A permit is required prior to any building being razed, removed or moved it its entirety from a lot. A permit is required if less than 33 percent of the existing first story exterior walls enclosing habitable space of a house, above the basement or foundation, are left in place. 

If a code violation is reported at your property, an inspector will order appropriate corrective action which may include obtaining a permit.

A Sediment Control permit may be necessary if you are disturbing 5,000 or more square feet. A Right-of-Way permit is required for restoration of the public right-of-way, even if there is an existing driveway entrance. An Electrical permit is required to move the power from the house to a temporary location if the building is not demolished in its entirety. Properties with an individual well and septic system will have additional requirements. 

Many of the subdivision and developments in Montgomery County have private deed restrictions and covenants regulating construction. The County does not enforce covenants and deed restrictions. You may obtain information from your homeowner’s or civic association. You may also need a permit or other permission if you live a Montgomery County municipality that requires it.

There is a 10-day notification period before your demolition permit may be issued.  If the sign notification permit is approved and all the other conditions met, a residential demolition permit is issued.

All construction/demolition companies and contractors performing work in Montgomery County are required to have recycling collection services at each project site and must recycle mixed paper (such as corrugated cardboard, office paper, newspaper and all other clean dry paper), commingled materials (aluminum cans and foil products, bi-metal cans, glass bottles and jars and plastic narrow-neck bottles), yard trim, Christmas trees and scrap metal items. Containers for recyclable materials must be clearly labeled to indicate the materials that are to be placed in that container and recycling containers must be placed next to refuse containers. For more information about the County is recycling requirements, call the Division of Solid Waste Services at 240-777-6400.

The Builders Recycling Guide

Please refer to our fee schedule for information regarding the fees associated with this permit application type.
A bond in the same amount as the estimated cost of the demolition (minimum $400) must also be submitted. 

Homeowners may apply for the demolition permit in their own name; however, if a contractor is to perform the work, DPS strongly suggests that the contractor be listed on the permit as the party responsible for the work. A contractor must have a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license to obtain a permit.

Please see our list of required inspections associated with this permit application type. If Sediment Control or Right-Of-Way permits are necessary you will have to have inspections for those permits as well.

All construction companies and contractors performing demolition work in Montgomery County are required to have recycling collection services at each project site and must recycle a variety of construction debris and yard trim. Containers for recyclable materials must be clearly labeled to indicate the materials that are to be placed in that container and recycling containers must be placed next to refuse containers. For more information about the County’s recycling requirements, call the Division of Solid Waste Services at 240-777-6400.