Representative photoRemodeling and building in Ellicott City
Ellicott City is Howard County's seat, with a historic Main Street district where the Tiber-Hudson branch meets the Patapsco. After floods in 2016 and 2018, the county's Safe and Sound plan is building ponds and a flood tunnel, with the tunnel due in fall 2027.
Permits in Ellicott City
Building permits come from Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) at 3430 Court House Drive, filed through the online Citizens Access Portal. In the historic district, exterior changes also need a Certificate of Approval from the Historic Preservation Commission.
More detail in our Howard County permit guide.
What to plan for in Ellicott City
Historic district
Every exterior change to a property in the historic district needs a Certificate of Approval. Staff can handle small jobs as minor alterations, posted for 5 days; larger ones go to the Commission, which generally meets the first Thursday of the month.
Flood risk
Near Main Street and the Tiber-Hudson, check the floodplain map early. The county's North Tunnel, which will carry flood water to the Patapsco, is targeted for substantial completion in fall 2027.
Decks and sheds
Howard County exempts only small freestanding decks (under 25 square feet and 30 inches high) and one-story sheds under 200 square feet, so most decks need a permit.
Projects we match in Ellicott City
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 Ellicott City?
Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP), through the county's online Citizens Access Portal. In the historic district, exterior changes also need a Certificate of Approval from the Historic Preservation Commission.
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.
