Signs

Any writing, letter, or numeric work, pictorial presentation, illustration or decoration, emblem, device, symbol, trademark, flag, banner, pennant, or any other device, figure, or character utilized to advertise, announce, identify, or make known or attract attention.  

County Projects

View a map of your property and all applicable permitting details

Required Permit Applications and Forms

Requirement More Information Link(s)
Critical Area
Signs 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
Sign Permit Most signs require a Sign permit. Exemptions can be found in the Zoning Ordinance (see Links). Sign Permit, Permit exemptions
Electrical Permit Illuminated Signs require an Electrical permit submitted by a licensed master electrician. Electrical permit
Historic Permit Signs where the property is a designated Calvert County Historic District require a Historic Area Work permit. Historic Area Work permit, HAWP Instructions

Plan Submittal Requirements

The following information must be submitted with applicable permit application(s):

Fees

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.

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 Approval IF the property has a Property Owner's Association (POA), POA approval may be required prior to construction. Property owners should consult their POA. 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
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
Notice of Intent to MDE IF clearing of the property is greater than one acre or involves environmental features governed by MDE, a Notice of Intent filed with the MD Department of the Environment is required. MD Dept. of the Environment