Gaithersburg, MD Building Permit Fees (2026)
Residential building permit fees from the City of Gaithersburg's FY 2027 Schedule of Fees, adopted by the Mayor and City Council as Resolution No. R-24-26 on May 4, 2026 for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Gaithersburg is an incorporated city in Montgomery County that runs its own Permits and Inspections office, so the City's schedule, not Montgomery County's, sets residential permit fees inside city limits. Most home projects pay an application fee plus a permit fee, then a 10% automation fee on both. Every figure below comes from the schedule; any estimate is labeled as one.
This page covers: City of Gaithersburg residential permit fees from the Planning and Code Administration - Permits section of the FY 2027 Schedule of Fees: residential improvements (additions, basement egress, exterior and interior alterations, fire damage rehabilitation, roof sheathing replacement), new residential construction, decks, fences, garages, gazebos and sheds, swimming pools, solar panels, demolition, residential electrical and mechanical permits, and the 10% automation fee.
This page does NOT cover: plumbing and gas fitting (not priced on the City schedule), Montgomery County impact taxes or any other county charge, water and sewer connection charges, and the site development, sediment control, stormwater, forest conservation, zoning, and right-of-way fees set in other sections of the schedule. Properties outside Gaithersburg city limits are permitted by Montgomery County; see Montgomery County permit fees.
Square-footage note: The improvement permit fee is "$0.20 per square foot," but the schedule does not say which square footage it measures (new floor area, the affected area, or the whole house). If the City measures only the new or affected area, the $375 minimum covers any project costing more than $20,000 that is under 1,875 sq ft; if it measures the whole house, the fee can be higher (a 3,000 sq ft house would give $600). Totals below assume the new or affected area and are labeled estimates.
Gaithersburg, MD charges a $60 application fee plus $0.20 per square foot for additions and alterations, with a $50 minimum, or a $375 minimum when the project costs more than $20,000, then a 10% automation fee on all application and permit fees. A 600 sq ft addition costing over $20,000 comes to an estimated $478.50 ($60 + $375 + 10%), assuming the City measures the 600 sq ft of new area. A deck permit is $181.50 ($165 + 10%), a residential fence permit is $55.00, and a residential swimming pool permit is $220.00. A licensed electrician's residential electrical permit is $200 without a service change or $300 with one, before the automation fee. Maryland adds no statewide permit levy.
- Additions, interior and exterior alterations, basement egress, and roof sheathing replacement pay a $60 application fee plus $0.20 per square foot, with a $50 minimum, or a $375 minimum when project cost exceeds $20,000.
- A 10% automation fee is added to all application and permit fees. It is listed in the building, deck, fence, garage, shed, pool, electrical, and mechanical sections.
- Flat fees before the automation fee: deck $165, residential fence $50, residential swimming pool $200, prefabricated shed or gazebo $35 application + $35 permit, solar panels $300 per unit.
- New single-family detached homes pay a $225 application fee, a $1,400 building permit fee ("0-5500" sq ft; $1,600 for "5500+", tiers that overlap at exactly 5,500 sq ft), $330 or $380 electrical, $165 mechanical, $165 use and occupancy, and a $50 Home Builder Guaranty Fund contribution.
- Trade permits are separate: residential electrical is $200 (no service change) or $300 (service change); residential mechanical is $55 for one appliance plus $30 for each additional appliance.
- Re-shingling a roof, painting, and replacing windows with the same size and style need no City permit, outside the Historic District.
Gaithersburg Residential Building Permit Fee Schedule
The FY 2027 Schedule of Fees lists each permit type with its application fee and, where one applies, a separate permit fee. Gaithersburg is not in the PermitPrice fee calculator yet, because the improvement minimum depends on project cost; use the worked examples on this page instead.
| Residential Permit Line | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Improvements - application fee | $60.00 | Addition, basement egress, exterior alteration, fire damage rehabilitation, interior alteration, roof sheathing replacement |
| Improvements - building permit fee | $0.20 / sq ft | $50 minimum, or $375 minimum if project cost exceeds $20,000 |
| New home - application fee | $225.00 per unit | Single family detached, townhouse, duplex to quadplex, stacked condo; plus Home Builder Guaranty Fund $50 per unit |
| New home - building permit fee | $1,400.00 | Single family detached "Square Footage 0-5500"; $1,600 for "5500+" (both printed tiers include exactly 5,500 sq ft); all other dwelling types $1,100 per unit |
| New home - electrical, mechanical, use and occupancy | $330 / $165 / $165 | Per unit; electrical $380 if service is over 200 amps |
| Deck - new, addition, or alteration | $165.00 | Application fee; homeowner approved electric permit $100 |
| Fence - residential | $50.00 | Application fee |
| Swimming pool - residential | $200.00 | Application fee; pool electrical is a separate electrical permit |
| Gazebo or shed - prefabricated | $35 + $35 | Application fee + permit fee |
| Gazebo or shed - not prefabricated | $35 + $0.15 / sq ft | Permit fee $90 minimum, or $375 minimum if project cost exceeds $20,000 |
| Garage - new, addition, or alteration | $135 + $375 | Application fee + permit fee if construction cost exceeds $10,000 (no permit fee is printed for lower costs) |
| Solar panels - roof or ground mounted | $300.00 per unit | Permit fee; no application or automation fee line is printed for solar |
| Demolition - entire building | $1,000.00 | Application fee; plus a $10,000 bond or approved cost estimate |
Source: City of Gaithersburg FY 2027 Adopted Schedule of Fees, Resolution No. R-24-26, Planning and Code Administration - Permits, adopted May 4, 2026 for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Verified October 30, 2026. Every line above also carries the 10% automation fee except solar, where none is printed.
Fee components and add-ons
| Component | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Automation fee | 10% | Of all application and permit fees; listed in each residential, deck, fence, garage, shed, pool, electrical, and mechanical section |
| Application fee | $35 to $1,000 | Set per permit type ($60 for residential improvements) |
| Homeowner approved electric permit | $90 to $110 | When an approved homeowner does the electrical work: $110 improvements (the electrical section lists $100 for a homeowner addition or alteration with no service change; which applies is not stated), $100 deck, $90 garage, shed, or gazebo |
| Homeowner approved mechanical permit | $60 + $30 each additional | Residential improvements, first appliance $60 |
| Home Builder Guaranty Fund | $50.00 per unit | New residential construction only |
| Model home plan review | $550.00 per unit | Builders' model plans; plan revision $110 |
| State permit levy | None | Maryland has no statewide percentage building-permit levy |
Residential trade permits (separate permits)
| Trade Line | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical - addition or alteration, no service change | $200.00 | Electricians must be licensed with the City of Gaithersburg |
| Electrical - addition or alteration, with service change | $300.00 | Panel or service upgrade |
| Electrical - approved homeowner installation, no service change | $100.00 | Homeowner electrical exam $40. The improvements section separately lists a $110 homeowner approved electric permit; the schedule does not say which applies to a homeowner wiring an addition |
| Electrical - temporary service | $120.00 | Application fee |
| Mechanical - residential | $55 first + $30 each additional | Per appliance; required to install or replace any permanently installed HVAC unit |
| Plumbing and gas | Not on City schedule | Ask Permits and Inspections which agency issues the plumbing permit |
Source: FY 2027 Schedule of Fees, Electrical and Mechanical sections. Each adds the 10% automation fee. Trade permits are not included in the building permit totals below unless an example says so.
How Gaithersburg Calculates Building Permit Fees
| Step | What Happens | Gaithersburg Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the permit type | Each permit type has its own block in the schedule. | Improvements, new construction, deck, fence, garage, shed or gazebo, pool, solar, demolition, electrical, mechanical. |
| 2. Add the application fee | Most blocks start with a flat application fee. | $60 for improvements; $165 deck; $50 fence; $200 pool; $35 shed; $135 garage. |
| 3. Add the permit fee | Square-foot or flat, where the block lists one. | Improvements $0.20 per sq ft, $50 minimum, $375 minimum when project cost exceeds $20,000. Deck, fence, and pool list an application fee only. |
| 4. Add the automation fee | 10% of all application and permit fees. | Arithmetic on this page is exact to the cent; totals that depend on the undefined square-footage basis are labeled estimates. |
| 5. Add trade permits separately | Electrical and mechanical are their own permits. | No Maryland statewide levy. Plumbing is not on the City schedule. |
Worked Examples
Example 1: 600 sq ft addition costing more than $20,000
| Fee Component | Rule Applied | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Flat | $60.00 |
| Building permit fee | 600 × $0.20 = $120, below the $375 minimum | $375.00 |
| Automation fee | $435 × 10% | $43.50 |
| Estimated Building Permit Total | $60 + $375 + $43.50 | $478.50 |
| With a contractor electrical permit (no service change) | ($435 + $200) × 1.10 | $698.50 |
Estimate: The $60, $375 minimum, and 10% are exact. The addition costs more than $20,000, so the $375 minimum applies, and this example assumes the City measures the 600 sq ft of new area ($120). The schedule does not define the square footage measured; if the City counted a whole 3,000 sq ft house, the permit fee would be $600 and the total $726.00. A new HVAC unit would add a mechanical permit ($55 plus 10%). Plumbing is not priced on the City schedule.
Example 2: Basement finish, 800 sq ft, project cost $15,000
| Fee Component | Rule Applied | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Flat | $60.00 |
| Building permit fee | 800 sq ft × $0.20 (above the $50 minimum) | $160.00 |
| Automation fee | $220 × 10% | $22.00 |
| Estimated Total | $60 + $160 + $22 | $242.00 |
Estimate: The $60, $0.20 rate, and 10% are exact. Because the project costs less than $20,000, only the $50 minimum applies, so the square footage now matters; this example assumes the City measures the 800 sq ft being finished. The schedule does not define the square-footage basis, so confirm it with Permits and Inspections. If the cost exceeded $20,000 and the City measured the same 800 sq ft, the permit fee would be the $375 minimum and the total $478.50.
Example 3: Deck, fence, pool, and shed permits
| Permit | Rule Applied | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | $165 + 10% | $181.50 |
| Residential fence | $50 + 10% | $55.00 |
| Residential swimming pool | $200 + 10% | $220.00 |
| Prefabricated shed | ($35 + $35) + 10% | $77.00 |
Assumptions: Each base fee is exact from the schedule. The deck, fence, and pool blocks list an application fee and no separate permit fee. A deck with lighting wired by an approved homeowner adds the $100 homeowner approved electric permit; a pool's pump and lighting need an electrical permit ($200 for a licensed electrician without a service change). A site-built shed pays $0.15 per square foot instead of the $35 permit fee, with a $90 minimum.
Example 4: New single-family detached home, 3,000 sq ft, 200-amp service
| Fee Component | Rule Applied | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Per unit | $225.00 |
| Building permit fee | 3,000 sq ft (0-5,500 tier) | $1,400.00 |
| Electrical, mechanical, use and occupancy | $330 + $165 + $165 | $660.00 |
| Automation fee | $2,285 × 10% | $228.50 |
| Home Builder Guaranty Fund | Per unit | $50.00 |
| Estimated Total | $2,285 + $228.50 + $50 | $2,563.50 |
Estimate: Every line is exact from the schedule. The schedule does not say whether the 10% automation fee applies to the $50 Home Builder Guaranty Fund contribution; this total leaves it off, and including it adds $5.00 ($2,568.50). Over 200-amp service raises electrical to $380 (+$55.00 with the automation fee). Plumbing, water and sewer connection charges, Montgomery County impact taxes, and site development permits are not included.
Practitioner Insight
Start by confirming the property is inside Gaithersburg city limits. Many homes with a Gaithersburg mailing address are in unincorporated Montgomery County, which issues their permits under a different fee structure (see Montgomery County permit fees). Neighboring Rockville is the other Montgomery County city that runs its own permit office, and it prices by square foot at a higher rate. Elsewhere in Maryland, the City of Annapolis also runs its own permit office but prices permits by project value instead of square footage. The City of Frederick runs its own office too and charges flat fees for most small projects, such as $128 for a deck.
Inside the city, project cost matters more than size. If the City measures only the new or affected area, an addition or remodel costing more than $20,000 pays the $375 minimum permit fee unless it is larger than 1,875 sq ft, so most additions would land at $478.50 before trade permits. Ask how the area is measured before you budget. The 10% automation fee is repeated in every section rather than shown once, so add it to each permit. Ask your HOA first: the City asks for HOA approval letters with deck, fence, and exterior applications in communities with architectural guidelines. Call Permits and Inspections at 301-258-6330.
Permit Requirements - Common Residential Projects in Gaithersburg
| Project Type | Permit Required? | Fee Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition or remodel | Yes | $60 + $0.20/sq ft | $375 minimum over $20,000; 600 sq ft: est. $478.50 |
| Basement finish | Yes | $60 + $0.20/sq ft | Listed as an improvement permit; 800 sq ft at $15,000: est. $242.00 |
| Deck | Yes | $165 flat | $181.50 with the automation fee |
| Fence | Yes | $50 flat | $55.00 with the automation fee |
| Swimming pool | Yes | $200 flat | $220.00; pool electrical permit separate |
| Shed or gazebo | Yes | $35 + $35 or $0.15/sq ft | Prefabricated $77.00; site-built $90 minimum permit fee |
| HVAC replacement | Yes | $55 first appliance | $60.50 with the automation fee; $30 each additional appliance |
| Solar panels | Yes | $300 per unit | Standard rooftop systems can apply through SolarAPP+ |
| Re-roof (shingles only) | No | - | Re-shingling needs no permit outside the Historic District; roof sheathing replacement is an improvement permit |
City of Gaithersburg Permits and Inspections
Planning and Code Administration - Permits and Inspections
City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-258-6330
permitting@gaithersburgmd.gov - Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
Resolution No. R-24-26 (FY 2027)
Adopted May 4, 2026; fiscal year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
When This Estimate May Not Apply
Your property is outside Gaithersburg city limits
A Gaithersburg mailing address does not by itself place a property inside the city. Outside city limits, Montgomery County issues the permit and its own fees apply.
Improvement fees depend on how square footage is measured
The schedule says "$0.20 per square foot" without defining the area. For projects costing $20,000 or less, the $50 minimum is low enough that the measured area sets the fee; for larger projects, a whole-house measurement could exceed the $375 minimum (a 3,000 sq ft house gives $600, or $726.00 with the application and automation fees). The addition and basement examples assume the new or affected area and are labeled estimates.
Some lines are incomplete in the schedule
The garage permit fee is printed only for construction costs over $10,000 ($375); no fee is printed for cheaper garages. The solar block lists a $300 permit fee per unit but no application or automation fee line. The homeowner electrical permit is listed twice for the same kind of work ($110 in the improvements section, $100 in the electrical section), and the new-home building fee tiers "0-5500" ($1,400) and "5500+" ($1,600) both include exactly 5,500 sq ft. This page does not resolve these gaps.
Plumbing and new-home charges are outside these totals
Plumbing and gas permits are not on the City schedule. New homes may also owe water and sewer connection charges and Montgomery County impact taxes, and site development permits are priced separately. None of these are included.
Fees change each fiscal year
The City adopts a new Schedule of Fees with each annual budget; this one covers July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The FY 2028 budget calendar runs from March to May 2027, and a new schedule would replace these figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
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City of Gaithersburg FY 2027 Adopted Schedule of Fees (Resolution No. R-24-26) Adopted May 4, 2026; fiscal year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 - Primary source for every fee on this page - Verified October 30, 2026.
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City of Gaithersburg - Residential Permits Current - Source for which residential projects need a City permit - Verified October 30, 2026.
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City of Gaithersburg - Permitting and Inspections Current - Source for the no-permit list and the office contact details - Verified October 30, 2026.
Outside city limits? Check Montgomery County's permit fees, or compare nearby Maryland jurisdictions.
Permit Fees Are One Part of Your Project Budget
Once you know your Gaithersburg permit cost, two related numbers complete your total budget picture:
Property tax impact after your project closes
A permitted project may change the property's assessed value. Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation performs that assessment and certifies it to the local jurisdictions, separately from this permit fee.
Utility connection and impact charges
Water and sewer connection charges and any county impact taxes on new construction are separate from the building permit and are excluded from the figures above.
These charges are administered separately from the building permit fee, though the responsible office and billing process vary by jurisdiction. See which tool covers each charge →