Frequently Asked Questions
BUILDING PERMITS
Why do I need a building permit? A building permit is your assurance that your building or structure has been reviewed and inspected for compliance with minimum building codes, zoning ordinance and environmental requirements. By obtaining a building permit, you are helping to ensure that all structures and buildings are safe, sound and worthy of the often considerable investment they represent.
Do I need a building permit for a shed, barn, etc.? A building permit is not required for residential sheds 120 sq. ft. or less in area on any lot size and for bona fide agricultural use buildings on lots of five (5) or more acres. All other accessory-type buildings or structures require a building permit.
What do I need to bring with me? Submittal requirements vary with the project; however, most projects require a completed building permit application, two (2) sets of construction drawings and four (4) copies of the site plan. Contact a Permit Clerk, at (301) 645-0692 or (301) 870-3935, for the exact requirements for your project.
CONSTRUCTION
How many acres do I need to build a house? The Charles County Zoning Ordinance established various residential zones for the County, with lot sizes ranging from as little as 8,000 square feet to a minimum of three (3) acres. The amount of acreage required to build a house depends on the zoning of your property. To determine the zoning of your property, obtain the TAX MAP, PARCEL and GRID NUMBER for your property (this can be obtained from the TAX ASSESSOR at (301) 932-2440 or (301) 870-2619), and then call Permit Administration at (301) 645-0692 or (301) 870-3935.
How far do I have to stay from the property lines for a house, shed, etc.? For primary structures on a property, the Zoning Ordinance establishes setback, or building restriction lines, for the front, rear and sides of your property, according to the zone in which your property is located. When building a primary structure on a lot, you must remain within these required distances from your property line.
In addition to setbacks for primary structures, the Zoning Ordinance specifies different setback requirements for accessory structures such as sheds, barns, detached garages, etc.
To determine the zoning and setbacks for your property, obtain the TAX MAP, PARCEL and GRID NUMBER for your property (this can be obtained from the TAX ASSESSOR at (301) 932- 2440 or (301) 870-2619), and then call Permit Administration at (301) 645-0692 or (301) 870- 3935.
Does a contractor need a special license to perform home improvement work? Maryland State law requires that any person engaged in the home improvement business shall have a valid license issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. The provisions of this state law may not be waived by agreement. You may obtain further information by calling MHIC at (410) 333-8120.
SCHOOL IMPACT FEE
What is the school construction impact fee and why do I need to pay it? The County Commissioners of Charles County established the current school construction impact fee under Ordinance #99-73, July 17, 1999. This ordinance was created so new development could compensate the County by contributing its fair share of the cost of providing adequate facilities for public schools.
Any persons granted a building permit for a new single family detached, townhouse, or multi-family (including mobile homes) is required to pay a school construction impact fee.
Should you have any additional questions, please contact the Planning Technician at (301) 645-0649.
SIGNS
How do I get a sign permit? The Charles County Zoning Ordinance in Article XIX allows for the placement of building and pylon signs within Charles County principally for commercial businesses. In order to receive a sign permit, the applicant must complete a sign permit application, which can be obtained from the Department of Permit Administration.
Please refer to Article XIX of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance to review the specific size limitations and other criteria. A synopsis of the requirements is available at the Permit Administration counter.
In addition to a sign permit, most pylon signs require a building permit. Should you have any additional questions, please contact the Site Development Reviewer at (301) 645-0649.
SUBDIVISION
How do I subdivide my property? The County has adopted Subdivision Regulations which outline the requirements for subdivision of a property. Subdivisions are classified as either "minor", involving the creation of five (5) lots or less, or "major", involving the creation of more than five (5) lots.
Major subdivisions require the submittal of a preliminary plan, while minor subdivisions may go through an abbreviated process.
For more information on major and minor subdivisions, contact the Planning Department at (301) 645-0540 or (301) 870-3896.
ZONING
Are there any regulations pertaining to untagged and/or junked cars in a residential zone?
No inoperable or untagged motor vehicle and/or vehicle part(s) may be parked or stored on any lot unless such motor vehicle and/or vehicle part(s) are stored within a completely enclosed building or are parked or stored in accordance with all of the following criteria.
(a) A maximum of one untagged or inoperable motor vehicle, in accordance with the criteria below, may be parked or stored on any lot.
(b) Any untagged motor vehicle shall remain in running condition and shall not be deemed inoperable, “Inoperable” shall be defined as a motor vehicle with any major part, equipment, or component which is necessary for the vehicle’s operation removed from the vehicle and not replaced for a period of at least 15 days.
( c) Any untagged or inoperable motor vehicle shall be parked or stored on a hard surfaced area constructed of material that will assure a surface resistant to erosion and adequately treated to prevent dust emission. Acceptable hard surfaces shall include, but are not limited to, concrete, asphalt, bluestone, and gravel.
(d) Any untagged or inoperable motor vehicle shall be covered by a manufactured vehicle cover, except during active maintenance.
(e) No untagged or inoperable motor vehicle may be parked or stored within six feet of the property line unless on a legally established driveway. At no time shall such motor vehicle be parked or stored on any public roadway, common or public parking area, assigned or unassigned.
(f) This provision shall not apply to vehicles used in bona fide agricultural operations stored on site.
MOBILE HOMES
What are the regulations for placing a trailer on my property? A mobile home is treated as a single family dwelling and a building permit is required prior to placing a mobile home in any lot. A Class "A" mobile home is permitted in the AC, RC, RR, RV, RL, RM, RH and PMH zones. A Class "B" mobile home is permitted in the AC, RC and PMH zones and in the RR and RL zones with a special exception.
Please consult the Charles County Zoning Ordinance for the specific requirements and zoning verification. For further assistance, please call Permit Administration at (301) 645-0692 or (301) 870-3935.
HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS
What do I have to do to have a business from my home? Article II, Section 29 of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance permits certain home-based occupations or businesses to be operated in residential zones. The purpose of establishing the regulation is to allow non-impact type businesses to operate in home settings. The regulation prohibits business operations that may noticeably impact the residential nature of communities.
For an application and a copy of the requirements, please contact Permit Administration at (301) 645-0692 or (301) 870-3935.