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 months, with district controls6
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

permits@garrettcountymd.gov

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

planning@garrettcountymd.gov

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 October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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. Agricultural land-management practices, agricultural best-management practices and agricultural structures have a limited grading-permit exemption, but that does not waive building, zoning, subdivision, septic or other requirements10. Garrett County has adopted the 2021 building, residential and energy-conservation codes with local amendments, effective November 1, 202411. 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 required1213.

Who issues building permits in Garrett County, and how do you reach them?

Garrett County's building department is the Permits & Inspections Division at 203 South Fourth Street, Room 208, Oakland, Maryland 2155014. Call 301-334-7470 or email permits@garrettcountymd.gov14. Inside Oakland, most structures or use changes need town zoning approval, and most projects also need a building permit from the county Department of Permits & Inspection Services15. Septic permits remain with Garrett County Environmental Health Services4. Published building fees include square-footage pricing for a new dwelling or addition, set charges for modular and manufactured homes, minimum charges and use-and-occupancy fees16. For an inspection, call at least 24 hours in advance and provide the permit number; the county says it cannot promise a specific inspection time12. 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 has zoning within six towns and the Deep Creek Watershed, rather than countywide; use the county GIS zoning layer to identify a parcel's coverage17. Oakland administers its own town zoning; septic permits remain with Garrett County Environmental Health Services184. In unincorporated Garrett County outside the watershed, county zoning sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot coverage or building height1920212223. Deep Creek lot minimums and yards vary by district and utility service, while principal buildings generally cannot exceed 35 feet or 3 stories242526. On lakefront TC–Town Center lots, up to 3 accessory dwellings may be incorporated into a permitted principal nonresidential structure without additional land area, subject to floor-area limits27. Dividing unincorporated land remains regulated even without zoning28. Ask Planning & Land Management for the parcel's district at 301-334-1920 or planning@garrettcountymd.gov29.

How do septic and well permits work in Garrett County?

Before constructing any Garrett County building for human occupancy or use, including a mobile home, obtain permits for the sewage-disposal and water-supply systems; additions or alterations affecting an existing building or septic system also require Environmental Health review30. Environmental Health Services conducts percolation tests and soil evaluations, 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 contingency31. No part of the system may be covered or used before approval, and Environmental Health needs at least 24 hours' notice before backfilling32. A Maryland well-construction permit is required for a new well; limited repair or deepening exceptions apply33. Call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-776034.

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

In Garrett County's Deep Creek Watershed, a travel trailer may be located on a lot for no more than 90 days in any 12 consecutive months; the use is permitted in RR, AR, LR1, LR2, TR, TC and CR2, but prohibited in C and CR16. Commercial campgrounds follow a different district table, serve transient or vacationing occupants, rent by the day or week, and limit stays to 60 days in any 6-month period3536. A Deep Creek camporee or similar temporary recreational event requires a special exception and cannot use premises for more than 14 days annually; that provision does not establish general private-camping permission37. Single-wide manufactured homes require a special exception in RR, AR, LR1, LR2, TR, TC and CR2 and are prohibited in C and CR1; manufactured-home parks have separate district and health requirements38. Outside Garrett County's zoned areas, no zoning permit is required, but building and sewage-disposal requirements still apply to dwellings2130. We could not confirm tiny-home occupancy or private RV living outside Deep Creek; ask Planning & Land Management how the proposed structure and use are classified29.

What are the steps to build a home in Garrett County?

  1. Ask Planning & Land Management whether the parcel lies in a town, the Deep Creek Watershed or an area without county zoning1729.
  1. If creating or changing a lot outside an incorporated town, obtain the applicable lot-line-adjustment, minor-subdivision or major-subdivision approval before transfer2839. A newly proposed lot exceeding 50 acres can receive only a temporary waiver tied to a recorded plan and enforceable deed restriction40.
  1. Arrange the soil evaluation and permits for sewage disposal and water supply before constructing a building for human occupancy or use3033. A subdivision needs an approved water supply and sewage-disposal system, and the Planning Commission may require a feasible connection to an existing central water system41.
  1. Ask Permits & Inspections which site and building plans, agency reviews, grading approval and floodplain approval apply to the project42. Development in a regulated floodplain in unincorporated Garrett County requires a floodplain development permit before work begins43.
  1. Apply for the building permit and any county-road entrance permit, using the published fee schedule to budget the application1816.
  1. Complete the required inspections, secure any required certificate of use and occupancy, and have the septic system approved before covering it121332.

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 County17. If the seller is splitting land outside an incorporated town, confirm the applicable county subdivision approval before transfer44. Make septic feasibility a contract contingency: only about 3% of soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field31. In the McHenry Water Service Area, an owner whose property abuts a completed water line must pay the connection charge and connect after notice45. Check flood maps and road jurisdiction: floodplain development in unincorporated Garrett County needs a county permit, county-road access needs an entrance permit, and MDOT SHA handles work within state right-of-way43846. A Deep Creek vacation rental must be registered and licensed before rental or occupancy47. Finally, budget around an effective property-tax rate near 0.8% and a median annual bill of about $1,7924849.

Watch-outs

  • Garrett County's lack of countywide zoning does not mean every parcel is unzoned: six towns and the Deep Creek Watershed have zoning17.
  • 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 limitations31.

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. § 157.024 Table of Use Regulations, 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. Grading Permits, quoted and re-checked
  11. 2024 Building Code Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Permits & Inspections Division | Garrett County Government, quoted and re-checked
  13. 2024 Building Code Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Garrett County Permits & Inspections Division (garrettcountymd.gov)
  15. Town of Oakland: Town of Oakland Zoning (Garrett County), quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  18. Town of Oakland: Chapter 300 Zoning - Town of Oakland, MD (Garrett County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  21. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  23. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  24. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. Chapter 157: Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. Chapter 157. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. Subdivision Administration, quoted and re-checked
  29. Garrett County Planning & Land Management Division (garrettcountymd.gov)
  30. Development and Construction, quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Sewage Disposal Systems - Garrett County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  33. Well Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  34. Garrett County Health Department, Environmental Health Services (garretthealth.org)
  35. § 157.024 Table of Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  36. § 157.024 Table of Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  37. § 157.024 Table of Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  38. § 157.024 Table of Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  39. Subdivision Administration, quoted and re-checked
  40. Chapter 159. Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  41. Chapter 159. Subdivision Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  42. Development and Construction Process For Garrett County, Maryland, quoted and re-checked
  43. Floodplain Purpose, Authority, and Jurisdiction | Garrett County Government, quoted and re-checked
  44. Subdivision Administration, quoted and re-checked
  45. McHenry Water System: Service Area, Connection to Water System and Connection Charge, Service and Usage Charges, and Debt Retirement, quoted and re-checked
  46. Access Management/Permits - MDOT SHA (Maryland statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  47. Transient Vacation Rental Units (TVRUs), quoted and re-checked
  48. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  49. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 12, 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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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Garrett County has no countywide zoning.

RuleGarrett CountyAllegany CountyWashington CountyFrederick CountyMontgomery CountyCarroll CountyHoward County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Dept. of Permitting ServicesCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.

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%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
12,229 acWorkable land screen
76.3%Wooded land
66.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
48.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Garrett County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Accident · Town of Deer Park · Town of Friendsville · Town of Grantsville · Town of Kitzmiller · Town of Loch Lynn Heights · Town of Mountain Lake Park

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.”
    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 and boarding housing where permitted in the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts AR, RR, LR1, CR2, LR2, TR, and TC.
      “1. Single-family detached dwellings, mobile homes, travel trailers, bed and breakfast inn, rooming and boarding housing where permitted | AR and RR | See § 157.053 | See § 157.053 | See § 157.053 | 40 | 15 | 40 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”
  • 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
    • Specified — Principal and accessory buildings and structures in the Deep Creek Watershed zoning area.
      “No principal building or structure shall exceed 35 feet or 3 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings 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”
    • Limited — Travel-trailer occupancy on a lot within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts covered by Chapter 157.
      “more than 90 days in any 12 consecutive months”
    • Limited — RV, travel-trailer, motor-home, and similar occupancy in commercial campgrounds or travel-trailer camps within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.
      “AR, RR, LR1 or LR2 | 50 acres | 200 feet from any property line.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Transient or temporary recreational activities, including a camporee or similar activity, within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.
      “no premises shall be used for such activity for more than 14 days in any single year”
    • Limited — Camping in commercial campgrounds, camping spaces, or travel-trailer camps within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.
      “no occupant shall remain in a campsite or travel trailer space for more than 60 days in any 6 months period.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

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

    • Single-wide mobile/manufactured homes require special-exception approval in RR, AR, LR1, LR2, TR, TC, and CR2 districts and are not permitted in C or CR1 districts.
    • Manufactured/mobile-home parks require compliance with §157.066 and applicable state and county health regulations.
    • Individual mobile-home spaces in a park must contain at least 5,400 square feet and be at least 45 feet wide at the building setback line, exclusive of easements.
    • Overall park density may not exceed 5 dwelling units per acre, with floodplain, wetlands, transmission-line, and slopes-over-25-percent areas excluded from the density calculation.
    • Additional setback, pad, road, parking, buffer, and open-space standards apply.

    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 park density: <= 5 dwelling units per acre · minimum mobile-home separation from park roads, common parking, and other common areas: >= 25 feet · minimum separation between mobile homes and other buildings: >= 20 feet · minimum concrete pad length: >= 50 feet · minimum concrete 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 and shall not be less than 45 feet wide at the building setback line exclusive of easements.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured/mobile-home parks in the Deep Creek Watershed zoning district where such parks are permitted.
      “Where permitted, manufactured/mobile home parks shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section”
    • Limited — Single-wide mobile/manufactured homes and manufactured/mobile home parks within the Deep Creek Watershed zoning districts.
      “Individual mobile home spaces located in a manufactured mobile home park shall contain at least 5,400 square feet of lot area”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

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

    • Up to 3 accessory dwelling units may be included without additional land area.
    • The accessory dwelling units must be built in conjunction with and incorporated into the permitted principal non-residential structure.
    • The gross floor area of the accessory dwelling units may not exceed 50% of the structure's gross floor area.
    • If 100% of the ground floor is commercial, accessory dwelling units above the ground story may occupy up to 1.5 times the ground-story floor area.
    • The section states it was passed by Resolution 2006-14 on October 3, 2006; no later effective date is stated.

    maximum accessory dwelling units: <= 3 units (without requiring additional land area) · maximum floor area: <= 50 percent of gross floor area (or, where the entire ground floor is commercial, up to 1.5 times the ground-story floor area above the ground story)

    “may include up to 3 accessory dwelling units without requiring additional land area.”
    2 more reviewed findings 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.”
    • Limited — Accessory dwelling units incorporated into a permitted principal nonresidential use on a lakefront lot in the Deep Creek Watershed TC-Town Center Zoning District.
      “may include up to 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivisions in Garrett County outside incorporated towns.

    • All subdivisions must have an approved and adequate sewage disposal system, either on-lot or central, meeting state and county regulations.
    • All subdivisions must have an adequate on-lot or central water supply system meeting state and county requirements.
    • The Planning Commission may require connection of all lots and principal uses within a subdivision to an existing central water system only when it determines the connection is feasible, cost-effective, and reasonable, considering line-extension distances and available average-cost estimates per dwelling or lot.
    • For a new lot not approved to include central sewage service, an individual sewage system meeting state and county requirements is required; each proposed location must be tested and approved by the County Health Department before recording the final plan.
    • The Garrett County Subdivision Ordinance does not apply within incorporated towns.
    “The Planning Commission, [...] may require all lots and principal uses within a subdivision to be connected to an existing central water system”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Garrett County grading-permit requirements for agricultural land-management practices, agricultural BMPs, and agricultural structures.

    • The exemption is from the county grading-permit requirement only and does not establish an exemption from zoning, subdivision, erosion-and-sediment control, stormwater, building, septic, or state requirements.
    • Agricultural structures are exempt from the grading permit only on an E&S-only basis.
    • Clearing or grading activities subject exclusively to State approval and enforcement under State law and regulations are also exempt.
    • The county states that projects disturbing at least 100 cubic yards, at least 5,000 square feet of surface area, or at least 5,000 square feet of impervious area generally require grading permits, subject to the listed exemptions.

    earth disturbance threshold: >= 100 cubic yards (Listed agricultural and state-law exemptions apply.) · surface disturbance threshold: >= 5000 square feet (Listed agricultural and state-law exemptions apply.) · impervious area threshold: >= 5000 square feet (Listed agricultural and state-law exemptions apply.)

    “Agricultural land management practices Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) Agricultural structures (E&S only)”
    2 more reviewed findings 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”
    • Available (with conditions) — Construction, maintenance, or alteration of agricultural buildings or structures on farms in Garrett County.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings 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.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Division of lots, tracts, or parcels for sale or building development in Garrett County outside incorporated towns.
      “The Garrett County Subdivision Ordinance applies within all areas of the County except within the 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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Any development within floodplain zones defined and regulated by the Garrett County Floodplain Management Ordinance in unincorporated Garrett County.

    • The ordinance also applies within an incorporated municipality only if that municipality enters an agreement with the County to enforce floodplain-management regulations within municipal boundaries.
    • A permit must be obtained from the Garrett County Permits and Inspection Services Office before development.
    • The applicant must comply with all provisions of the Garrett County Floodplain Management Ordinance.
    • Development includes any man-made change to land, including grading, filling, clearing, dredging, extraction, storage, subdivision of land, and construction and improvement of structures and buildings.
    • The designated floodplain area is depicted on FEMA-issued maps.
    “The Garrett County Floodplain Management Ordinance (3 MB) shall apply to the unincorporated part of the County and any incorporated municipality which may enter into an agreement with the County to enforce floodplain management regulations within municipal boundaries. Any person or entity proposing to do any development within floodplain zones as defined and regulated by the ordinance must first obtain a permit for the development from the Garrett County Permits and Inspection Services Office located at 2008 Maryland Highway, Suite 3, Mt. Lake Park, MD and must comply with all provisions of the Garrett County Floodplain Management Ordinance.”
  • 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

  • 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.

How Garrett compares in Maryland

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