Permit Process (UPDATE!)
“Did you know?” by Dave Whitman/Code Enforcement Officer
(Permit process)
UPDATE- The checklists can now be viewed on the web! Click on Planning and Zoning forms to view!!!!
It’s been a bit since the last “Did you know” segment of the series so I wanted to do a segment on some of the inner workings of what is going on within the code world here in Rock Hall. I believe it’s a good thing to be transparent and also lets the town be “in the know”.
There has been quite the concern with the permit process here in Rock Hall and it was time to address the issues. The permit process can be lengthy, so it was time to try to cut down the time it takes for obtaining a permit. Permits are required for multiple things like decks, fences, windows, trees, retaining walls, major home construction, new construction, additions, sheds, signs, piers, solar panels, and more. There is a lot of information needed to require such permits so it was time to put together a checklist(s) for submitting zoning/building permits.
There are two types of permits. One is a zoning permit, which is used for minor projects like sheds, signs, decks, fences, porches, accessory structures under 200 square foot and pools to name a few. The other is a building permit used for new home construction, additions, garages, unenclosed porches and accessory structures over 200 square feet to name a few of them as well.
So before we get into what was done to speed the process up lets look at what is needed first and foremost for a proper submittal. The biggest hang up is not having the proper articles needed at the time of the submittal. Its like trying to put a puzzle together but without all the pieces. Leaving pieces of the process out creates a halt in the permit process until all the pieces are submitted. The simple way to fix this is to have a checklist with the appropriate paperwork with it to do a complete permit submittal. I have created permit packets that are very thorough and take the guess work out of what’s needed. This is the most crucial part of the submittal process! It’s a step by step if you will for what is needed. They can be obtained at the Town Hall office and will also be available online very soon as well. You can also email myself and I can send them electronically!
This is the first step in the process and the most crucial. Once the proper paperwork is turned in it then gets put into the system and sent to our zoning and planning administrator (Chris Jakubiak) for review and approval. If it is a submittal of new construction, major renovations, structural changes, electrical or plumbing it will then also require to be signed off on by our building inspector. (MDIA) This is to ensure that the construction and project integrity meets all of the state federal and town code. This makes sure the project is safe and done properly. Once they have signed off its at that point the permit process is in its final stage. The amounts for the permit will be calculated and then you will receive a call that the permit is ready and what the fees are. Once the fees are paid the permit is given out. The town permits are good for 6 months. The permit needs to be displayed openly while the work is being done.
Additional site requirements may be necessary especially for projects within the FEMA 100-Year Floodplain, the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, and/or where there are environmental or unusual site conditions.) This is done on a case-by-case basis.
I’m hoping this helps with understanding the process and what all it takes to do a proper submittal! We are here to help in any way as well. If you have questions please feel free to contact me and we will get the answers for you! On that note Rock Hall, stay safe and be well!
Dave Whitman
Code Enforcement Officer
Town of Rock Hall
21447 Rock Hall Ave, P.O. Box 367
Rock Hall Md, 21661
Phone: 410-639-7611 Ext# 5
Fax: 410-639-7298