How to Get an Electrical Permit in Baltimore City

Baltimore City requires an electrical permit for virtually any wiring work beyond simple device replacements — panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, basement finishes, and whole-home rewires all require one. The process runs through the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD). Here's the step-by-step: (1) Your licensed master electrician submits a permit application online through the Baltimore City Permit Application Portal, including the scope of work and load calculations. (2) The permit is reviewed and approved — typically within 3–10 business days for standard residential work. (3) Work is performed. (4) A city electrical inspector schedules a rough-in inspection before walls are closed, and a final inspection after completion. The inspector checks against the National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by Maryland. What trips up most investors and flippers: starting work before the permit is issued, closing walls before rough-in inspection, and using unlicensed contractors whose work can't be permitted. Unpermitted electrical work is the #1 red flag in home inspections and can kill a settlement. At Charm City Electric, we handle the entire permitting process for you — from application to final sign-off.