Do You Need a Deck Permit in Baltimore?
Yes
Decks are not on Baltimore's list of work exempt from permit, so building one needs a building permit. The City requires a footing inspection and a final inspection for decks.
Baltimore Deck Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 773
- Issued, last 30 days
- 67
- Median application to issue
- Not published
- Median declared job value
- $15,000
- Issuing office
- Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to deck work. Data from Open Baltimore: DHCD Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What Baltimore's Rules Say
- Decks are not on the exempt list.
- Required inspections: footing and final.
- Zoning setbacks apply.
Baltimore Deck Permit Fees
We have not verified Baltimore's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) sets the fee when you apply.
Busiest Areas for Deck Permits
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Poppleton | 166 |
| Baltimore Peninsula | 30 |
| Coldstream Homestead Montebello | 16 |
| Central Park Heights | 15 |
| Hampden | 15 |
| East Baltimore Midway | 12 |
How to Get a Deck Permit in Baltimore
- Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent Baltimore Deck Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 | 2013 N Bentalou | SCOPE OF WORK: ---- EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS ----- - removing 6x6 deck and building a new 11x9 cost $2500.00 AS PER PLANS AN |
| 2026-10-27 | 1713 Woodbourne | Replace 100A overhead line side service cable. Update grounding & bonding. Replace box for rear porch light. |
| 2026-10-26 | 349 E 21St | Framing work for one vacant commercial space (1st floor)(zoning board approval required prior to occupy ) one dwelling u |
| 2026-10-26 | 49 Gittings | SCOPE OF WORK: --- EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS ---- - Remove existing concrete patio and railing. - Repair/Replace rear deck. I |
| 2026-10-26 | 3703 Yolando | SCOPE OF WORK: ------- INTERIOR ALTERATIONS -Replace kitchen cabinets and countertops same place same location. Repaint |
| 2026-10-23 | 2949 Frederick | PLACEMENT OF A WOODEN DECK WITH STEPS TO THE GROUND FOR USE AS AN EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY ON THE REAR OF 2949 FREDERICK AVEN |
| 2026-10-23 | 2916 Ellicott | REPLACE IN KIND AN EXISTING 10 X 10 OPEN WOOD DECK ON REAR OF ROWHOUSE AS PER DRAWINGS AS PER PLANS AND AS PER CODE |
| 2026-10-23 | 2817 Guilford | INSTALL 8'X10' DECK W/ STEPS TO GRADE. As per plans and as per code. |
| 2026-10-23 | 3734 Manchester | Completion of the balance of work permitted under permit No. COM2024-76802 Inspection of completed framing, insulation, |
| 2026-10-22 | 4409 Pen Lucy | This is through the City's Loan/Grant Program Replace Two entrance doors, same size and same location Replace Two storm |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deck permit in Baltimore?
Yes. Decks are not on Baltimore's list of work exempt from permit, so building one needs a building permit. The City requires a footing inspection and a final inspection for decks.
How many deck permits does Baltimore issue?
Baltimore issued 773 permits matching deck work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 64 a month. The busiest month was Sep 2026 with 106.
How much does a deck permit cost in Baltimore?
We have not yet verified Baltimore's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) when you apply.
How long does it take to get a deck permit in Baltimore?
Baltimore's open data for these records does not include usable application dates, so we cannot calculate a processing time. Ask the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for current timelines.
Who issues deck permits in Baltimore?
The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).
Related Permit Guides
- Baltimore Roofing Permits
- Baltimore HVAC Permits
- Baltimore Fence Permits
- Philadelphia Deck Permits
- Raleigh Deck Permits
- Deck Permits by City
- When a Deck Needs a Permit: Height and Size Rules by City
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- Baltimore DHCD: Work Exempt from Permit (linked above) (baltimorecity.gov)
- Baltimore DHCD: Permit Guidelines and Forms (baltimorecity.gov)