Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I Need a Permit to Erect a Fence around my Yard?

No, the Town does not require a permit for a fence. But the following guidelines are required to be followed:

1. Fences may be erected right up to the property line; no setback required unless located adjacent to a street. An exception to this is when the fence placement would prevent the use of adjacent property or prevent the safe use of a driveway. In these cases, the fence is to be set back a minimum distance of one foot from the driveway or property line. It is advisable to be certain of your property lines by having them marked by a licensed surveyor. It is also a good idea to install a fence a short distance from property lines to avoid ownership disputes and facilitate maintenance.
2. Fences can be no more than three feet tall in the front yard area. Fences in the front yard area must be of open construction. A fence of open construction is one in which the ratio of the open portion to the closed portion is at least 1:1 per foot.
3. Fences in the rear yard area and in the side yard area can be no more than six feet tall. Fences in the rear yard and side yard areas may be of open or closed construction. A fence of closed construction is one in which the ratio of the closed portion to the open portion is more than 1:1 per foot.

I want to put up a retaining wall, what guidelines must I follow? Is a permit required?

A permit would be required if the retaining wall is over four feet in height. The following guidelines are required to be followed:

Plans and a building permit application must be submitted and may be required to be prepared by a professional engineer registered in the State of Maryland.

1. All retaining walls shall be located on private property and shall be built with the consent of the property owner. The retaining wall installer and/or property owner shall be responsible for correctly locating property boundaries.
2. Retaining walls over three feet in height and constructed near street intersections shall not be located in the sight distance triangle in order to provide a reasonable degree of traffic visibility.

Inspection required. The applicant shall contact the appropriate inspection agency to request a final inspection upon completion of the retaining wall. If the inspector determines that the retaining wall is constructed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the approved retaining wall permit, a certificate of compliance will be issued.

What Guidelines should I follow when constructing a Detached Garage or Carport?

If the garage or carport will be larger than 100 square feet or has plumbing or electric a building permit will be required. A site plan, (hand drawn is acceptable) showing the existing structures and the proposed garage and dimensions including its relative position to your property lines, and a building permit application must be submitted. Accessory structures or buildings may not be located on a lot unless a principal structure exists on the property. When a principal structure exists on the property, the location of the detached structure must comply with the required setbacks of five feet to the rear lot line and three feet to a side lot line. If the structure is larger than one story, the setbacks will be increased to 10 feet from the rear lot line and 10 feet from the side lot line. Detached garages may not be larger than two stories, may not be located in the required front yard setback, and shall be separated from all other structures by a minimum of 10 feet. The structure and other permitted obstructions combined may not occupy more than 30% of a required side or rear yard (the area between the principal structure setback line and the property line). Recorded easements, or location within the Critical Area, may further restrict the location of a garage or carport.

I want to put a shed in my backyard, do I need a permit?

Yes, if the shed is larger than 80 square feet, or has plumbing or electric service to it, a building permit will be required. A site plan, (hand drawn is acceptable) showing the existing structures and the proposed shed and dimensions, including its relative position to your property lines, and a building permit application must be submitted. The location of the shed must comply with the required setbacks of five feet from the rear property line and three feet to a side lot line and be separated from all other structures by 10 feet. A shed or gazebo may not be located in the required front yard setback. The structure and other permitted obstructions combined may not occupy more than 30% of a required side or rear yard (the area between the principal structure setback line and the property line). Recorded easements, or location within the Critical Area, may further restrict the location of a shed or gazebo. The maximum allowable height of a shed or gazebo is one story. The shed may not be located over water or sewer lines on a property.

Is a permit required for a deck or screened porch addition?

Yes, a building permit is always required. A site plan, (hand drawn is acceptable) showing the existing structures and the proposed deck location and dimensions, including its relative position to your property lines, and a building permit application must be submitted. The location of the deck must comply with the required setbacks of five feet from the rear property line and three feet to a side lot line. A ten foot separation is required between the deck and any detached accessory structure. Recorded easements may further restrict the location. A footings, faming and final inspections will be required to check the integrity of the construction.
Screened porches must comply with the principal dwelling setback of 8’ from side lot line and 25’ from rear property line. All other guidelines above must also be followed.

Do I need a permit for an above ground swimming pool?

No permit is required, but if it is over 18 inches in depth, the pool must have a five foot high fence around it or a ladder that can be removed when the pool is not occupied. Homeowner’s Associations may further restrict above ground pools in certain neighborhoods, please check with your HOA.