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Accessory Structure
A structure which is on the same parcel of property as a principal structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure. For example, a residential structure may have a detached garage or storage shed for garden tools as accessory structures. Other examples of accessory structures include gazebos, picnic pavilions, boathouses, pole barns, pool houses, and similar buildings.
- Pre-fabricated
- Unfinished
- Finished
Required Permit Applications and Forms
| Requirement | More Information | Link(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Area | Accessory Structures within the Critical Area require a Critical Area Worksheet. The law identifies "Critical Area" as all lands within 1,000 ft. of the mean high water line of tidal waters, or the landward edge of tidal wetlands, and all waters on (and lands under) the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. |
Critical Area Worksheet |
| Architectural Review | Properties located in a Town Center or a Rural Commercial Zoning District require Architectural Review prior to permit issuance. See the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance (CCZO), Article 25-9: Architectural Design Requirements for applicability. | CCZO Article 25-9 |
| Building Permit | Accessory Structure construction/installation greater than or equal to 200 square feet requires a Building permit. NOTE 1: Any/all accessory structures proposed in Critical Area require permitting. NOTE 2: Structures under 200 square feet (unless in Critical Area) do not require a permit but must still meet the required setbacks for zoning. |
Building permit CCZO Article 19-1 |
| Electrical Permit | Accessory Structure electrical work requires an Electrical permit submitted by a licensed master electrician. | Electrical permit |
| Plumbing-Gas Permit | Accessory Structure plumbing and/or gas work requires a Plumbing-Gas permit submitted by a licensed master plumber. | Plumbing-Gas permit |
| Grading Permit | Accessory Structures with disturbances 5,000 sq. ft. or greater AND/OR cut and fill volume total exceeding 100 cubic yards require a Grading permit. NOTE: Grading permits will require mitigation of stormwater in accordance with MDE. A Declaration of Restrictive Covenants (DoRC) form will be required for county inspection of stormwater devices. |
Grading permit |
| Water Sewer Permit | Accessory Structures where the property is served by public water and/or public sewer require a Water Sewer permit. |
Water Sewer permit Water Sewer Department webpage |
| Historic Permit | Accessory Structures where the property is a designated Calvert County Historic District require a Historic Area Work permit. | Historic Area Work permit, HAWP Instructions |
| Environmental Health Department Review | Properties served by well and/or septic will require an Environmental Health (EH) Department review. A Site Evaluation application (percolation testing), and a Sanitary Construction permit application may be required based on the scope of work. If the permit involves construction of an exterior structure, please see item 8 on the attached Building permit FAQ page for setback requirements. Please note that by submitting a building permit application our office is granted permission to conduct site visit(s) as necessary at our discretion to facilitate the review of the project. If you need assistance locating the well and/or septic systems, you may fill out a Public Information Request Form to obtain the property's file. |
- Building Permit FAQ |
Plan Submittal Requirements
The following information must be submitted with applicable permit application(s):
Fees
- Application fee of $25 due at permit application package submittal
- Permit fees due after review prior to issuance of permit
Licensing
If the applicant is contracting a builder, they need a Licensed Contractor. If they are building it themselves, they do not need a Licensed Contractor. Check to see if an individual or business is licensed before they do business for you.
- You can search for active licensees on the MHIC Department of Labor public query website.
Other Potential Requirements
| Requirement | More Information | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Application Approval | IF the property is located in the town limits of Chesapeake Beach or North Beach, a Beach Application Approval is required to be submitted with the Building Permit Package. | Chesapeake Beach North Beach |
| Property Owner's Association / Home Owner's Association Approval | IF the property has a Property Owner's Association (POA) or Home Owner's Association (HOA), POA/HOA approval may be required prior to construction. Property owners should consult their POA/HOA. | N/A |
| Agricultural Preservation Approval | IF the property is located in an Agricultural Preservation District, Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board approval may be required prior to permit issuance.
Use this interactive map to see if you are in the Agricultural Preservation District. |
Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board website |
| County Road Access Bond | IF the project is proposing a new entrance onto a county road, a Residential Road Access Bond may be required. The refundable bond is $600. | N/A |
| State Road Access | IF the project is proposing a new entrance onto a state road, a State Highway Administration (SHA) Entrance Permit is required. Certification of Entrance Approval is required prior to final grading approval. | MD SHA Access Permit Application |
| Forest Conservation/Forest Stand | IF clearing of the property is on a lot more than 40,000 sq. ft. in size, a Forest Conservation Worksheet (FC), Forest Stand Delineation (FS), and Forest Conservation Plan are required. An exemption may waive these requirements. | FC Worksheet & FS Delineation |
| Maryland Dept. of the Environment Notice of Intent | IF clearing of the property is greater than one acre or involves environmental features governed by Maryland Dept. of the Environment (MDE), a Notice of Intent filed with the MDE is required. | MDE website |