The Certificate Holder shown on the Certificate of Insurance shall read as follows: 

Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors of Charles County
200 Baltimore Street
La Plata, MD 20646

The minimum amounts of insurance coverage required per occurrence is at least $400,000 and must consist of:

• General Liability Insurance in the amount of at least $300,000 AND
• Property Damage Insurance in the amount of at least $100,000.

An umbrella policy coverage is not acceptable for compliance with this requirement.

The Certificate of Insurance requirements:

• Full name of the Master Electrician
• “Trading As” (if applicable) being insured as part of the policy.

All required information must be listed on the Certificate of Insurance. The policy shall be written through a company approved by the Maryland State Insurance Administration to issue such policies in Maryland. If the Certificate of Insurance does not contain all required information any application or permits will not be processed. The Certificate of Insurance must remain active throughout the entire permit and inspection process.

Single-family homeowners may perform repairs or replace portable appliances, lighting fixtures, fuses, lamps, sockets, or make minor repairs at existing outlets in the homeowner’s residence. Electrical work beyond this scope, including making changes to wiring, requires the homeowner to obtain a Homeowner Permit from the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors and receive permits and inspections through the Department of Planning and Growth Management’s Division of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services.

 Homeowners cannot wire swimming pools, piers, detached outbuildings and/or associated electrical work. Work can not be performed on panel boards, main distribution panels, circuit breaker panels, fuse boxes or the like. No service change work shall be done under a Homeowner’s Permit.

Homeowners must first apply and pay the application and examination fee for the Homeowner’s Permit. The application will be reviewed at the next Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors Meeting. After the Board review, the Board Secretary will contact the applicant and provide notification of their application status. If accepted, the Board Secretary will schedule the homeowner for the Homeowner’s Electrical Permit examination. To pass the examination, a minimum score of 70% must be achieved. Homeowner’s Electrical Permits are valid for one (1) year after issuance. 

Master Restricted Licenses are set to expire every two years on June 30. Licenses are renewable for up to two years upon completion of the renewal application and payment of applicable fees. Homeowner’s permits are valid for one (1) year from date of issuance.

If a license expires because of failure to renew, the license may be restored upon payment of the renewal fee plus a restoration fee. Restricted Master licenses may be restored within a 90-day period after expiration. If an expired license is not renewed within the restoration period, a renewal will not be issued. The individual holding the expired license may reinstate a license only upon compliance with the requirements for issuance of a license to a new applicant and restoration fees of missed terms of renewal.

No, Charles County does not have an apprenticeship license.

The Charles County Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors shall grant a Restricted Master License to an individual who is at least 21 years of age, pays the applicable fees, and meets one of the criteria below: 

1. Holds a current Restricted Master License, with identical restrictions, from a Maryland jurisdiction which has equivalent examination and qualifying procedures to those required in Charles County and which grants reciprocity to Charles County licensees. The individual shall have no current record of violations in the jurisdiction where licensed. If the individual obtained the license by examination, the individual shall have held it for at least one (1) year; or
2. Candidate passes the Charles County Restricted Master Electrician qualifying examination. To sit for the qualifying examination, candidates must meet the following requirements and be approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors:
   1. Has been regularly and principally engaged in restricted type(s) of electrical work for at least 4,000 hours under the direction and supervision of a Master, Restricted Master, or similarly qualified government electrician.
   2. Has correctly answered at least 70% of the questions on the examination given by the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors to determine the applicant’s knowledge and skill in one or two restricted type(s) of electrical work.

The Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors is a five-member board appointed by the Charles County Commissioners. Their purpose is to enforce the Public Laws of Charles County in Chapter 41, Electrical Apparatus and Wiring, of the Code for Charles County. They are responsible for reviewing all applications for the Master, Restricted Master, and Journeyman Licenses as well as permits for Homeowners performing their own electrical work. The board administers and grades electrical licensing exams and issues licenses.

Restricted Master and Homeowners Permit examinations are administered on per need basis. An examination application, with payment of required fees, must be submitted and reviewed by the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors prior to taking the examination. Applications for examination must be submitted a minimum of 45 days preceding the date of examination.  After the Board review, the Board Secretary will contact the applicant and provide notification of their application status. If accepted, the Board Secretary will provide the date and time of the next examination period.

Within 45 days of the examination the Board shall decide as to the qualifications of the applicant and as to whether the license will be granted. Notice of the Board’s decision will be mailed to the applicant.

An applicant who fails to pass an examination may take a reexamination at the next regularly scheduled examination. The applicant shall submit a written request for reexamination and pay the examination fee. After 7 years of no activity all failed exam applications and examinations will be destroyed.

The Clerk to the Electrical Board can be contacted by calling 301-645-0633 or by email at cceb@charlescountymd.gov.

All applications must be submitted electronically through the Citizens Self Service Portal. Kiosks are available in the Permits lobby for customers to use. We have staff available to assist with registering for accounts, submitting applications, and scanning in documents. Exceptions for paper documents will be made for permits applied for before October 22, 2018 and Commercial Building Permits.

If you applied through your Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal the permit will be sent to you electronically.

To print your permit log into your CSS Portal. Then click on the orange “Active” bubble and find your permit number. Then click on the blue hyperlink that displays the permit number you want to print. In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click on the blue printer icon to print the permit.

In “Files for Review” you will find your drawings with the Plan Reviewers stamp and your site plans (if applicable).

In “Supporting Document” you will any other documentation submitted for your permit.

Credit Card and Debit Payments

Charles County Government Building- 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata
Government Satellite Center- 3670 Leonardtown Roard, Waldorf

The Health Department still requires paper documents. You will need to take paper copies of drawings/site plans to the Health Department for their approval. Once they have approved the plans, scan and upload the approved documents to “Supporting Docs” on your Citizen Self Service Portal for review.

No, your drawings have been submitted and our staff can review them, however, you are unable to view what was uploaded through your account.  

The account will automatically unlock after 15 minutes. After 15 minutes try again and correctly enter all credentials. If you do not remember your password, click on “Forgot your password?” to reset your password. If you do not remember your username, please contact our office at 301-934-0692 and a member of our staff will retrieve your username.

Please call 301-645-0692 and be prepared to provide us with your first and last name, your company name, and your license number. Your information will be entered into the Citizen Self Service portal.

A building permit will be issued once the applicant has satisfied all permit requirements by submitting all required documents, paying associated fees, and if required, responds to reviewers comments and resubmits documents for additional reviews.

When a permit is received by our office, it will be processed for acceptance within two (2) business days. A permit case manager will then issue the initial invoice to collect application and plan review fees. Once payment has been received, the permit review will begin. The permit case manager will contact the applicant when all reviews have been completed and the permit is ready for issuance.

Permit Review Time Frames:

Residential Building Permits- Each review will be processed within six (6) business days.
Residential Building Permits in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area- Each review will be processed within eight (8) business days.
Commercial Building Permits- Each review will be processed within fifteen (15) business days.
 Trade Permits- Will be processed and issued within two (2) business days.

When the initial review is complete a comment letter detailing any deficiencies will be generated and made available on your Citizen Self Service Portal in “Supporting Documents”. The comment letter details what needs to be addressed prior to re-submitting any documents for further reviews.

When entering your address enter the street number and name only. Then click on the magnifying glass to search. Do not add a suffix such as Road, Street, Drive, Avenue, etc. You do not need to add the city or zip code.

Yes, you would have to apply for a home occupation permit, which is subject to the following conditions of Article II, Chapter 297-29 (B) (18) of the County Zoning Code as follows:

1. All activities associated with a home business shall be conducted entirely within the residence approved for the home business use.
2. Business activities, including but not limited to the vehicular traffic, shall neither change the residential character of the home nor the character of the residential subdivision.
3. A home business shall not exceed 200 square feet within a residence. In the AC, RC, and WCD zones, a home occupation shall not exceed 500 square feet within a residence.
4. All materials, equipment, supplies, and inventory associated with the home occupation shall be stored within the residence.
5. A home business shall not involve the production or improper disposal of any hazardous, toxic, or carcinogenic materials or waste.
6. Any parking required is to be limited to off-street gravel or paved parking, on the permit holder's property.
7. Employees are limited to members of the immediate family who reside in the home.
8. Delivery of inventory or materials is permitted only by the postal service, a private delivery service such as UPS or by the occupant.
9. The home business shall not operate between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Business activities shall not be conducted on Sundays or federal holidays.

The types of businesses considered suitable as home occupations include but are not limited to:

1. Tailoring or dressmaking.
2. Catalog or mail-order sales.
3. Typing or word processing services.
4. Answering services.
5. Bookkeeping or accounting services.
6. Office space for off-site service businesses.
7. Wood crafting or other home crafts.
8. Personal services provided that if state license is required said licensure shall be maintained.

The types of businesses considered unsuitable as home occupations include but are not limited to:

1. Automobile sales, repair, dismantling, storage or body shops.
2. Engine or machine repair.
3. Lawn equipment repair.
4. Funeral homes.
5. Medical or dental offices.
6. Dance studios.
7. Restaurants.

Yes, a contractor performing commercial construction work in Charles County must hold a Maryland State Contractors License or a Maryland State Home Improvement License. Owners have the option to serve as their own general contractor and assume full liability for the project including meeting all Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). 

Credit Card and Debit Payments

Charles County Government Building- 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata
Government Satellite Center- 3670 Leonardtown Roard, Waldorf

The Health Department still requires paper documents. You will need to take paper copies of drawings/site plans to the Health Department for their approval. Once they have approved the plans, scan and upload the approved documents to “Supporting Docs” on your Citizen Self Service Portal for review.

Yes, a public/special event permit is required anytime an event is held that the public/community are openly invited to attend. When you or your organization plans events or activities, it is important that specific agencies are notified to ensure your planned event complies with all local and state regulations for special/public events. Those agencies include but are not limited to Emergency Services, Liquor Board, Public Facilities, State Highway Administration, Circuit Court, Fiscal Services, Permits Administration, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Police.

These agencies may require the event holder to provide additional services related to large crowds in order to manage the number of planned attendees to ensure their safety. It is recommended that you submit for your permit a minimum of 45 days prior to the event to allow all agencies to review the application.

Public events, such as carnivals, circuses, decorator's showcases or theme festivals, shall be allowed for a maximum period of 30 days, provided that no structure or equipment shall be located within 200 feet of any residential lot less than five acres.  

When a public event accommodates more than 300 people, it shall be subject to the following additional requirements:

1. The temporary use permit shall specify the use, dates and hours of operation of the event.
2. Adequate arrangements for temporary sanitary facilities must be approved by the County Department of Health.
3. No permanent or temporary electrical power for lighting or other uses shall be installed without an electrical permit demonstrating compliance with the County's electrical code.
4. The site shall be cleared of all debris at the end of the event and cleared of all temporary structures within three days thereafter. A bond or guarantee in a sufficient amount as determined by the Zoning Officer shall be provided to ensure that the premises shall be cleared of all debris. For an event of 1,000 or more attendees per day, the bond or guarantee in a sufficient amount as determined by the Zoning Officer shall be provided to ensure that all public emergency service agencies will be paid for the provision of agreed upon services.
5. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided and a stabilized drive to the parking area shall be maintained.
6. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to guide traffic to parking areas. The applicant shall notify the local enforcement authority and shall provide adequate traffic control.

A Site Development Plan (SDP) is a professionally prepared drawing/plan that demonstrates that a proposed commercial use can meet all County Code requirements, such as building setbacks, parking, drive aisles, landscaping, stormwater management, water & sewer, etc. Minimum design requirements for a SDP can be found in Appendix A of the Charles County Zoning Code.

A SDP approval is required for any new commercial development, expansions to existing commercial development and multi-family residential project or for a change of use to an existing commercial site. A change of use is when a commercial building was originally approved for one type  of use and a new proposed type of use is in a different use category as determined by Article IV, Chapter §297-63 of the County Zoning.

The Charles County Zoning Ordinance in Article XIX allows for the installation of wall mounted building, freestanding, and monument signs within Charles County, which requires the issuance of building permit. 

Sign permit applications require the following items:

Freestanding or Monument Signs

• Site plan showing all property lines, exiting structures and proposed location of the sign.
• Signed and sealed construction drawings prepared by a MD Licensed Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Signs requiring electrical service, must obtain a separate trade permit by a Master Electrician – Licensed in Charles County.

 Wall Mounted Signs

• Sign design plan that shows the planned location of the sign(s) on the building.
• Sign type: lighted box, lighted channel, neon, etc.
• Anchoring system (type of material and pattern).

Properties located within the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zone must obtain Planning Design Review Board (PDRB) approval. Contact Meredith Management at (301) 843-8111 for more information on PDRB approvals. The PDRB approval must be provided at time of application submission. All zoning requirements for signs are outlined in the Article XIX of the Zoning Ordinance . All construction drawing submittals must comply with the 2018 International Building Code.

A building permit will be issued once the applicant has satisfied all permit requirements by submitting all required documents, paying associated fees, and if required, responds to reviewers comments and resubmits documents for additional reviews.

When a permit is received by our office, it will be processed for acceptance within two (2) business days. A permit case manager will then issue the initial invoice to collect application and plan review fees. Once payment has been received, the permit review will begin. The permit case manager will contact the applicant when all reviews have been completed and the permit is ready for issuance.

Permit Review Time Frames:

Residential Building Permits- Each review will be processed within six (6) business days.
Residential Building Permits in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area- Each review will be processed within eight (8) business days.
Commercial Building Permits- Each review will be processed within fifteen (15) business days.
 Trade Permits- Will be processed and issued within two (2) business days.

A permit is required the following Commercial Operations:

• Change of Occupancy
• Additions
• Alterations
• New Building
• Demolition
• Fence- over 7’1”
• Flagpole
• Fuel Tanks
• Retaining Wall
• Stages
• Temporary Trailers
• Tents
• Indoor/Outdoor Pools
• Signs

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 investment they represent. In addition, a building permit with inspections completed and approved is a necessity in most cases for any insurance claim in regard to a structure fire or structural concerns.

When the initial review is complete a comment letter detailing any deficiencies will be generated and made available on your Citizen Self Service Portal in “Supporting Documents”. The comment letter details what needs to be addressed prior to re-submitting any documents for further reviews.

Single-family homeowners may perform repairs or replace portable appliances, lighting fixtures, fuses, lamps, sockets, or make minor repairs at existing outlets in the homeowner’s residence. Electrical work beyond this scope, including making changes to wiring, requires the homeowner to obtain a Homeowner Permit from the Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors and receive permits and inspections through the Department of Planning and Growth Management’s Division of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services.

 Homeowners cannot wire swimming pools, piers, detached outbuildings and/or associated electrical work. Work can not be performed on panel boards, main distribution panels, circuit breaker panels, fuse boxes or the like. No service change work shall be done under a Homeowner’s Permit.

All applications must be submitted electronically through the Citizens Self Service Portal. Kiosks are available in the Permits lobby for customers to use. We have staff available to assist with registering for accounts, submitting applications, and scanning in documents. Exceptions for paper documents will be made for permits applied for before October 22, 2018 and Commercial Building Permits.

In most instances a permit is not required for a fence, provided the fence will be less than seven (7) feet in height above the finished grade (subject to zoning conditions below).  Properties located withing the Critical Area will require a Zoning Permit for fences less than seven (7) feet in height.

A fence that is greater than seven (7) feet in height above the finished grade, a building permit is required to comply with the County Building Code. 

Fence Zoning Conditions – Article II, Chapter §297‐27 B

1. Front yards - For single‐family detached units, walls and fences shall not exceed four feet in height above ground elevation. Where fences and walls are an integral part of the unit design and are applied in a consistent and coordinated pattern throughout the project, fences and walls may be constructed to a maximum of six feet above ground elevation.
2. Rear and side yards - Walls and fences shall not exceed eight feet in height above ground elevation. Tennis court fences shall not exceed 12 feet.
3. Security fences for business, industrial or institutional uses shall not exceed 10 feet in height above the elevation of the surface of the ground unless otherwise necessary to comply with screening requirements. Fencing design / materials / color must abide by community HOA requirements. If the property is zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD) or “St. Charles”, an approval letter from the HOA/ Planning Design Review Board (PDRB) is required to be provided in the permit file prior to zoning approval.

Yes, you would have to apply for a home occupation permit, which is subject to the following conditions of Article II, Chapter 297-29 (B) (18) of the County Zoning Code as follows:

1. All activities associated with a home business shall be conducted entirely within the residence approved for the home business use.
2. Business activities, including but not limited to the vehicular traffic, shall neither change the residential character of the home nor the character of the residential subdivision.
3. A home business shall not exceed 200 square feet within a residence. In the AC, RC, and WCD zones, a home occupation shall not exceed 500 square feet within a residence.
4. All materials, equipment, supplies, and inventory associated with the home occupation shall be stored within the residence.
5. A home business shall not involve the production or improper disposal of any hazardous, toxic, or carcinogenic materials or waste.
6. Any parking required is to be limited to off-street gravel or paved parking, on the permit holder's property.
7. Employees are limited to members of the immediate family who reside in the home.
8. Delivery of inventory or materials is permitted only by the postal service, a private delivery service such as UPS or by the occupant.
9. The home business shall not operate between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Business activities shall not be conducted on Sundays or federal holidays.

The types of businesses considered suitable as home occupations include but are not limited to:

1. Tailoring or dressmaking.
2. Catalog or mail-order sales.
3. Typing or word processing services.
4. Answering services.
5. Bookkeeping or accounting services.
6. Office space for off-site service businesses.
7. Wood crafting or other home crafts.
8. Personal services provided that if state license is required said licensure shall be maintained.

The types of businesses considered unsuitable as home occupations include but are not limited to:

1. Automobile sales, repair, dismantling, storage or body shops.
2. Engine or machine repair.
3. Lawn equipment repair.
4. Funeral homes.
5. Medical or dental offices.
6. Dance studios.
7. Restaurants.

In most cases, no permit is necessary to remove tree from your property, unless the property is located within the critical area overlay zone, then a permit is required. In addition, trees located within a forest conservation easement may only be removed if they are a hazard to life or property. 

If you applied through your Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal the permit will be sent to you electronically.

To print your permit log into your CSS Portal. Then click on the orange “Active” bubble and find your permit number. Then click on the blue hyperlink that displays the permit number you want to print. In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click on the blue printer icon to print the permit.

In “Files for Review” you will find your drawings with the Plan Reviewers stamp and your site plans (if applicable).

In “Supporting Document” you will any other documentation submitted for your permit.

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. This does not, however, mean that homeowners are required to hire a licensed contractor for their project. Homeowners have the option to assume full liability for any project at their discretion.

Homeowners must first apply and pay the application and examination fee for the Homeowner’s Permit. The application will be reviewed at the next Board of Electrical Examiners and Supervisors Meeting. After the Board review, the Board Secretary will contact the applicant and provide notification of their application status. If accepted, the Board Secretary will schedule the homeowner for the Homeowner’s Electrical Permit examination. To pass the examination, a minimum score of 70% must be achieved. Homeowner’s Electrical Permits are valid for one (1) year after issuance. 

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) issues permits for activities within Maryland’s tidal waters, including, but not limited to, piers, boat lifts, osprey poles, mooring piles, etc. Please call the Tidal Wetlands Division of MDE for more information at 410‐537‐3837.

Once the permit has been obtained from MDE, the landowner must submit a copy of this approval to the County along with an application for a Zoning Permit prior to the commencement of any work on the pier or water dependent structure.

Credit Card and Debit Payments

Charles County Government Building- 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata
Government Satellite Center- 3670 Leonardtown Roard, Waldorf

The Health Department still requires paper documents. You will need to take paper copies of drawings/site plans to the Health Department for their approval. Once they have approved the plans, scan and upload the approved documents to “Supporting Docs” on your Citizen Self Service Portal for review.

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.

Additionally, the Zoning Ordinance specifies different setback requirements for accessory structures such as sheds, barns, detached garages, etc. These structures shall be established within 6' of any side or rear lot line. No accessory use or structure shall be established within the required front yard.

The Charles County Zoning Ordinance established various residential zones for the County. The amount of acreage required to build a house depends on the zoning of your property. Our Zoning Maps will help you determine the zoning of your property.

Routine maintenance, or work that does not alter the exterior fabric or features of a site or structure, and has no material effect on the historical, archaeological, or architectural significance of the site or structure, is not subject to a Historic Area Work Permit.

Specific items considered as ordinary maintenance that do not require a Historic Area Work Permit Application include:

• Repair or replacement of roofs, gutters, siding, external doors and windows, trim, lights and other appurtenant features with like material of like design.
• Landscaping.
• Paving repair using like materials of like design.
• Painting on non-masonry surfaces using same or substantially the same color

Yes, a public/special event permit is required anytime an event is held that the public/community are openly invited to attend. When you or your organization plans events or activities, it is important that specific agencies are notified to ensure your planned event complies with all local and state regulations for special/public events. Those agencies include but are not limited to Emergency Services, Liquor Board, Public Facilities, State Highway Administration, Circuit Court, Fiscal Services, Permits Administration, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Police.

These agencies may require the event holder to provide additional services related to large crowds in order to manage the number of planned attendees to ensure their safety. It is recommended that you submit for your permit a minimum of 45 days prior to the event to allow all agencies to review the application.

Public events, such as carnivals, circuses, decorator's showcases or theme festivals, shall be allowed for a maximum period of 30 days, provided that no structure or equipment shall be located within 200 feet of any residential lot less than five acres.  

When a public event accommodates more than 300 people, it shall be subject to the following additional requirements:

1. The temporary use permit shall specify the use, dates and hours of operation of the event.
2. Adequate arrangements for temporary sanitary facilities must be approved by the County Department of Health.
3. No permanent or temporary electrical power for lighting or other uses shall be installed without an electrical permit demonstrating compliance with the County's electrical code.
4. The site shall be cleared of all debris at the end of the event and cleared of all temporary structures within three days thereafter. A bond or guarantee in a sufficient amount as determined by the Zoning Officer shall be provided to ensure that the premises shall be cleared of all debris. For an event of 1,000 or more attendees per day, the bond or guarantee in a sufficient amount as determined by the Zoning Officer shall be provided to ensure that all public emergency service agencies will be paid for the provision of agreed upon services.
5. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided and a stabilized drive to the parking area shall be maintained.
6. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to guide traffic to parking areas. The applicant shall notify the local enforcement authority and shall provide adequate traffic control.

If your project requires a permit, get a permit. If you are working with a contractor who suggests skipping this step, consider moving on to another contractor.

If a permit is not obtained you could be forced to pay additional fees. A stop work order could be issued or you could be required to tear down your work. For example, you could be asked to remove a wall so the inspectors can see what work was done behind it. 

A Site Development Plan (SDP) is a professionally prepared drawing/plan that demonstrates that a proposed commercial use can meet all County Code requirements, such as building setbacks, parking, drive aisles, landscaping, stormwater management, water & sewer, etc. Minimum design requirements for a SDP can be found in Appendix A of the Charles County Zoning Code.

A SDP approval is required for any new commercial development, expansions to existing commercial development and multi-family residential project or for a change of use to an existing commercial site. A change of use is when a commercial building was originally approved for one type  of use and a new proposed type of use is in a different use category as determined by Article IV, Chapter §297-63 of the County Zoning.

The Charles County Zoning Ordinance in Article XIX allows for the installation of wall mounted building, freestanding, and monument signs within Charles County, which requires the issuance of building permit. 

Sign permit applications require the following items:

Freestanding or Monument Signs

• Site plan showing all property lines, exiting structures and proposed location of the sign.
• Signed and sealed construction drawings prepared by a MD Licensed Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Signs requiring electrical service, must obtain a separate trade permit by a Master Electrician – Licensed in Charles County.

 Wall Mounted Signs

• Sign design plan that shows the planned location of the sign(s) on the building.
• Sign type: lighted box, lighted channel, neon, etc.
• Anchoring system (type of material and pattern).

Properties located within the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zone must obtain Planning Design Review Board (PDRB) approval. Contact Meredith Management at (301) 843-8111 for more information on PDRB approvals. The PDRB approval must be provided at time of application submission. All zoning requirements for signs are outlined in the Article XIX of the Zoning Ordinance . All construction drawing submittals must comply with the 2018 International Building Code.

Upon receipt of a Historic Area Work Permit application, the Historic Preservation Commission will review and consider the application at a public meeting for acceptance or rejection. The Commission shall give consideration to the historic, archaeological, or architectural significance of the historic site, or structure and the relationship of the exterior architectural features of a site or structure to the remainder of the site or structure, and to the surrounding area. The Commission shall also consider the general compatibility of the proposed exterior design, scale, proportion, arrangement, texture and materials to the site, structure, or designated district, if applicable, and to the surrounding area.

The Historic Preservation Commission shall file a Certificate of Approval certifying approval, modification, or rejection of each application submitted for review to the Department of Planning & Growth Management. Work shall not commence on any project until the Certificate of Approval has been filed. The Commission has 45 days from the date a completed application is submitted to render a Certificate of Approval, or the application will be automatically approved.

Below is a list of examples of projects that do or do not require a permit. This list provides as examples and is not all inclusive. If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit or not call our office at 301-645-0692.

• Additions
• Alterations
• Detached Garages
• Demolitions
• Decks
• Gazebos
• Carports
• Retaining Walls
• Pool House
• In-ground or Above Ground Pools
• Spas/Hot Tubs
• Solar Panels
• Storable Pools
• Sheds, Barns, and Pole Barns over 200 square feet (A Zoning Permit is required for a structure of any size)
• Concrete patios/pavers
• Piers
• Fences 7’1” in height or taller
• Pellet/Wood Stoves
• HVAC Related Work- AC Units, Heat Pumps, Gas or Oil Furnaces, Coils, Duct Work- Installation or replacement

 Example of when a Residential Permit is NOT Required (This is not an all-inclusive list)

• Acid cleaning of buildings or other structures
• Air conditioning repair or cleaning
• Residential awnings Residential kitchen cabinets
• Carpet installation
• Caulking
• Replacement of existing windows and doors (new openings require a building permit)
• Drywall repairs
• Fencing not over 7 feet high (except as required as part of a POOL permit)
• Flagstone work
• Floor laying and refinishing
• Furnace repair and cleaning, does not include replacement of equipment Insulation (except as required under new work and additions, etc.)
• Interior decoration (painting, trim work, “Z” brick, etc.)
• Ornamental iron railings, handrails
• Jalousie windows in existing openings
• Linoleum and tile work
• Replacing locks and hardware
• Oil burner repair
• Painting, plastering, paneling, and paper hanging
• Pointing brick work
• Replacement of shingle or roll roofing
• Sandblasting
• Replacement of siding (wood, aluminum, vinyl, etc.)
• Sink and counter tops
• Stained glass work
• Storm windows, doors, and screens
• Stucco work
• Tile work (ceramic and non‐ceramic)
• Extermination
• Gutters and down spouts

A building permit will be issued once the applicant has satisfied all permit requirements by submitting all required documents, paying associated fees, and if required, responds to reviewers comments and resubmits documents for additional reviews.

When a permit is received by our office, it will be processed for acceptance within two (2) business days. A permit case manager will then issue the initial invoice to collect application and plan review fees. Once payment has been received, the permit review will begin. The permit case manager will contact the applicant when all reviews have been completed and the permit is ready for issuance.

Permit Review Time Frames:

Residential Building Permits- Each review will be processed within six (6) business days.
Residential Building Permits in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area- Each review will be processed within eight (8) business days.
Commercial Building Permits- Each review will be processed within fifteen (15) business days.
 Trade Permits- Will be processed and issued within two (2) business days.

A Historic Area Work Permit Application is required prior to the construction, alteration, reconstruction, moving, or demolition affecting the exterior of a designated site or structure, or a site or structure within a designated district.

Specific items requiring a Historic Area Work Permit Application include:

• Repair or replacement of roofs, gutters, siding, external doors and windows, trim, lights and other appurtenant fixtures, with different materials of different design.
• Removal of a building, structure or object, or a visible portion thereof, including out-buildings.
• New construction or any enlargement, modification, or alteration of the exterior of an existing building, structure or object which requires a Charles County building permit.
• Removal, replacement or enclosure of porches.
• Basic alteration of materials, including installation of siding, shingles, or masonry facing.
• Permanent removal of shutters.
• Removal, modification, or alteration of exterior architectural features.
• Painting or removal of paint on masonry.
• Repoint brick.
• Exterior sandblasting.
• New paving or modification of paving materials in front of building line.
• Installation or removal of fencing or fence-walls.
• Removal or installation of signs.

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 investment they represent. In addition, a building permit with inspections completed and approved is a necessity in most cases for any insurance claim in regard to a structure fire or structural concerns.

When the initial review is complete a comment letter detailing any deficiencies will be generated and made available on your Citizen Self Service Portal in “Supporting Documents”. The comment letter details what needs to be addressed prior to re-submitting any documents for further reviews.

Only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts should be hired to trim branches and remove trees – they are the only tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland. 

Maryland Department of the Environment News: Marylanders Reminded to Hire Licensed Tree Experts

Removal of trees and shrubs from the Critical Area require a tree removal authorization prior to the commencement of work. The tree removal authorization requires a plan to replace any trees and shrubs removed  with native plant replacements.

You can verify if your property is located in the critical area by accessing the GIS Interactive Map and completing the following steps:

1. Enter your property address in the search box located in the upper right-hand corner and press enter. A search result should appear on the map in the approximate location of the subject property.
2. Now select the “Layer List” icon , which will open a drop down menu for different layers of the map.
3. From the drop down menu select the “Critical Area Boundary” box from the layer list, which will turn on the critical are boundary on the map along the waterfront areas in the County.If your property is located between the waterfront and that boundary, then your property is subject to the critical area requirements.

 Critical Area Maps

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) issues permits for activities within Maryland’s tidal waters, including, but not limited to, piers, boat lifts, osprey poles, mooring piles, etc. Please call the Tidal Wetlands Division of MDE for more information at 410‐537‐3837.

Once the permit has been obtained from MDE, the landowner must submit a copy of this approval to the County along with an application for a Zoning Permit prior to the commencement of any work on the pier or water dependent structure.

If you own property in the Critical Area, then you are subject to Article IX of the Charles County Zoning Code, which has specific requirements for development and or improvements to properties within the Critical Area. We recommend you contact the Planning Division and schedule an appointment with a Planner if you would like to explore options on how to develop and/or improve your property located in the Critical Area.

The Critical Area are all lands and waters within 1,000 feet of mean high tide and/or tidal waters and wetlands. It includes the waters of and lands under the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. These areas are subject to additional restrictions for development and construction as required under Article IX of the Charles County Zoning Code.

Critical Area Maps

Only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts should be hired to trim branches and remove trees – they are the only tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland. 

Maryland Department of the Environment News: Marylanders Reminded to Hire Licensed Tree Experts

Removal of trees and shrubs from the Critical Area require a tree removal authorization prior to the commencement of work. The tree removal authorization requires a plan to replace any trees and shrubs removed  with native plant replacements.

In most cases, no permit is necessary to remove tree from your property, unless the property is located within the critical area overlay zone, then a permit is required. In addition, trees located within a forest conservation easement may only be removed if they are a hazard to life or property. 

You can review the plat of subdivision for your property, which should reference the forest conservation plan number and/or show where forest conservation easements are located. 

 You can verify if your property is affected by a forest conservation easement by accessing the  GIS Interactive Map and complete the following steps:

1. Enter your property address in the search box located in the upper right hand corner and press enter.A search result should appear on the map in the approximate location of the subject property.
2. Now select the “Layer List” icon , which will open a drop down menu for different layers of the map.
3. From the drop down menu select the “Forest Conservation Easements” box from the layer list, which will turn on the forest conservation layer on the map. If a forest conservation easement is located on or near your property, the easement area will appear.

You have to comply with the County Forest Conservation requirements when you begin a development activity, such as: subdividing land, applying for a site development plan, grading/clearing of land greater than 20,000 square feet in area.  If this will be occurring an applicant would be required to prepare and submit a Forest Stand Delineation and Forest Conservation Plan prepared by a MD Licensed Professional.

Most small residential projects, such as a deck, patio or shed, usually does not disturb 20,000 square feet and only requires the submittal of a Single Lot Exemption – Declaration of Intent to comply with the County Forest Conservation Code.

When a property is subject to a development activity, Chapter 298 of the County Code requires that a percentage of the property remains forested in order to protect sensitive environmental areas such as streams and wetlands.

Yes, manufactured homes are permitted in some areas of Charles County, provided they meet certain requirements under the County Zoning Code. In order to be considered a manufactured home, the structure must exceed forty (40) feet in length and eight (8) feet in width, must be constructed in accordance with the standards set forth in the County's Building Code applicable to an onsite-built home, must be composed of one or more components which are assembled in a manufacturing plant, and must be designed to be transported to the home site on its own chassis (wheels).

Manufactured homes are single-family structures and are required to meet the same zoning criteria as single-family structures. Including the requirement that the manufactured home is placed on a continuous permanent masonry foundation, except for the required ventilation and access, in accordance with the Charles County Building Code. Furthermore, the Zoning Ordinance does not allow the placement of more than one single-family structure on a parcel of land.

Yes, there are size limitations to detached structures such as sheds or garages. Lots less than 3 acres, the size of the structure cannot exceed 50% of the total gross floor area of the home or 1,000 square feet, whichever is greater. If the property is in the PUD zone an approval letter from the Homeowners Association /Plan Design Review Board is required to be provided in the permit file prior to zoning approval.

 Yes, you are permitted to have farm animals as pets on property less than 5 acres, provided you meet the following conditions: 

• Large animals such as horses, cattle, pigs, goats & sheep require a minimum of two (2) acres of land with a maximum of one (1) animal per acre.
• Small animals such as chickens and rabbits are permitted, provided they are kept in a humane, secure and sanitary fashion as not to create a nuisance to the public at the following animal to acreage ratios:
  • Less than 2 acres = 2 adult small animals per acre.
  • Greater than 2 acres = 4 adult small animals per acre.

On a property larger than 5 acres, livestock (farm animals) is permitted in all zones provided that areas of animal confinement less than one acre, manure storage or feed storage shall be a minimum distance of 75 feet from any public street or highway and in no case closer than 250 feet from any existing residential dwellings on an adjoining parcel.

Uses such as these are in accordance with Article XIII Minimum Standards for Special Exceptions and Uses Permitted with Conditions, § 297-212 of the County Zoning Regulations.

Yes, according to Article II, Chapter §297-29 (B) 13 of the Charles County Zoning Code, which allows the parking of one (1) inoperable or untagged motor vehicle and/or vehicle part(s) on a residential property provided that the motor vehicle and/or vehicle part(s) are stored within a completely enclosed building or are parked or stored in accordance with all the following conditions:

A maximum of one (1) untagged or inoperable motor vehicle, in accordance with the criteria below, may be parked or stored on any lot:

• 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.
• 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, blue stone, and gravel.
• Any untagged or inoperable motor vehicle shall be covered by a manufactured vehicle cover, except during active maintenance.
• 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.

This provision shall not apply to vehicles used in bona fide agricultural operations stored on site.

Yes, you would have to apply for a home occupation permit, which is subject to the following conditions of Article II, Chapter 297-29 (B) (18) of the County Zoning Code as follows:

1. All activities associated with a home business shall be conducted entirely within the residence approved for the home business use.
2. Business activities, including but not limited to the vehicular traffic, shall neither change the residential character of the home nor the character of the residential subdivision.
3. A home business shall not exceed 200 square feet within a residence. In the AC, RC, and WCD zones, a home occupation shall not exceed 500 square feet within a residence.
4. All materials, equipment, supplies, and inventory associated with the home occupation shall be stored within the residence.
5. A home business shall not involve the production or improper disposal of any hazardous, toxic, or carcinogenic materials or waste.
6. Any parking required is to be limited to off-street gravel or paved parking, on the permit holder's property.
7. Employees are limited to members of the immediate family who reside in the home.
8. Delivery of inventory or materials is permitted only by the postal service, a private delivery service such as UPS or by the occupant.
9. The home business shall not operate between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Business activities shall not be conducted on Sundays or federal holidays.

The types of businesses considered suitable as home occupations include but are not limited to:

1. Tailoring or dressmaking.
2. Catalog or mail-order sales.
3. Typing or word processing services.
4. Answering services.
5. Bookkeeping or accounting services.
6. Office space for off-site service businesses.
7. Wood crafting or other home crafts.
8. Personal services provided that if state license is required said licensure shall be maintained.

The types of businesses considered unsuitable as home occupations include but are not limited to:

1. Automobile sales, repair, dismantling, storage or body shops.
2. Engine or machine repair.
3. Lawn equipment repair.
4. Funeral homes.
5. Medical or dental offices.
6. Dance studios.
7. Restaurants.

Applications to develop a property, to include Preliminary Plans, Final Plats, and Site Development Plans are subject to archaeology requirements. If staff determines there is a potential for a significant cultural resource on the subject property, then the applicant will be required to conduct a Phase 1 – Archaeology Assessment.

More detailed information can be found in the code sections for Subdivision Regulation and Historic Preservation Commission from the Zoning Code.

 Changing the existing zoning of a property requires the filing of a local map amendment with he Department of Planning and Growth Management in accordance with Article XXVII Amendments, §297-448 of the County Zoning Regulations,

Zoning for individual properties is established by a set of Zoning Maps that are adopted by the Charles County Commissioners that implement the latest version of the Charles County Comprehensive Plan. You can determine the zoning of your property by accessing the Zoning Maps or by using the GIS Interactive Map.

Information related to specific base zones may be viewed in the County Zoning Regulations.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) issues permits for activities within Maryland’s tidal waters, including, but not limited to, piers, boat lifts, osprey poles, mooring piles, etc. Please call the Tidal Wetlands Division of MDE for more information at 410‐537‐3837.

Once the permit has been obtained from MDE, the landowner must submit a copy of this approval to the County along with an application for a Zoning Permit prior to the commencement of any work on the pier or water dependent structure.

Subdivision of property in Charles County is subject Chapter 278 of the Charles County Code - Subdivision Regulations. 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. The preparation of these documents can only be prepared by a Maryland licensed professional surveyor. 

Yes, a public/special event permit is required anytime an event is held that the public/community are openly invited to attend. When you or your organization plans events or activities, it is important that specific agencies are notified to ensure your planned event complies with all local and state regulations for special/public events. Those agencies include but are not limited to Emergency Services, Liquor Board, Public Facilities, State Highway Administration, Circuit Court, Fiscal Services, Permits Administration, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Police.

These agencies may require the event holder to provide additional services related to large crowds in order to manage the number of planned attendees to ensure their safety. It is recommended that you submit for your permit a minimum of 45 days prior to the event to allow all agencies to review the application.

Public events, such as carnivals, circuses, decorator's showcases or theme festivals, shall be allowed for a maximum period of 30 days, provided that no structure or equipment shall be located within 200 feet of any residential lot less than five acres.  

When a public event accommodates more than 300 people, it shall be subject to the following additional requirements:

1. The temporary use permit shall specify the use, dates and hours of operation of the event.
2. Adequate arrangements for temporary sanitary facilities must be approved by the County Department of Health.
3. No permanent or temporary electrical power for lighting or other uses shall be installed without an electrical permit demonstrating compliance with the County's electrical code.
4. The site shall be cleared of all debris at the end of the event and cleared of all temporary structures within three days thereafter. A bond or guarantee in a sufficient amount as determined by the Zoning Officer shall be provided to ensure that the premises shall be cleared of all debris. For an event of 1,000 or more attendees per day, the bond or guarantee in a sufficient amount as determined by the Zoning Officer shall be provided to ensure that all public emergency service agencies will be paid for the provision of agreed upon services.
5. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided and a stabilized drive to the parking area shall be maintained.
6. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to guide traffic to parking areas. The applicant shall notify the local enforcement authority and shall provide adequate traffic control.

Article IV Permissible Uses, § 297-63 of the County Zoning Regulations regulates the types of uses or activities that are permitted on individual properties based on the corresponding zoning. 

A Site Development Plan (SDP) is a professionally prepared drawing/plan that demonstrates that a proposed commercial use can meet all County Code requirements, such as building setbacks, parking, drive aisles, landscaping, stormwater management, water & sewer, etc. Minimum design requirements for a SDP can be found in Appendix A of the Charles County Zoning Code.

A SDP approval is required for any new commercial development, expansions to existing commercial development and multi-family residential project or for a change of use to an existing commercial site. A change of use is when a commercial building was originally approved for one type  of use and a new proposed type of use is in a different use category as determined by Article IV, Chapter §297-63 of the County Zoning.

The Charles County Zoning Ordinance in Article XIX allows for the installation of wall mounted building, freestanding, and monument signs within Charles County, which requires the issuance of building permit. 

Sign permit applications require the following items:

Freestanding or Monument Signs

• Site plan showing all property lines, exiting structures and proposed location of the sign.
• Signed and sealed construction drawings prepared by a MD Licensed Professional Engineer or Architect.
• Signs requiring electrical service, must obtain a separate trade permit by a Master Electrician – Licensed in Charles County.

 Wall Mounted Signs

• Sign design plan that shows the planned location of the sign(s) on the building.
• Sign type: lighted box, lighted channel, neon, etc.
• Anchoring system (type of material and pattern).

Properties located within the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zone must obtain Planning Design Review Board (PDRB) approval. Contact Meredith Management at (301) 843-8111 for more information on PDRB approvals. The PDRB approval must be provided at time of application submission. All zoning requirements for signs are outlined in the Article XIX of the Zoning Ordinance . All construction drawing submittals must comply with the 2018 International Building Code.

Once your Pre-Submittal conference has been held, staff will open up the appropriate application as a sub-record to your Pre-Submittal Request on the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal for you to apply.

The following plan types require paper application at this time:

• Conceptual Subdivision Plans
• Planned Development Zone
• Zoning Map Amendment
• Zoning Text Amendment

No paper applications for these plan types will be accepted if a Pre-Submittal Conference has not been held. 

Once your application has been received staff will have seven (7) days to conduct a completeness review to check the project against the regulatory requirements for that particular type of submittal. If all requirements are met the application will be accepted and an invoice will be created. The invoice must be paid before the project will be distributed for official review.

To schedule your Pre-Submittal Conference please apply for a Pre-Submittal Request through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. In order to submit a request you will need to register for an account in the CSS. Directions on how to register with CSS. If you already have an account, you will need to log-in to submit your request. Once your request has been received a member of our staff will be in touch to confirm your conference date.

Pre-Submittal Conferences are held in 30-minute increments on Wednesday mornings. Conference dates must be scheduled at least one week in advance and are assigned on a first come first served basis.

A Pre-Submittal Conference allows you, the applicant, the opportunity to present your project to representatives of the County’s Department of Planning and Growth Management to explore project viability and discuss major code and ordinance requirements, fees, and review time frames. During the conference, staff will assist with defining project requirements, highlight any special concerns or considerations, and provide guidance for including the minimum required information for application submittal. These conferences are considered advisory and are not a review meeting or intended to discuss every detail associated with the development process. Minutes of the conference will not be taken. It is simply a tool to exchange information between County staff and the applicant to gain an understanding of the next steps of the process, be made aware of major issues, and understand which codes and ordinances apply to the project.

Our goal is to help you keep your project moving forward as efficiently as possible with-in the limits of our authority. Our charge is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. As a result, the codes, ordinances, and regulations define and limit our authority. We are not responsible for identifying any issues that are omitted from your proposal or for suggesting design approaches or alternatives to achieve compliance. You and your design team are ultimately responsible for compliance with all code, ordinance, and regulation requirements.

In accordance with §278-25.E (2) of the Charles County Subdivision Regulations, applicants have six (6) months from the TRC meeting to respond to the review comments and submit a resubmittal package through their CSS portal.

• Should an Applicant for a Preliminary Subdivision Plan fail to meet the six (6) month resubmittal time frame, the applicant may submit, in writing to the Planning Director, a request for a time extension not to exceed three (3) months. Only two such extensions may be granted.
• Should an Applicant for a Commercial/Industrial Site Development Plan fail to meet the six (6) month resubmittal time frame, the original application will be voided. A voided application will require the refiling of the application including the payment of all application fees.

As an incentive to keep your project moving through the review and approval process we will reduce the review period for all resubmittal packages received in less than ninety (90) days from the TRC meeting and/or distribution of the review comments. Resubmittals received in less than ninety (90) days will be reviewed and subsequent comments will be provided by the twenty-seventh (27th) day from the date the resubmittal package was received.

Resubmittal packages received after ninety (90) days but within six (6) months from the TRC meeting and/or the distribution of the review comments will be subject to the following review timeline:

Comments for the following application types will be available by the twenty-sixth (26th) day from the date the resubmittal package was accepted:

• Major and Minor Site Development Plans 
• Variances
• Special Exceptions
• Zoning Text and Map Amendments
• Planned Development Zone Application

Comments for the following application types will be available by the thirty-fifth (35th) day from the date the resubmittal package was accepted:

• Preliminary Subdivision Plans
• Major Plats of Subdivision
• Concept Subdivision Plans

Applications for Special Exceptions, Variances, Zoning Text or Map Amendments, and Planned Development Zones (PDZs), will only be allowed the initial submittal and one resubmittal before the staff report is prepared and the project is scheduled on a Planning Commission or Board of Appeals agenda.

Your application will be distributed for the first review once the invoice has been marked as paid. Once the review is complete a comment letter will be uploaded to your CSS Portal.

Comments for the following application types will be available by the twenty-sixth (26th) day from the date the invoice was marked as paid:

• Major and Minor Site Development Plans 
• Minor Plats of Subdivisions
• Variances
• Special Exceptions
• Zoning Text and Map Amendments
• Planned Development Zone Application

Comments for the following application types will be available by the thirty-fifth (35th) day from the date the invoice was marked as paid:

• Preliminary Subdivision Plans
• Major Plats of Subdivision
• Concept Subdivision Plans

After the first review, major site development plans, preliminary subdivision plans, and planned development zone applications will be scheduled for the next available Technical Review Committee (TRC) agenda.

Pre-Submittal Conferences must be held for the following application types.

• Major and Minor Site Development Plans 
• Preliminary Subdivision Plans
• Minor Plats of Subdivision
• Special Exceptions
• Variances
• Zoning Text and Map Amendments
• Planned Development Zone Applications
• Final Plats of Major Subdivisions

Yes, you can submit an application to be considered for Local Historic Landmark Designation. Your application will be reviewed by the Charles County Historic Preservation Commission.

Historic Landmark Designation Information

Applications to develop a property, to include Preliminary Plans, Final Plats, and Site Development Plans are subject to archaeology requirements. If staff determines there is a potential for a significant cultural resource on the subject property, then the applicant will be required to conduct a Phase 1 – Archaeology Assessment.

More detailed information can be found in the code sections for Subdivision Regulation and Historic Preservation Commission from the Zoning Code.

There are many factors to determine if a property is historic. In general, if a property is over 50 years old, it may be considered historic, but this is not the only criteria. You can search a property address to determine if there is an Inventory form and if it is on the National Register Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory.

Routine maintenance, or work that does not alter the exterior fabric or features of a site or structure, and has no material effect on the historical, archaeological, or architectural significance of the site or structure, is not subject to a Historic Area Work Permit.

Specific items considered as ordinary maintenance that do not require a Historic Area Work Permit Application include:

• Repair or replacement of roofs, gutters, siding, external doors and windows, trim, lights and other appurtenant features with like material of like design.
• Landscaping.
• Paving repair using like materials of like design.
• Painting on non-masonry surfaces using same or substantially the same color

Upon receipt of a Historic Area Work Permit application, the Historic Preservation Commission will review and consider the application at a public meeting for acceptance or rejection. The Commission shall give consideration to the historic, archaeological, or architectural significance of the historic site, or structure and the relationship of the exterior architectural features of a site or structure to the remainder of the site or structure, and to the surrounding area. The Commission shall also consider the general compatibility of the proposed exterior design, scale, proportion, arrangement, texture and materials to the site, structure, or designated district, if applicable, and to the surrounding area.

The Historic Preservation Commission shall file a Certificate of Approval certifying approval, modification, or rejection of each application submitted for review to the Department of Planning & Growth Management. Work shall not commence on any project until the Certificate of Approval has been filed. The Commission has 45 days from the date a completed application is submitted to render a Certificate of Approval, or the application will be automatically approved.

A Historic Area Work Permit Application is required prior to the construction, alteration, reconstruction, moving, or demolition affecting the exterior of a designated site or structure, or a site or structure within a designated district.

Specific items requiring a Historic Area Work Permit Application include:

• Repair or replacement of roofs, gutters, siding, external doors and windows, trim, lights and other appurtenant fixtures, with different materials of different design.
• Removal of a building, structure or object, or a visible portion thereof, including out-buildings.
• New construction or any enlargement, modification, or alteration of the exterior of an existing building, structure or object which requires a Charles County building permit.
• Removal, replacement or enclosure of porches.
• Basic alteration of materials, including installation of siding, shingles, or masonry facing.
• Permanent removal of shutters.
• Removal, modification, or alteration of exterior architectural features.
• Painting or removal of paint on masonry.
• Repoint brick.
• Exterior sandblasting.
• New paving or modification of paving materials in front of building line.
• Installation or removal of fencing or fence-walls.
• Removal or installation of signs.

VanGO Fares

VanGO Schedules and Maps 

Schedule booklets are available at local libraries and Senior Centers. You may also call the Transit Division at 301-645-0642 and request a schedule be mailed to you.