About
The Licenses & Permits Division processes and issues permits and/or licenses for building, HVAC systems, fire protection systems, site grading, plumbing systems, electrical systems, taxicab vehicles and drivers, rental housing, animals, pawn brokers and shooting ranges. This division also manages records and related retention schedules and information requests.
Notices and Announcements
Paper copies of electrical, plumbing, building, fire and mechanical permits are no longer mailed when issued. Confirmation emails are sent via the online permitting system to notify you that the permit has been issued; a PDF copy of the permit or license will be attached. Similarly, if you renew your animal license online and we have a valid email address for you on file, your license account summary will be emailed, rather than sent via regular mail. If you have any questions, please contact the Licenses & Permits Division at (410) 313-2455, option #4.
Pet owners create an account and can log into the online permitting system. Once an account has been established, residents can request a new license or renew an expiring one. The online permitting system allows users to upload supporting documents, including a required current rabies vaccine certification and proof of spaying or neutering, to receive discounted licensing rates.
Resources and Information
To Register as a Utility Contractor in Howard County please submit the following:
- Complete a Registration Card for the Howard County Utility Contractor License Application (click for PDF).
- Copy of valid and current Onsite Utility Contractor's License (or equivalent) issued by another Maryland jurisdiction, or complete this Qualifications Questionnaire (click for PDF) showing at least two (2) years of experience (satisfactory to the administrative authority) working in the onsite utility contracting business.
- Certificate of Insurance meeting ALL Utility Insurance Requirements.
- Registration Fee: $77.00 (Make checks payable to "Director of Finance, Howard County")
*NOTE* Registration Expires July 31st.
Renewals should be submitted by July 1st.
ANY QUESTIONS CALL LICENSES & PERMITS DIVISION AT (410) 313-2455, option #4.
We are pleased to offer our citizens, businesses, and visitors access to government services online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Beginning February 1, 2025, the County will cease absorbing merchant services fees associated with all payments made by credit card or ACH. These fees will now be paid by the customer and will be clearly shown during checkout at the completion of their transaction.
Access the Citizens Access Portal (Online Permitting System) by clicking here.
After obtaining your plumbing permit via the online permitting system, inspections for water/sewer replacement or repairs must be scheduled on the IVR dial up system, 410-313-3800. You will be given the next available date for your inspection.
- If your desired date is not available, schedule the inspection anyway and then please call the Plumbing Inspector the morning of the desired date, prior to 9:00 a.m.
- The plumbing inspectors are available 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at 410-313-1840, Monday through Friday.
- Every effort will be made to accommodate your inspection for the same day.