Permitting Updates - July 2026

Providing up-to-date permitting code information for jurisdictions in the region.

July 1, 2026

Here are the latest permitting updates.

With a long history of design projects and certification as Third-Party Peer Reviewers, we have built experience navigating the permitting process and supporting our clients in an evolving regulatory environment. As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping clients informed, we’re sharing recent permitting and code updates that may affect commercial projects in the region.

Howard County, MD

During the permit process, certain projects in Howard County will require a Sprinkler Verification Letter, including all warehouses, warehouse/office spaces, warehouse/industrial spaces, and industrial spaces. They are also required if there is a change in use, and if the address is in a warehouse/industrial district. A Sprinkler Verification Letter is required regardless of planned use.

The letter will need to include the following:

  • Description of what is being stored in the warehouse. This shall include the entire tenant, both existing and new areas.
  • Commodity classification for what is being stored in the tenant area.
  • The method of storage (on floor, racking, etc.). If there are multiple arrangements, you will need to identify and analyze each type.
  • Height of storage.
  • The existing sprinkler system design. This should be listed on the sprinkler plate at the base of the riser. If this information is not found on the riser and the owner does not have records of the sprinkler system, the design professional will need to complete an analysis of the existing sprinkler design based on the available water supply, sprinkler head and type, and pipe schedule.
  • Verification that the existing sprinkler system is adequate for the proposed storage based on the information gathered above.

This letter must be signed by a Sprinkler NICET Level III or IV, or a Maryland State Licensed Professional Engineer, and is required before a building permit is approved and released.

The County’s Use and Occupancy (U&O) isn’t available on their site, but we are here to provide details on what to expect in the U&O process. First, the county, like most other jurisdictions, issues U&Os only when there is a change in use or when a building/dwelling is first occupied.

Also, a white box is not occupiable as – is. Tenants will need to apply for a building permit. The building permit must be issued before the county can issue a U&O. The building permit and all associated trade permits must have passed all final inspections for the county to issue the U&O.

Now, if there is no change in use but the tenant is changing, an email is sent to UO@howardcountymd.gov to request a U&O for the new tenant. The email request must include the current tenant information, the new tenant information, and the date the new tenant intends to take over the space. The County may also require the tenant to provide a lease as proof of their intent to occupy the space.

Prince George’s County, MD

Prince George’s County is adding requirements to the Third-Party Inspection Program (TPIP) process.

Previously, if the County requested that a TPIP be completed after a permit had been issued, the applicant of record was required to submit a Post Issuance Revision. Now, for a TPIP revision (when a correction order is issued), you must submit a Post Issuance Revision Application on company letterhead, including a narrative, an attestation statement, and the single-page document being updated. The correction order must also be referenced in the narrative. The files need to be combined into a single PDF with the narrative letter as the first page. The TPIP revision file is uploaded using the doc type, “TPIPATTMNT1.” For more information, visit LINK.

Prince William County, VA

Prince William County, VA, has released its FY27 fee schedule for both building development and land development.

Land Development fees are being increased by 5% effective July 1, 2026. The increase will support the following fee-based activities: rezoning and Special Use Permit (SUP) applications, site and subdivision plans, geotechnical studies, floodplain studies, site development bond administration and permits, and lot grading plan reviews.

Building Development fees (with certain exceptions) will not be increased for FY27. For more information, visit: LINK.

WSSC Water

In a recent review of the costs of providing Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) services, the agency determined that an increase would be necessary. Effective July 1, 2026, a new fee schedule applies to all services provided by WSSC. For more information, visit LINK.

Baltimore City

Effective July 1, 2026, the Baltimore City Permit Office will collect the application fee for construction permits (BRCM and BCCM) at the time of submission.

The fee amount remains unchanged; however, it will no longer be included in the total fees at the end of the permitting process.

  • One- and Two-Family Combo Permit (BRCM) Application Fee: $25.00
  • Commercial and Multifamily Combo Permit (BCCM) Application Fee: $50.00

The application fee for Razing or Moving, Temporary Event, and Use and Occupancy Permits will remain in the total fees due at the end of the permitting process.

We can help! By understanding the systems, processes, and code updates in the Mid-Atlantic region, Arium AE’s design teams can document your project more effectively for faster review. Please reach out to us at 410-730-2300 or use our contact form to discuss the permitting process for your next project.

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