PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for an interior or bathroom remodel in Baltimore, MD?

Short answer: It depends on the details for an interior or bathroom remodel in Baltimore, MD (for example: Finish work only: no permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

Interior tiling, cabinets and counters need no permit. Replacing or adding plumbing or electrical fixtures needs a permit.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; DHCD publishes a fee estimator spreadsheet. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.baltimorecity.gov/dhcd/our-work/permits-inspections/building-permits

Where to apply

Baltimore City DHCD Permits & Inspections (E-Permits online)

Permitting authority: Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), Permits and Inspections. Historic (CHAP) and planning districts need extra review. Construction on 1- and 2-family homes generally requires an MHIC-licensed contractor. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar interior finish work.”

Source: https://s3.amazonaws.com/baltimorecity.gov.if-us-east-1/s3fs-public/2026-03/Work%20Exempt%20From%20Permit.pdf

“Same size and location: adding or replacing plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical fixtures and devices”

Source: https://www.baltimorecity.gov/dhcd/permit-information-by-category

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Baltimore

Interior / bathroom remodel permits in other cities

Compare interior / bathroom remodel permit rules in all 48 cities · All Maryland cities