COMMERCIAL INTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING SPACE

The permitting requirements for an interior alteration to an existing space are listed below. A building permit is required for interior alterations in Howard County. For more information contact the Licenses and Permits Division, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

WHAT IS REQUIRED

• Completed permit application (include specific nature of use and materials stored and processed)
• 2 identical sets of construction plans-3 sets of construction plans if Health Department review is necessary
• Completed water and sewer information sheet
• Specifications when available
• Non refundable filing fee of $200

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION ON PROCESSES AND MATERIALS

The following documentation regarding processes and materials needs to be provided.

• A statement from the tenant describing the specific use and processes that will occur within the space to be occupied
• Plans and specifications in duplicate for any process equipment, material storage facilites or related items
• A statement from the designing architect or engineer certifying that hazardous materials, liquids and chemicals will not be utilized or a summary certifying that any such materials utilized will be within the exempt amounts allowed by Table 307.7 of the International Building Code, 2000 edition. If any of these substances are to be used provide the following:

1. A list showing materials, liquids, and chemicals to be stored or utilized, accompanied by a brief description of these items. Information summarized from MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheets) may be used as a reference.

2. The highest total expected quantity of each item that will be stored or utilized within the tenant space

3. A description of the storage method (e.g. palletized, rack, floor storage, etc.)

4. The number, sizes and types of containers in which the materials, liquids, or chemicals will be stored or secured

Be advised that additional information or plans may be required, subsequent to the review of the above referenced requested information. For example: walls and doors enclosing flammable liquids storage rooms would require fire resistance ratings: electric wiring, equipment and dispensing nozzles related to flammable liquids storage rooms shall be suitable for a particular classification; mechanical ventilation, make up air, fire dampers and/or fire rated shafts may be a concern: containment devices or drainage for possible spills within these rooms may be required.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE CONSTRUCTION PLANS

ALL SETS OF PLANS SHALL BE STAPLED IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER AND INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA. ALL PLANS SHALL HAVE THE ORIGINAL SEAL AND SIGNATURE OF A MARYLAND STATE REGISTERED ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

• Title Block (architect and company name)
• Key plan (tenant location with corridor and exits
• Floor plan(s) of the proposed work (scaled and dimensioned)
• Scaled section/elevation details of walls, floors, stairs, all proposed work
• Interior and exterior elevation(s)
• Door.hardware/window schedules
• Specific tenant functions (e.g. storage materials, assembly, office, etc.)
• Reflected ceiling plan
• Large scale details
• Roof plan(s)
• Finish schedule
• Building cross section(s)
• Written specifications

STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS

• Foundation plan, details and schedules
• Roof framing plans
• Floor framing plans
• Pre-engineered metal building plans (if applicable)
• Footing schedule
• Sections
• Load criteria (live, dead, floor, snow, wind)

MECHANICAL DRAWINGS

When determined minor work by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits these plans may be signed by a Licensed Mechanical Contractor in lieu of a Registered Engineer or Architect.

• Scaled ductwork plans, showing supply and return registers, dampers, smoke detectors
• Riser diagrams for all floors
• Schedules reflecting specifications for all HVAC devices
• Outside air criteria in cubic feet per minute (CFM)
• Natural ventilation by windows, showing cumulative openable area of all windows
• Schedule of kitchen equipment and a scaled location plan
• Other HVAC details (heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust)

PLUMBING DRAWINGS

When determined minor work by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits these plans may be signed by a Licensed Master Plumber Contractor in lieu of a Registered Engineer or Architect.

• Scaled plan view(s) of the water piping, sanitary sewer and storm sewer piping, gas, vent and process piping
• Riser diagram(s) of the water, sanitary sewer, vent, storm sewer, gas or process piping
• Scaled location plan, specifications, schedules of plumbing fixtures, devices, appliances

ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS

When determined minor work by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits these plans may be signed by a Licensed Master Electrician in lieu of a Registered Engineer or Architect.

• Scaled plan view(s) of the electrical wiring, lighting plan, appliance system
• A power riser diagram of the electrical system
• Schedules for all elements of the electrical system
• Specifications for electrical equipment

Permits>>Commercial: Interior Alteration