Bolthole Index

Garrett County, Maryland

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Garrett County, Maryland

80Index Score / 100
#1 of 24 in Maryland

Garrett County, Maryland requires a building permit for most new construction, additions and renovations; garages and sheds larger than 240 square feet also require one1. Garrett County does not have countywide zoning: zoning applies within six towns and the Deep Creek Watershed, while no zoning permit is required elsewhere23. Before building a dwelling or placing a mobile home on land served by an individual septic system, obtain a sewage disposal permit from Environmental Health Services4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction; garages and sheds larger than 240 square feet also require one1
Zoning
Not countywide; it applies in six towns and the Deep Creek Watershed23
Septic permit
Garrett County Environmental Health Services handles permits, soil evaluations and percolation tests4
Owner-builder
A landowner may act as general contractor, subject to county requirements5
RV living
Deep Creek limits a travel trailer on a lot to 90 days in any 12 consecutive months6
Private well
A permit is required through Garrett County Environmental Health7
County-road driveway
An entrance permit is required for proposed access to a county road8

Who to call

Building permits

Garrett County Permits & Inspections Division

Building permits and inspection scheduling for Garrett County

301-334-7470

[email protected]

203 South Fourth Street, Room 208, Oakland, Maryland 21550

Online permits →

Zoning

Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division

Planning and zoning questions, including Deep Creek Watershed zoning

301-334-1920

[email protected]

203 South Fourth Street, Room 207, Oakland, Maryland 21550

Health department

Garrett County Health Department, Environmental Health Services

Sewage disposal permits, percolation tests and soil evaluations for Garrett County

301-334-7760

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Garrett County, Maryland?

Yes. Garrett County requires building permits for most new construction, additions and renovations, and for garages or sheds larger than 240 square feet1. A farm building is exempt from the county building code only when the farm is zoned or assessed agricultural, the structure is used solely for agriculture, and it is not intended or used for human occupancy9. Garrett County has adopted the 2021 building, residential and energy-conservation codes with local amendments, effective November 1, 202410. A landowner may serve as general contractor subject to county requirements5. The county performs required inspections on approved work, and certificates of use and occupancy are issued when required1112.

Who is the Garrett County building department, and how do you reach it?

Garrett County's building department is the Permits & Inspections Division at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 208, Oakland, Maryland 2155013. Call 301-334-7470 or email [email protected]13. The county page links to online permit applications, inspection scheduling and fee payment through Citizen Connect13. For an inspection, call at least 24 hours in advance and provide the permit number; the county says it cannot promise a specific inspection time11. The same office starts county-road entrance applications before the Roads Department evaluates sight distance, drainage and safety8. A residential county-road entrance permit costs $20 per entrance8.

Does Garrett County have zoning?

Garrett County is not zoned countywide. Zoning applies within six municipal boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed; outside those areas, no zoning permit is required, although a building permit may still be required23. In unincorporated areas outside the towns and watershed, county zoning sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot coverage or building height1415161718. Deep Creek is different: lot minimums vary by district and utility service, while principal buildings generally cannot exceed 35 feet or 3 stories1920. These zoning findings do not remove subdivision, septic or building-code requirements211. Contact Planning & Land Management at 301-334-1920 or [email protected] for the parcel's district22.

How do septic and well permits work in Garrett County?

Before construction of a dwelling begins or a mobile home is placed on Garrett County land requiring an individual septic system, obtain a sewage disposal permit from Environmental Health Services4. The office conducts a percolation test and soil evaluation, then may issue a permit specifying the septic tank and drainage-trench design the site supports4. Only about 3% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency23. No part of the system may be covered or used before approval, and Environmental Health needs at least 24 hours' notice before backfilling24. The same county service regulates permits, construction and certification for private drinking-water wells7. Call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-776025.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Garrett County?

Within the Deep Creek Watershed, a travel trailer may remain on a lot for no more than 90 days in any 12 consecutive months, subject to the district use table6. Deep Creek commercial campgrounds are for transient or vacationing occupants, rent sites by the day or week, and limit an occupant to 60 days in any 6-month period26. Temporary recreational camping activities require a special exception and may use a premises for no more than 14 days in a year27. Deep Creek also regulates manufactured homes by district and allows accessory dwellings only under specific conditions, including units incorporated into a permitted principal nonresidential use2829. We could not confirm a countywide rule for RV or tiny-home occupancy outside Deep Creek; ask Planning & Land Management about the parcel22. A tiny home still needs applicable building and septic approvals14.

Building a home in Garrett County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Planning & Land Management whether the parcel lies in a town, the Deep Creek Watershed or an area without county zoning222.
  1. If creating or changing a lot outside an incorporated town, resolve subdivision approval before transfer or construction planning21. A proposed lot exceeding 50 acres can receive a temporary waiver only with the required deed restriction, plan signatures and recording30.
  1. Arrange the soil evaluation, sewage disposal permit and private-well permit with Environmental Health Services47.
  1. Apply to Permits & Inspections for the building permit and any county-road entrance permit18.
  1. Obtain a local permit for development in a FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain, when applicable31.
  1. Complete required building inspections, secure any required certificate of use and occupancy, and have the septic system approved before covering it111224.

What should you check before buying land in Garrett County?

Pin down the parcel's zoning geography first, because the six zoned towns and Deep Creek Watershed follow rules that do not apply across the rest of Garrett County3. If the seller is splitting land outside an incorporated town, confirm subdivision compliance before transfer; the ordinance applies outside incorporated towns, even where county zoning does not21. Make septic feasibility a contract contingency: only about 3% of soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field23. Check whether access meets a county road or state highway, because Garrett County requires an entrance permit for proposed county-road access and MDOT SHA handles work within state right-of-way832. Finally, budget around an effective property-tax rate near 0.8% and a median annual bill of about $1,7923334.

Watch-outs

  • Garrett County's lack of countywide zoning does not mean every parcel is unzoned: six towns and the Deep Creek Watershed have zoning23.
  • A landowner may serve as general contractor only subject to county requirements; owner-building is not an exemption from the building permit5.
  • Conventional septic suitability is a major land-screening issue because only about 3% of Garrett County soils are rated without severe drain-field limitations23.

Sources

  1. Building Permits | Garrett County Government, quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning | Garrett County Government, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning | Garrett County Government, quoted and re-checked
  4. Sewage Disposal Systems - Garrett County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permits | Garrett County Government, quoted and re-checked
  6. Deep Creek Watershed Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  7. Water - Garrett County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  8. Entrance Permits, quoted and re-checked
  9. 2024 Building Code Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. 2024 Building Code Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Permits & Inspections Division | Garrett County Government, quoted and re-checked
  12. 2024 Building Code Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Garrett County Permits & Inspections Division (garrettcountymd.gov)
  14. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  15. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  19. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. Subdivision Administration, quoted and re-checked
  22. Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division (garrettcountymd.gov)
  23. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  24. Sewage Disposal Systems - Garrett County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  25. Garrett County Health Department, Environmental Health Services (garretthealth.org)
  26. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  30. Chapter 159. Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  31. Floodplain Permitting in Maryland (Maryland statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Access Management/Permits - MDOT SHA (Maryland statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Garrett County in Maryland

80
County map
Garrett County highlighted among the Maryland counties · colored by Index score

How Garrett County scores

Seclusion73100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness59100% ev.
Durability85100% ev.
Property Autonomy43100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$343kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$5,541Land / acre
48.4"Annual rain
3.2% of yrsSevere drought
0.3 / yr (+0.3)Mid-century 100°F days
9.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.59" (+5.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.67×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,188Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.22%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
14,146People within 30 min
1,194,872People within 2 hr
35,359Radius comparison (15 mi)
43.8People / sq mi
2.9%Federal land
64.5%Land at 15% slope or less
3%Septic soil without severe limits
12,229 acWorkable land screen
76.3%Wooded land
66.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
48.3°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Garrett County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Garrett County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Most new construction, additions, renovations, and accessory buildings larger than 240 square feet in Garrett County.

    • Building permits are required for most new construction, additions and renovations.
    • Accessory buildings such as garages and sheds larger than 240 square feet require a building permit.
    • A building permit may also be needed to open, renovate, or expand a business.
    • The county page directs applicants to contact the Permits Office for specific situations, including exemptions for agricultural structures.

    accessory-building permit threshold: > 240 square feet (The page states that accessory buildings larger than 240 square feet need a building permit.)

    “Building Permits are required for most new construction, additions and renovations.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A landowner serving as the general contractor for a building permit project in Garrett County.

    • A landowner may serve as their own general contractor subject to certain requirements.
    • Otherwise, a properly licensed contractor is needed for each building permit.
    • All builders of new homes must be registered with the Maryland Home Builder Registration Unit.
    • The source describes an owner-builder arrangement, not an exemption from the building-permit requirement.
    “A landowner may serve as their own general contractor subject to certain requirements.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures regulated by the Garrett County Building Code.

    • The 2021 building codes are subject to local amendments.
    • The repealed prior Building Code Ordinance was effective July 1, 2015 and had been incorporated in County Code Title XV, Chapter 150, Sections 150.02, 150.03, and 150.04.
    • The ordinance does not apply to buildings for which a permit was applied for before its effective date.
    • The ordinance became effective November 1, 2024.

    International Building Code edition: 2021 · International Residential Code edition: 2021 · International Energy Conservation Code edition: 2021

    “the 2021 Building Codes, subject to the local amendments be and are hereby adopted as follows;”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Approved residential and commercial building permit applications administered by Garrett County Permits & Inspections Division.

    • The county performs required inspections for approved applications.
    • Inspections must be scheduled with the Permits Office at least 24 hours in advance.
    • The applicant must provide the permit number when scheduling.
    • The county cannot set a specific inspection time.

    advance scheduling notice: >= 24 hours

    “performs required inspections for approved applications.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of use and occupancy and use-and-occupancy permits for building-code-regulated projects when required by the applicable code or approval process.

    • The 2024 Building Code Ordinance provides for certificates of use and occupancy permits as required.
    • For the business checklist, the Use & Occupancy Permit requires approval by the Fire Marshal, Health Department, Permits & Inspections, and Department of Public Utilities.
    • The ordinance authorizes partial occupancy upon request when the occupied part can be occupied safely before full completion.
    • Partial occupancy permits are reviewed every twelve months; if no substantial work occurs within twelve months, the original building permit becomes invalid and another building permit is required.

    partial occupancy review interval: 12 months (Applies to partial occupancy permits.)

    “ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF USE AND OCCUPANCY PERMITS AS REQUIRED [...] Partial occupancy permits shall be reviewed by the building official every twelve months”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    Countywide zoning administered by Garrett County, Maryland.

    • Zoning exists within the municipal boundaries of six towns and within the Deep Creek Watershed.
    • Outside those areas, no zoning permit is required; however, a building permit may be required.
    “Garrett County is the only county in Maryland without countywide zoning.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    County aggregate of zoning: zoning exists in the municipal boundaries of six towns and in the Deep Creek Watershed, but not elsewhere in Garrett County.

    • This is an aggregate conclusion about municipal zoning and the Deep Creek Watershed zoning area; it does not state that Garrett County administers every municipal ordinance.
    • Outside the municipal and Deep Creek Watershed zoning areas, no zoning permit is required; however, a building permit may be required.

    municipal zoning areas: 6 towns (Zoning also exists within the boundaries of the Deep Creek Watershed.)

    “Zoning only exists within the municipal boundaries of 6 towns and within the boundaries of the Deep Creek Watershed.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Garrett County zoning coverage as described by the County Planning & Land Management Division.

    • Garrett County does not have countywide zoning.
    • Zoning exists within the municipal boundaries of six towns and within the Deep Creek Watershed.
    • Outside those areas, no zoning permit is required according to the County page, although a building permit may still be required.
    • The County page directs users to the County GIS zoning layer to determine whether a property is in a zoned area.
    • The County page links separate zoning information for Deep Creek, Accident, Friendsville, Grantsville, Loch Lynn Heights, Mountain Lake Park, and Oakland.

    municipal zoning areas: 6 towns (within municipal boundaries) · Deep Creek Watershed zoning: true

    “Garrett County is the only county in Maryland without countywide zoning. Zoning only exists within the municipal boundaries of 6 towns”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Garrett County areas outside the six municipal boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed.

    • This absence applies only outside the six town boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed identified by the County.
    • A building permit may still be required.
    • Municipal and Deep Creek Watershed zoning rules may apply within those areas.
    “Garrett County is the only county in Maryland without countywide zoning.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum lot-size requirements in unincorporated Garrett County areas outside the six municipal boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed.

    • This absence applies only outside the six town boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed identified by the County.
    • Subdivision, septic, building, and other non-zoning requirements may still apply.
    • Municipal and Deep Creek Watershed zoning rules may apply within those areas.
    “Garrett County is the only county in Maryland without countywide zoning.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family detached dwellings, mobile homes, travel trailers, bed and breakfast inns, and rooming or boarding housing where permitted in the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.
      “LR1 or CR2 1 acre 1 acre 150 40 15 40 [...] LR2 2 acres 2 acres 150 40 15 40 [...] TR 10,000 10,000 80 15 10 20 [...] TC 10,000 10,000 75 10 8 20”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Garrett County areas outside the six municipal boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed.

    • This absence applies only outside the six town boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed identified by the County.
    • A building permit may still be required.
    • Municipal and Deep Creek Watershed zoning rules may apply within those areas.
    “Garrett County is the only county in Maryland without countywide zoning.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Garrett County areas outside the six municipal boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed.

    • This absence applies only outside the six town boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed identified by the County.
    • Other development regulations may still apply.
    • Municipal and Deep Creek Watershed zoning rules may apply within those areas.
    “Garrett County is the only county in Maryland without countywide zoning.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height requirements in unincorporated Garrett County areas outside the six municipal boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed.

    • This absence applies only outside the six town boundaries and the Deep Creek Watershed identified by the County.
    • Building-code or other non-zoning height and safety requirements may still apply.
    • Municipal and Deep Creek Watershed zoning rules may apply within those areas.
    “Garrett County is the only county in Maryland without countywide zoning.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Principal and accessory buildings and structures in the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.
      “No principal building or structure shall exceed 35 feet or 3 stories in height; provided, however, that in the TC and CR-2 District, the Board of Appeals may authorize, as a special exception, the construction and use of multi-family residential structures and in the TC, CR-1 and CR-2 zoning districts, may authorize construction and use of hotel structures not exceeding 60 feet or 6 stories in height”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles, including travel trailers, pickup coaches, and motor homes, located or parked in commercial campgrounds or travel trailer camps within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.

    • Commercial campgrounds, camping spaces, or travel trailer camps require the district authorization shown in the use table: special exception in RR, AR, LR1, and LR2; prohibited in TR and TC; special exception in C; and permitted by right in CR1 and CR2.
    • In the LR1 zone, a minimum lot size of 50 acres and a minimum setback of 200 feet from all lot lines are required.
    • Commercial campgrounds must be operated solely for transient or vacationing occupants.
    • Trailer campsites must be at least 35 feet wide; average density may not exceed 10 campsites per net acre and maximum density may not exceed 15 campsites per single net acre.
    • Campsites must be at least 75 feet from an abutting road right-of-way and 100 feet from other boundary lines, with at least 25 feet between a campsite and an internal road, common parking area, or other common area.
    • Campsites may be rented by the day or week only, and no occupant may remain more than 60 days in any 6-month period.

    LR1 minimum lot size: >= 50 acres · LR1 setback from lot lines: >= 200 feet · campsite width: >= 35 feet · average campsite density: <= 10 campsites per net acre · maximum campsite density: <= 15 campsites per net acre · maximum occupancy duration: <= 60 days in any 6-month period

    “no occupant shall remain in a campsite or travel trailer space for more than 60 days in any 6 months period.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Travel-trailer occupancy within the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning District.
      “Travel trailer (subject to § 157.041(B)(1) provided that no travel trailer may be located on a lot for more than 90 days in any 12 consecutive months”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Commercial campgrounds, camping spaces, and travel-trailer camps within the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning District.

    • The use must be a commercial campground or similar facility operated solely for transient or vacationing occupants.
    • The applicable zoning district must permit the campground use, with special-exception requirements where shown in the use table.
    • Trailer campsites must be at least 35 feet wide.
    • Average density may not exceed 10 campsites per net acre and maximum density may not exceed 15 campsites per single net acre.
    • Campsites must meet the stated road-right-of-way, boundary, internal separation, access, and erosion-control requirements.
    • Campsites must be rented by the day or week only, and no occupant may remain more than 60 days in any 6-month period.

    minimum campsite width: >= 35 feet · maximum average density: <= 10 campsites per net acre · maximum density: <= 15 campsites per single net acre · maximum occupancy period: <= 60 days in any 6-month period

    “Campsites, including travel trailer spaces, shall be rented by the day or week only, and no occupant shall remain in a campsite or travel trailer space for more than 60 days in any 6 months period.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary recreational activities including camporees and similar temporary camping-related activities within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.
      “no premises shall be used for such activity for more than 14 days in any single year”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Single-wide mobile/manufactured homes and manufactured/mobile home parks within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.

    • Single-wide mobile/manufactured homes require a special exception in RR, AR, LR1, LR2, TR, and TC; are prohibited in C and CR1; and require a special exception in CR2.
    • Manufactured/mobile home parks require a special exception in RR, AR, LR1, LR2, TR, and TC; are permitted by right in C; are prohibited in CR1; and require a special exception in CR2.
    • Where permitted, manufactured/mobile home parks must comply with applicable state and county health regulations and Chapter 157 §157.066.
    • Individual mobile-home spaces must contain at least 5,400 square feet and be at least 45 feet wide at the building setback line.
    • Overall parcel density may not exceed 5 dwelling units per acre; floodplain, wetlands, above-ground electric transmission areas, and slopes over 25 percent are excluded from the density calculation.
    • Homes must be at least 100 feet from exterior road rights-of-way and exterior lot lines, and at least 25 feet from internal roads, common parking, and common areas; homes must be at least 20 feet apart from one another and other buildings.
    • Each lot must have a concrete pad at least 50 feet long and 24 feet wide, or another Planning Commission-approved support and anchoring mechanism.

    minimum mobile-home space area: >= 5400 square feet (exclusive of easements) · minimum mobile-home space width: >= 45 feet (at the building setback line) · maximum overall parcel density: <= 5 dwelling units per acre · exterior setback: >= 100 feet (from abutting road right-of-way and other exterior lot lines) · interior separation: >= 20 feet (between homes and other buildings) · minimum pad length: >= 50 feet · minimum pad width: >= 24 feet

    “Individual mobile home spaces located in a manufactured mobile home park shall contain at least 5,400 square feet of lot area”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Single-wide mobile/manufactured homes and manufactured/mobile-home parks within the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning District.
      “Individual mobile home spaces located in a manufactured mobile home park shall contain at least 5,400 square feet of lot area and shall not be less than 45 feet wide at the building setback line exclusive of easements.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units incorporated into a permitted principal non-residential use on a lakefront lot in the TC-Town Center zoning district of the Deep Creek Watershed.

    • The principal non-residential use must be permitted.
    • The lot must be lakefront and in the TC-Town Center Zoning District.
    • Up to three accessory dwelling units may be included without additional land area.
    • Accessory dwelling units must be incorporated into the principal non-residential structure.
    • Floor area may not exceed 50 percent of the structure's gross floor area, except that where 100 percent of the ground-floor area is devoted to commercial use, accessory dwelling units above the ground story may occupy up to 1.5 times the ground-story floor area.

    maximum accessory dwelling units: <= 3 units (without additional land area) · maximum floor area: <= 50 percent of gross floor area (unless 100% of ground-floor area is commercial) · alternative maximum floor area: <= 1.5 times ground-story floor area (only for units above a fully commercial ground floor)

    “may include up to 3 accessory dwelling units without requiring additional land area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units associated with permitted principal nonresidential uses in the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning District.
      “Dwelling units built in conjunction with and incorporated into the structure of a permitted principal non-residential use located on a lakefront lot in the TC-Town Center Zoning District may include up to three (3) accessory dwelling units without requiring additional land area.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Construction of a dwelling or placement of a mobile home on property in Garrett County requiring an individual subsurface sewage disposal system.

    • The permit is obtained from Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department.
    • The department conducts percolation tests and soil evaluations before issuing a sewage disposal permit when the soil is suitable.
    “Before construction of a dwelling may begin or a mobile home may be moved on to any property in Garrett County, a permit to install a sewage disposal system must be obtained from ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of any building, including mobile homes, for human occupancy or use in Garrett County.

    • A sewage disposal system permit is required before construction.
    • Garrett County Health Department Environmental Health Services must review any addition or alteration to an existing building or septic system.
    • If public water and/or public sewerage is available, construction permits require review and sign-off.
    “Before constructing any building (including mobile homes) for human occupancy or use, a permit is required for a sewage disposal system and water supply system;”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of a sewage disposal system in Garrett County.

    • No part of the sewage system may be covered or used until it has been inspected and approved by the Garrett County Health Department.
    • Environmental Health Services must be notified at least 24 hours before planned backfilling.
    • The page separately repeats that no part may be covered or used until inspected and approved and that 24 hours advance notice is required.

    advance notice before backfill: >= 24 hours

    “No part of the sewage system may be covered or used until it has been inspected and approved by the Health Department. Notify Environmental Health Services at least 24 hours in advance of when you plan to backfill.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private drinking-water wells in Garrett County.

    • Garrett County Environmental Health regulates permitting, construction, and certification of private drinking water under COMAR 26.04.04.
    • The Garrett County Health Department page also identifies Environmental Health Services as issuing well permits.
    “We are handling rabies/animal bite related issues, inspecting septic system installations, issuing well permits, screening nuisance complaints, conducting food service facility inspections, performing water sampling, and scheduling percolation testing.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Construction, maintenance, or alteration of agricultural buildings or structures on farms in Garrett County.

    • The farm must be zoned or assessed agricultural.
    • The building or structure must be used only for agricultural pursuits.
    • The building or structure must not be intended for or used for human occupancy.
    • This is an exemption from the Garrett County building code; it does not establish exemption from zoning, subdivision, septic, floodplain, or other applicable requirements.
    “Agricultural structures: The provisions of this Code shall not apply to the construction, maintenance or alternation of buildings or structures on farms which are zoned or assessed agricultural and used only for agricultural pursuits if such buildings and/or structures are not intended for, nor used for, human occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Temporary waiver from the Garrett County Subdivision Ordinance for a newly proposed lot exceeding 50 acres, including agricultural or forestry use conditions, in areas where the county subdivision ordinance applies.
      “The requirements of this chapter shall be temporarily waived if a new lot is proposed with a lot area exceeding 50 acres”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of lots, tracts, or parcels for sale or building development in Garrett County outside incorporated towns.

    • The county subdivision ordinance applies throughout the county except incorporated towns; the listed towns are directed to their appropriate town halls for municipal subdivision rules.
    • A minor subdivision is generally a maximum of 5 new residential lots in addition to the pre-existing parent lot and must not involve an extension or new segment of a road; for specified Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act purposes, up to 7 new residential lots may qualify as minor.
    • Major subdivisions include commercial lots, more than 5 residential lots, or lots requiring road extensions or new segments, and require Garrett County Planning Commission approval.
    • The fee schedule adopted March 11, 2014 states $50 per major-subdivision application plus $10 per lot over 5 lots, and $25 for waiver requests, minor subdivisions, and lot-line adjustments.
    • A lot over 50 acres may receive a temporary waiver only with the stated deed restriction; other exemptions and conditions appear in §159.004.
    • All subdivisions submitted on or after December 31, 2012 must comply with the Tier Map and other provisions of the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act.

    minor subdivision ordinary threshold: <= 5 new residential lots in addition to one pre-existing parent lot (must not involve an extension or new segment of a road) · minor subdivision specified Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act threshold: <= 7 new residential lots in addition to one pre-existing lot (for specified Act implementation purposes) · major subdivision application fee: 50 USD per application (plus 10 USD per lot over 5 lots) · minor subdivision, waiver, and lot-line-adjustment fee: 25 USD

    “The Garrett County Subdivision Ordinance applies within all areas of the County except within the incorporated towns.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Division, re-subdivision, or lot-line adjustment in Garrett County areas outside incorporated towns.
      “This chapter shall apply within all areas of the county, except for areas within the borders of incorporated towns.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Proposed access to a Garrett County road, including residential driveways, subdivisions, commercial and industrial uses, timber harvests, and agricultural access.

    • The application begins at the Department of Permits and Inspection Services and is forwarded to the Roads Department for field evaluation and review.
    • If approved, the Roads Department sends an approved permit outlining construction requirements.
    • The permit evaluates sight distance, overall safety, drainage, and other factors.

    residential entrance permit fee: per 20 USD per entrance · commercial, industrial, or subdivision entrance permit fee: per 50 USD per entrance · temporary logging entrance permit fee: per 20 USD per entrance · farm field or farm entrance permit fee: per 10 USD per entrance

    “Therefore a Garrett County Roads Entrance Permit is required for all proposed access to a County road. This includes access for residential driveways, subdivisions, commercial and industrial uses, timber harvests and agricultural access.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Transient Vacation Rental Units within the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning District.

    • The ordinance applies within the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning District.
    • The property use must be permitted under the District's terms, conditions, and zoning.
    • The property must be registered with the County Office of Licensing and Enforcement Management and a license must be issued before the unit is rented or occupied.
    • A one-time registration fee and biennial license fee apply; fee amounts are established by County resolution and may be amended.
    • The standard maximum is 8 bedrooms and maximum overnight occupancy is two persons per bedroom plus four additional persons.
    • A greater number of bedrooms may be allowed if lawfully existing before August 5, 2003.
    • Living quarters must be in the principal structure; accessory living quarters are excepted if lawfully existing before August 5, 2003.
    • The owner must obtain Garrett County Health Department approval and comply with drinking-water, sanitary-sewage, swimming-pool, and hot-tub/spa requirements.
    • New and existing units must meet specified building and life-safety requirements, including bedroom egress, emergency exit plan, kitchen fire extinguisher, and smoke alarms.
    • Parking, bear-proof trash containment, nuisance-noise, tax, lease-disclosure, transfer, and other ordinance requirements apply.
    • Subleasing is prohibited.
    • The ordinance became effective March 1, 2006.

    maximum bedrooms: <= 8 bedrooms (unless a greater number lawfully existed prior to August 5, 2003) · maximum overnight occupancy: two persons per bedroom plus four additional persons (pre-August 5, 2003 occupancy may be subject to documented pre-existing occupancy precedent) · quiet hours: 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (standard quiet hours under ordinance)

    “regulating and licensing the use of certain vacation rental units within the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Zoning District;”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Garrett County building permit fees administered by the County Permits and Inspections Division.

    • Single-family home and addition fees are based on square footage.
    • Modular and manufactured homes have set fees.
    • The published schedule includes minimum fees and Use & Occupancy fees for several categories.
    • The schedule includes a $50 per-inspection fee and states that the Permit Office may determine project fees based on anticipated inspections.
    • For projects outside listed categories or requiring more than typical inspections, the inspection fee is used to determine overall fees based on required inspections.
    • The fee schedule is marked Rev 8.23.22; this revision stamp is not treated as an effective date.

    new commercial use: per .20 USD per square foot ($300 minimum plus U&O fee) · commercial addition: per .20 USD per square foot ($250 minimum plus U&O fee) · new dwelling unit: per .15 USD per square foot ($300 minimum plus U&O fee) · modular home: 300 USD (plus U&O fee) · doublewide: 200 USD (plus U&O fee) · singlewide: 150 USD (plus U&O fee) · per inspection fee: 50 USD (Permit Office may determine project fees based on anticipated inspections)

    “New Dwelling Unit .15/sq. ft., $300 minimum + U&O fee”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Development and construction projects in Garrett County, including residential, commercial, renovation, grading, floodplain, zoning, utility, and agency-review processes.

    • A permit or series of permits and/or approvals may be required depending on the project.
    • Applicants are advised to evaluate involved agencies and contact the Permits and Inspections Office.
    • A site plan and building plan may be required; larger or certain non-single-family/duplex projects require plans prepared and sealed by a licensed architect or engineer.
    • Applications may require review by other County and State agencies.
    • Building inspections are required at six intervals: footer, foundation, framing, insulation, close-in, and final approval for occupancy.
    • A sewage disposal system and water supply system permit is required before constructing a building for human occupancy or use; public water or sewer availability requires review and sign-off.
    • A floodplain permit is required for construction activity, grading, or filling within the federally delineated 100-year floodplain.
    • Zoning permits are required within the Deep Creek Watershed and specified incorporated towns; applicants should contact the local town hall as directed.
    • A Garrett County grading permit is required before qualifying grading, clearing, filling, or other earth changes, including activity moving more than 100 cubic yards or disturbing more than 5,000 square feet.

    building inspection intervals: 6 construction intervals (footer, foundation, framing, insulation, close-in, and final approval for occupancy) · grading earth movement threshold: > 100 cubic yards (permit required before qualifying earth change) · grading surface disturbance threshold: > 5000 square feet (permit required before qualifying earth change)

    “a permit or series of permits and/or approvals may be required.”

Maryland rules that apply here

  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplains in Maryland, including grading, filling, clearing, dredging, extraction, storage, subdivision, and construction or improvement of structures and buildings.

    • Local jurisdictions must issue permits for all development in the 100-year floodplain depicted on FEMA maps.
    • All necessary permits must be obtained and may include federal, State, and local permits.
    • For construction in wetlands and floodplains, a State permit from the MDE Wetlands and Waterways Program is required.
    • Local permit requirements must be confirmed with the local permit office.
    • All Maryland counties, cities, and most towns participate in the NFIP.
    “The NFIP requires local jurisdictions to issue permits for all development in the 100-year floodplain, as depicted on maps issued by FEMA.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Maryland counties adopting and enforcing zoning and planning laws, including for unincorporated county territory within the county's jurisdiction.

    • The authority is exercised through local laws and remains subject to other public general law, public local law, and any applicable State-government regulatory authority.
    • The statute states that the State policy is that planning and zoning controls are implemented by local government.
    “A county may enact local laws relating to zoning and planning to protect and promote public safety, health, morals, and welfare, including: [...] It is the policy of the State that planning and zoning controls shall be implemented by local government.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Maryland counties requiring building permits and adopting or enforcing building codes for residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Local Government Article § 13-901 applies to all counties except Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Cecil County, Charles County, Howard County, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, and Worcester County.
    • Under § 13-901(c), covered county governing bodies may regulate building construction, adopt and enforce building codes, require building permits, impose permit and inspection fees, and inspect buildings and structures.
    • Section 13-902 applies only to Calvert, Caroline, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, and Worcester Counties.
    • Under § 13-902(c), a building or housing code generally does not apply to a building on a farm or premises devoted solely to agricultural uses, except that it applies in Calvert County to dwellings on which construction began after July 1, 1979 and in Frederick County to residential buildings or buildings constructed for human habitation regardless of location or auxiliary use.
    • Kent County must adopt a building code and housing code; Calvert, Caroline, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, and Worcester Counties may adopt them.
    • A building code adopted under § 13-902 must require a building permit before a building is built or improved and include standards for structural safety, fire prevention, lighting, ventilation, and proper access.
    • Later amendments to codes incorporated by reference are not effective in Caroline, Frederick, Harford, Kent, and Worcester Counties until incorporated into the county code.
    • Separate county-specific provisions apply to Cecil, Charles, Queen Anne’s, and St. Mary’s Counties, including the Charles County exemption for farm buildings and other outbuildings costing less than $2,500.
    • The Maryland Building Performance Standards apply statewide to each building or structure for which a building permit application is received by a local jurisdiction on or after August 1, 1995.

    building permit before building is built or improved: true (Required in a building code adopted under Local Government Article § 13-902.) · Charles County farm-building or outbuilding cost exemption: < 2500 USD (The Charles County building code does not apply to farm buildings or other outbuildings costing less than $2,500.) · Maryland Building Performance Standards application date: >= 1995-08-01 (Applies to building permit applications received on or after this date.)

    “This section applies to all counties except: [...] The governing body of a county may: (1) regulate the construction of buildings and signs; (2) adopt a building code; (3) provide for enforcement of the code; (4) require permits for the construction of buildings and signs; (5) impose permit and inspection fees; (6) provide for inspection of buildings and structures;”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes in Garrett County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Alternative or off-grid sanitation systems in Garrett County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Garrett County, Maryland

Is Garrett County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Garrett County scores 80/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and sparse surroundings — about 14,146 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Garrett County, Maryland?

Garrett County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Garrett County Health Department – Environmental Health Services. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Garrett County, Maryland?

Land in Garrett County runs about $5,541 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Garrett County?

Garrett County gets about 48.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.2% of years.

How remote is Garrett County?

A representative private-land location has about 14,146 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,194,872 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Garrett County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Garrett compares in Maryland

Compare side-by-side →See all 24 Maryland counties ranked →