Representative photoRemodeling and building in Towson
Towson has been Baltimore County's seat since 1854. Its neighborhoods run from the brick rowhouses of Rodgers Forge to detached houses on larger lots, so a remodel here often starts with what kind of house you have and what your community allows.
Permits in Towson
Towson is unincorporated, so permits come from Baltimore County's Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) at 111 West Chesapeake Avenue. Building, plumbing and electrical applications are filed online, and plumbing and gas permits can only be pulled by a Baltimore County-licensed plumber or gasfitter.
More detail in our Baltimore County permit guide.
What to plan for in Towson
Community covenants
Rodgers Forge deeds require exterior changes to be approved by the Rodgers Forge Community Association before you build. Other Towson communities have covenants of their own, so check yours before you design an addition, deck or fence.
Rowhouse lots
Baltimore County requires a permit for sheds over 120 square feet. They go in the rear yard, at least 2.5 feet from side and rear lot lines and no taller than 15 feet, which matters on narrow rowhouse lots.
Decks and fences
A deck needs a county permit when it is more than 16 inches above grade and over 120 square feet; a fence needs one at 42 inches or taller. Smaller ones still need a permit if the house is a county landmark.
Projects we match in Towson
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 Towson?
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.
