Remodeling and building in Pasadena
Pasadena fills the peninsula between the Magothy and Patapsco rivers, with dozens of water-oriented communities, former summer cottages turned year-round homes, and a lot of houses ready for their next update.
Permits in Pasadena
Pasadena is unincorporated, so building permits come from Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits, filed online through the county's Land Use Navigator system.
More detail in our permit guide for Anne Arundel County and Annapolis.
What to plan for in Pasadena
Critical Area and the shoreline
Many Pasadena lots are within 1,000 feet of tidal water, which puts them in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. Lot coverage limits count driveways, sheds and patios, and anything within 100 feet of the shoreline needs extra approval.
Low-lying lots
Some waterfront lots sit low. If a property is in a mapped flood zone, additions and substantial renovations have to meet floodplain construction rules, which affects design, cost and insurance. Check your flood zone before you plan.
Cottage-to-home conversions
Expanding a small former summer cottage often means a second story or a rebuild. Expect structural review, and sometimes grading and stormwater plans, on top of the building permit.
Projects we match in Pasadena
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 Pasadena?
Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits. Pasadena is unincorporated, and new applications are filed online through the county's Land Use Navigator system.
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
Glen Burnie · Severna Park · Arnold · All of Anne Arundel County