Harford County
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Building and Open Burn Permits


The Bureau of Environmental Health’s Permits and Plan Review Division evaluates both residential and commercial building permit applications for properties serviced by individual wells and/or septic systems. These permit applications include proposals for commercial operations, new single-family dwellings, garages, additions to dwellings, shed, pools, decks, etc. The Bureau of Environmental Health is only one of the reviewing agencies for Harford County building permits. Building permits are reviewed by our office, but the application process begins with Harford County DILP, City of Aberdeen, Town of Bel Air or City of Havre de Grace.   

This division also provides comments on pre-permit plan review applications from individuals seeking an assessment of an existing property prior to formally submitting a building permit application. 

Finally, this division reviews all demolition permit applications regardless of service by private or public water supply and sewage disposal systems, issues burning permits, and reviews and approves septic applications for new/upgraded systems.

How to Apply for:

Building Permit (Residential/Commercial)

Demolition Permit (Residential/Commercial)

Pre-Permit Plan Review (Residential/Commercial) 

Open Burn Permit

Property Records (PIA)

Site Plan Requirements

Regulations for Building Permits (COMAR) 26.04.02

Regulations for Building Permits (HC) Chapter 216

Additional Resources:

New Home Construction – Building with a Well and/or Septic System

Demolition Checklist (Possible requirements prior to approval of Demolition permit)

Asbestos Guidance 

Wood Boiler Guidance

Appeal Process for Well & Septic Final Decisions

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