Representative photoRemodeling and building in Columbia
Columbia is a planned community of ten villages, and most homes pay Columbia Association assessments. Exterior projects here usually need two approvals: the village's architectural committee and Howard County's permit office.
Permits in Columbia
Building permits come from Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, filed through the county's online Citizens Access Portal. A county permit does not replace village covenant approval.
More detail in our Howard County permit guide.
What to plan for in Columbia
Village approval
Additions, decks and other exterior changes on property under Columbia Association covenants may need approval from your village's Architectural Committee. Apply through the village Covenant Advisor; review usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Approval before work
Work started before covenant approval is at your own risk and may have to be removed, so put the village review on the schedule ahead of construction.
What the county exempts
Under Howard County's 2021 code amendments, siding, a roof covering with minor sheathing repair, same-size windows and one-story sheds under 200 square feet don't need a building permit. Most decks, additions and basement finishing do.
Projects we match in Columbia
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 Columbia?
Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP), through the county's online Citizens Access Portal. Exterior changes may also need your Columbia village's covenant approval.
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.
