Building Permit Requirements

Ordinance 94-08. Article VI. Section 3

No structure or sign shall be erected, constructed, altered, moved, converted, extended, or enlarged until the appropriate permit is obtained from the Administrator. All structures and signs shall comply with the height, area, and bulk requirements of this Ordinance. Permits are valid for six (6) months. One (1) extension may be granted prior to the expiration date of the permit providing the applicant makes the request in writing showing good cause for the granting of the extension. Change or alteration of the use of any structure or land shall not be Permitted until a permit is obtained from the Administrator."

New Construction Permits and Fees

Building Permit - Based on value of construction (contact Kent County Planning & Zoning 410-778-7475)

Plumbing Permit - based on fixtures and appliances

Culvert Permit - $75.00

Impact Fee - $250.00, $1000 if lot is subdivided

Sewer Allocation Application Fee - $200.00

Water Hookup - $2500.00

Sewer Hookup- $2500.00

Water/Sewer Connection Inspection - $20.00

Erosion Control Permit - $10.00

Certificate of Occupancy - $40.00

Building permits should be submitted with a plot pan (current survey of the property showing all structures and proposed structures on the property and their distances from the property lines) and complete construction plans; including foundation plans, floor plans, structural cross section, elevation views, and deck details (see examples below). Lots in Rock Hall also require a non-tidal wetlands delineation.

The building permit application is reviewed by the Zoning Administrator for Town, County, State, and Federal requirements and for application completeness. Building permits in compliance with all ordinances will be approved by the Zoning Administrator upon the applicants obtaining any required Town*, County, State, or Federal permits or approvals and contingent upon compliance with current Floodplain and Critical Areas requirements. (*Certain major building permits and those with performance standards must have site plan approval from the Rock Hall Planning Commission before application for a building permit may be made.)

If the Zoning Administrator determines that a building permit is for a project that is prohibited by ordinance, the Administrator will suggest ways to bring the application into compliance or will deny the application for cause and site specific regulations requiring disapproval.

The Rock Hall Board of Appeals is the final local entity to which an applicant may appeal a negative decision by the Zoning Administrator. The appeal must be made within 30 days of the negative decision.

A negative decision by the Rock Hall Board of Appeals may be appealed through the Kent County District Court.

Plot Plan

To complete your application for a Residential Building Permit, you must present 2 copies (8 1/2 by 11 inch paper) which include the following information:

Scale used and a marker showing direction to north
Location and dimensions of all property lines

Location, dimensions and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures on the site and distances from property lines

Location of underground power lines.

Location of water and sewer hookups

Location, name or number of all streets and alleys adjacent to the site. Show any offsite easements or private roads that provide between the site and public road.

Location of on-site parking and driveways (provide space for at least two cars)

Existing and proposed uses

All property lines and proposed locations of projects should be staked at the time the building permit is applied for, as zoning inspections must be complete prior to the issuance of the building permit.

All structures require zoning inspections. Only building over 200 square feet are required to comply with Rock Hall's building codes.

Working Plans (two complete sets required)

Foundation Plans that show:

Shape and dimensions of the foundation wall.

Location and size of beams, posts and interior footings.

Grade and species of all lumber to be used.

If crawl space - indicated location and size of all vents, access hole and insulation value.

Floor joist sizes, spacing, direction, support, hangers, solid blocking under bearing partitions.

If usable space - provide information required for FLOOR PLANS below.

Floor Plans that show (for each floor area):

The arrangement of partitions and rooms, use of all areas, and dimensions of wall locations.

Location of plumbing fixtures, water tank (indicate how heated), laundry fixtures requiring vents, appliances, cabinets, and smoke detectors.

Access to attic spaces.

Location and dimension of all windows and doors, indicate opening direction and header sizes.

Size, direction, spacing and support of ceiling joists and beams.

Indicate grade and species of all lumber.

Plan view of fireplace and hearth and furnace location, flue sizes, chimney construction, materials, clearance from combustibles, height above roof and lateral support.

Structural Cross Section Drawings that show:

Foundation minimums, 24 inches below grade.

Footing sizes, foundation wall thicknesses and maximum fill against wall.

Start and finish grade

Bearing posts and supporting footing sizes, and beam sizes under uniform and concentrated loads.

Sill plats and anchorage method; allow minimum 6" clearance from sill plate to earth. Must install a termite shield.

12" minimum from beams to the ground for crawl spaces, and 18" minimum clearance under floor joists.

Size and spacing of studs and roof rafters, noting maximum span of rafters and method of bracing to bearing partitions. (If stamped engineered trusses are used, submit stress analysis and joint details, when requested.)

Sole plates, top plates, and ceiling joists.

Sheathing, liner, and covering of roof and walls, floor and ceiling.

All "R" values of insulation installed in the ceilings, walls, floors on the perimeter and on all ducting.

Indicate grade and species of all lumber.

Elevation Views showing the following:

Front, rear, right and left elevations and final grades.

Roof overhangs and chimney clearances.

Exterior siding and roof covering.

Sliders or other type of openable vents in windows.

A Deck Detail Sheet showing: