your lot with a registered Maryland home builder.
Representative photoDecks & exteriors
Decks, porches, siding, windows and roofing.
Common questions
Who issues building permits in Arbutus?
Baltimore County's Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) in Towson. Applications are filed online; call 410-887-3953 to ask whether a project needs a permit.
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.
