PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a shed in Baltimore, MD?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a shed in Baltimore, MD (for example: Over 120 sq ft: 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

No permit for a one-story detached shed or playhouse up to 120 sq ft. Larger sheds need 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

“One-story detached accessory structures used a tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet”

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

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Baltimore

Shed permits in other cities

Compare shed permit rules in all 48 cities · All Maryland cities