Permit Processing Procedures

Permit Routing System

1. Application
2. Planning & Zoning
3. Environmental Health Department
4. Public Works
5. Cecil Soil Conservation District
6. Fire Marshall (if necessary)
7. Building Inspector
8. Permit issued to applicant
9. The normal routing system takes approximately one to two weeks for permits that do not require review by the Health Department, Public Works or Soil Conservation. For permits requiring review by these departments the normal time frame varies based upon submission of plans and revisions that may be necessary.

Building Permit Processing through Permits and Inspections

The following information outlines the review that a Building Permit goes through after entering the office of Permits and Inspections:

1. Permit submittal
2. Construction drawing review
3. Permit issuance 

Building Permit Processing through Planning and Zoning

The following information outlines the review that a Building Permit goes through after entering the office of Planning and Zoning:

1. Compatibility with existing zoning.
   Do outstanding zoning violations exist?
2. Review Plot Plan for proper setbacks.
3. Determine number of dwellings already on parcel, if any.
4. New development and/or partial transfer determination.
   If in Minor Subdivision, approval verified.
   If in Major Subdivision, approval verified.
   Is Site Plan necessary, approval verified.
5. Determine if any outstanding permits have previously been approved. (Please note any subsequent permits.)
6. Determine if Special Exception or Variance is needed or has been approved.
7. Determine if property is in agricultural preservation program.
8. Determine if property is in Critical Area.
   Determine if criteria for new development within Critical Area has been addressed.
   Number of trees, to be removed, if any.
   Location of silt fencing if on slope (to prevent sediment run-off from property), if necessary.
9. Determine if activity is consistent with Forest Conservation Regulations.
   Determine if previous declaration of intent has been filed, or Forest Conservation Plan is in effect.
   If not exempt wait until Forest Stand Delineation and Forest Conservation Plan are submitted and approved.
10. Location of 100 year floodplain to proposed development.
    If in floodplain, then appropriate standards for development will be applied.
11. Issuance of proper address.
12. Completion of Zoning Certificate.
13. Return to Building Inspector's Office.

Building Permit Processing through Office of Environmental Health

Information relating to Environmental Health requirements which will minimize delays in processing applications.

     New Dwellings

1. Has property been perc'd and approved? If not please complete before applying.  Subdivision name, lot number, section or block number, if applicable. 
   Minor subdivision number, lot number. 
   If not a subdivision lot - name of property owner when perc'd.
2. Has subdivision plat been submitted and approved, or has a site plan been submitted if required.
3. Is the proposed house location as shown on the approved plat or if any change in location has been made, has the change been approved?

     Additions/Renovations/Changes in use of existing systems

1. What is the existing use, what is the proposed use?
2. Submit diagram showing proposed addition.
3. Is there information on the existing septic and well? 
   Permit number, if available.
   Year Installed.
   Previous owner when installed.
   Size and location of septic system, type and depth of well.

     Commercial/Industrial

1. If a food service facility, plans must be submitted and approved by the Health Department. A plan submittal packet detailing the information required is available.
2. For other commercial or industrial facilities:  Sewage plans must be approved; depending on the project wastewater flow, joint approval with MDE may be required.
   If the facility requires any MDE permits, such as from the Air Management Administration or the Waste Management Administration, these must be obtained prior to the issuance of the building permit. For information on requirements for MDE permits, contact their Environmental Permits Center at 410-537-3772.
3. In all foregoing categories, if proposing to connect to public water or public sewer, these facilities must be available at the time the permit is issued.
   
   For any questions on Health Department requirements, call (410) 996-5160.

Building Permit Processing for Grading Permits--Requirements from Dept. of Public Works

Public water and sewer connections--fees are applied to permit application and payable at permit issuance. For specific sewer districts or subdistrict's, any applicable benefit assessments will also be added to each permit application. Applicants are encouraged to check with DPW administrative staff to determine what fees are applicable.

A grading permit, issued by the Cecil County Department of Public Works (DPW) shall be required prior to the start of any development or activity where such proposed development or activity may, in the judgement of DPW:

• Introduce sediment into any watercourse of the County or State.
• Move more than 100 cubic yards of material, or disturb more than 5000 square feet of area.
• This may include basement and pool excavations: pond construction and fill operations as well as site grading, residential, commercial, industrial development and construction.
• Create undue erosion and sediment damage to lands adjacent to or in the vicinity of the subject site or stream itself.
• Clearing, grading, or any earth disturbing activity in the Critical Area. 

A Grading Permit will be issued:

1. Upon complying with all requirements of the Cecil County Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance. If no site exemption or variance is applicable, a standard plan or an engineered erosion and sedimentation control plan is required and must be approved by the Cecil Soil Conservation District before the Department may approve a grading or building permit application.
   
   For minor earth disturbances (up to 30,000 square feet of disturbed area an no more than 500 cubic yards of cut or fill) a standard plan may be approved by the Cecil Soil Conservation District for single lot residential construction. Applicant may contact the Cecil Soil Conservation District at 410.398.4411, ext.3, for information on the application of standard plans and or engineered erosion and sediment control plans.
   
   For all other disturbances exceeding 5,000 square feet or where required by the Department of Public Works or the Cecil Soil Conservation District, the owner, builder or developer must obtain an engineered erosion and sediment control plan.
   
2. Upon complying with all requirements of the Cecil County Stormwater Management Ordinance. If no site exemption, waiver, variance or Standard Water Quality Plan* is applicable, an engineered stormwater management plan is required before the Department may legally approve a grading or building permit. The plans must be prepared by an individual licensed by the State of Maryland to prepare such plans. The applicant is responsible for obtaining the engineering services.
   * For individual single family detached residential lots created prior to July 31, 2001, a Standard Water Quality Plan may be applicable. Limitations exist which may prevent this plan from being applicable within a developing or multiple lot subdivision.

See also Building (Grading) Permit Processing through the Department of Soil Conservation.

Building Permit Processing through MD State Fire Marshall's Office

For Multi-Family (3 or more), Commercial and Industrial construction projects, change of use of existing buildings, and sprinkler systems the Fire Marshall's Office must review all plans and comment. Prior to issuance of an occupancy permit for these projects an inspection must be made by the office and approval given.

For more information contact Maryland State Fire Marshall's Office:
Local (410) 996-2790
Bel Air (410) 836-4847