Harford County Building Permits: A Homeowner & Contractor Resource Guide

If you’re planning a concrete project in Harford County, Maryland—such as a driveway, patio, sidewalk, slab, or foundation—understanding the local permitting process is essential. This guide breaks down when permits are required, how to apply, and where to find official Harford County permit resources, helping homeowners and contractors avoid delays, fines, or costly rework.

Do You Need a Permit in Harford County?

In most cases, yes. Harford County requires permits for many residential and commercial construction projects, including:
Concrete driveways and driveway expansions

Patios, slabs, and walkways(over 3')

Foundations and footings

Garage slabs and additions

Retaining walls (depending on height and location)

New construction and structural alterations

Even small projects may require approval if they:

Affect drainage or grading

Are within setback areas

Are located in flood zones

Impact public right-of-way or utilities

👉 Always verify before starting work—unpermitted construction can result in stop-work orders or fines.

Harford County Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (ILP)

All building permits in Harford County are handled by the Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (ILP).

Primary Responsibilities:

Reviewing permit applications

Issuing building, grading, and zoning permits

Conducting inspections

Enforcing building codes and zoning regulations

How to Apply for a Building Permit in Harford County

1. Determine Permit Type

Most concrete projects require one or more of the following:

Building Permit
Grading Permit

Zoning Approval

2. Prepare Required Documents

You may need:

Site plan or plot plan

Project scope and dimensions

Contractor license information

HOA approval (if applicable)

3. Submit Your Application

Harford County allows online permit applications through their official portal.  Find the link at the top of this page.

4. Pay Fees

Permit fees vary based on:

Project size

Type of construction

Property location

5. Schedule Inspections

Once approved, inspections are required at specific stages of construction.

Tip: Permit requirements can change—always check the official county website for the most current information.

Common Permit Mistakes to Avoid

Starting work before permit approval

Incorrect or incomplete site plans

Ignoring zoning setbacks

Not scheduling required inspections

Using unlicensed contractors
Avoiding these issues can save weeks of delays and unexpected costs.

Do Homeowners or Contractors Pull the Permit?

In Harford County:

Licensed contractors typically pull permits for construction projects

Homeowners may pull permits themselves, but assume full responsibility for code compliance

For concrete projects, working with an experienced local contractor ensures permits are handled correctly from the start.

Need Help With a Permitted Concrete Project?

At Crockett & Sons Concrete, Inc., we help homeowners throughout Harford County navigate permits, inspections, and code compliance for concrete driveways, patios, slabs, and foundations.

We’re familiar with local requirements in:

Bel Air

Aberdeen

Havre de Grace

Fallston

Forest Hill

Abingdon and the surrounding areas.

Contact us today to discuss your project and ensure it’s done right—and permitted.