Building Permits

Site Plan Approval - First Step

Once you have obtained final site plan approval (subdivisions require another step) from the Planning Commission, you may apply for building and site excavation permits. Subdivision plans must have the final plat recorded before applying for permits.


Carroll County Conducts Process

Except for signs, fences, driveways, banners, and zoning certificate permits, the Town of Mount Airy has transferred its permit processes to the Carroll County Bureau of Permits and Inspections.


1. Application Process

All building permit processes begin at the Carroll County Permits Department located at: 

225 North Center Street 
Room 118 
Westminster, MD 21157

For specific permit requirements, please get in touch with their office at 410-386-2674 or visit the County's website. These permit procedures apply to all properties located within the incorporated Town Limits, including those properties located in Frederick County.


2. Fees

In addition to the County Permitting fees, there are fees payable to the Town associated with Building Permits. Please see the fee worksheet (PDF) to help determine the individual cost of your project.

The Town will advise the permit applicant of the applicable fees due shortly after receiving the building permit application from Carroll County. Fees must be paid before the Director of Planning and Zoning approves any permit application.


3. Town Review & Approval

Once a permit application is received by the County for construction occurring in the town limits, the County will upload a copy of the completed building permit application to Carroll's Permitting, Plan Review, and Licensing (CPPL) Portal. Upon receipt of the application, the Town's Planning and Zoning Department will review the following criteria for compliance with the Town's Zoning Code and obtain the necessary approval signatures before sending the application back to Carroll County:

  • Building dimensions on the permit application coincide with the building delineated on the final approved site plan.
  • The proposed use of the building and/or tenant space(s) is compatible with the listed uses on the site plan as well as overall zoning regulations.
  • The Public Works Agreement (PWA) has been approved by the Town Council and all monies, bonding, or letters of credit have been posted and verified for legal sufficiency by the town's attorney.
  • The Town of Mount Airy Planning and Zoning fees are paid.
  • The signature of the Director of Planning and Zoning has been received (The Director of Planning and Zoning will not sign off on the permit application until all of the above have been verified).

4. Inspections

Inspections for the various phases of construction of the building should be coordinated with the County Permits Department. The County will provide you with pertinent information upon the issuance of the building permit.

However, the Town requires that the following inspections be completed.

Public Walks/Curb/Gutter/Aprons/Paving

The Town's Engineering Department will inspect all public walks, gutters, curbs, aprons, and paving to ensure compliance with the Town's Standard Specifications and Details. Please note that this inspection is to be coordinated 24 HOURS in advance of any cement or pavement pouring. Please get in touch with the Engineering Department at 301-829-1424 to schedule these inspections.


Water and Sanitary Sewer Connections

New construction on a vacant parcel of land will require connections to the town's Public Water and Sewer System. The connection, or tap, to the town's main water line will need to be inspected. Please note the town has Standard Specifications and Details that outline the materials and how all connections must be installed. The Town's Engineering Department will ensure that all connections meet the town standards. Please note that this inspection is to be coordinated 24 HOURS in advance. Please get in touch with the Engineering Department at 301-829-1424 to schedule this inspection.


Final Water and Sewer Inspection

Before receiving your Use and Occupancy, you will be required to obtain a final water and sewer inspection from the town's Engineering Department. Your plumbing contractor is responsible for properly installing the water meters furnished by the town. During your final inspection, the Engineering Department will record the meter number and ensure its proper function. Failure to obtain this final inspection will result in the delay of your use and occupancy. Please note that this inspection is to be coordinated 24 HOURS in advance. Please get in touch with the Engineering Department at 301-829-1424 to schedule this inspection.