Your Most Frequently Asked Permitting Questions

Which Projects Need A Land Use Permit?

A Land Use Permit (LUP) must be obtained from the Land Development Services prior to the start of any land development. This includes:

• Residential

• Commercial

• Industrial

• Institutional

• Grading

• Mining or quarrying

• Commercial timber operations

• Public, private, or commercial recreation

• Waste disposal

• Utilities

• Salvage or junk yards

All new construction greater than 100sf requires a permit. Generally, all new structures greater than 600sf are subject to the Building Permit Process, i.e. plan review, inspections and the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

Why should I get a Permit?

Simply, it’s the Law. But a permit is much more than a regulatory procedure, it’s a service. A processed application identifies your property for a myriad of legal purposes. Utility service accounts are based on the information provided on application. The application process is a conduit to all agents necessary for the successful accomplishment of your project. The LDS office provides a clearing house for water and sewerage services, issuance of an address, arranging for a “perc” test, installing driveway access, and protecting your investment and your life through building code compliance. The LDS office informs about every agency or utility that needs to be involved with your project with one concise application, saving you the effort.

Information You Need to Apply for a Permit:
Residential Construction

To expedite your permit, please provide the following information and documents during application submittal:

On the Application:

• Full Legal Name of Owner(s)

• Contractor’s Name

• Contractor’s License #(s)

  • MHIC#

  • MD AG Office General Contractor #

  • MD Master Electrician

  • MD Master Plumbers

• Estimated Monetary Value of Project

• Tax Map, Parcel # ‘s & Lot # ‘s (if available)

• Liber/Folio # (Deed)

• From whom did you purchase the property

• Date of Purchase

• Lot or Parcel Dimensions

• Driveway Access ( State/County/Private/Other)

• Water (Type of service/name of utility)

• Sewer (Type of service/name of utility)

Submitting the Site Plan

At a minimum, a site plan will be required for the review of your project. On an 8.5" x 11" sheet of white bond or graph paper, include the following information to scale.

• Title

• Property Lines

• Lot size (acres/square feet)

• Streams/Drainways

• Shade Steep Slopes (>25%)

• Streets/Alleys/Rights of Ways

• Power/Phone/Gas Lines

• Other Structures

• Applicant's Signature

• Owner's Signature

• North Arrow and approximate scale

• Proposed Project

more on Site Plan…

Submitting Construction Drawings

Projects over 600sf are subject to Building Permit Process which includes the review and release of construction drawings. These drawings are required for prefabricated structures and mobile homes. At a minimum, these documents must include:

• Title

• Owner/Applicant's Signature

• Elevations (NSEW sides of structure)

• Floor plan

• Foundation design

• Typical cross-sections

• Materials list

• Specifications
   

more on Drawings…
 

When Do I Apply for a Land Use Permit?

An early start will help keep your project on track! If you have a project in mind and are not sure if a permit is required, please feel free to contact the LDS office at (301) 777-5951. If you are planning a project, please apply several weeks in advance.

What Should I Expect After Applying for a Permit

Prior to Permit Issuance

After submitting a complete application, and when all applicable fees are paid in full, the processed application is distributed to the appropriate reviewing agents. On the second working day following your fee payment, you must contact the agents noted on the Review Checklist. After you have addressed necessary requirements, a Permit will be issued to the Applicant. Unless otherwise instructed, issued permits will be forwarded by US Mail. A Permit Issued placard will be included with the issued permit. Prior to the start of construction, the placard must be displayed within public view.

After Permit Issuance

Following the issuance of a permit, construction must begin within one (1) year and must be completed within one (1) year of commencement. Once construction is started, an extension may be granted by the LDS Division Chief. Should a permit be subject to an appeal or to litigation following issuance, the time period for start of construction does not begin until the appeal or litigation is decided.

Permits for uses or occupancy other than building construction are good for an indefinite period. However, all conditions attached to the permit apply to subsequent owners.
 

Paying Fees

Fees for Land Use Permit Applications must be paid in full prior to Permits being issued. Fees are collected by the Allegany County Tax and Utilities Office, located on the second floor of the Allegany County Office Complex. Checks are to be made payable to the Allegany County Commissioners.
 

Permit Application Expiration
 

Any permit application which has not been issued within one year will be canceled unless the applicant or an approving agency notifies the Permits Division in writing that the application should remain active. For the applicant's convenience, the LDS office will contact the applicant at his/her last known address to notify the applicant.
 

Where To Apply for a Land Use Permit
 

Land Use Permit Applications and plans are to be submitted to the Land Development Services office located at:
Allegany County Office Complex
701 Kelly Road, 1st Floor
Cumberland, Maryland 21502
Applications are accepted Monday through Friday
8:00AM to 4:00PM

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in person.
 

Creating Building Lots

If your lot was created after March 3, 1972, it is subject to the subdivision plat process.
 

See Subdivision Regulations