Planning a project in Takoma Park? If you begin construction before obtaining the required permits, you may be fined and recieve a stop work order. Call the City's Department of Public Works at 301-891-7633 if you have further questions.
Permit Letter
For all exterior and some interior work, you must obtain a Permit Letter from the City's Housing and Community Development Department before obtaining a permit from Montgomery County. Anyone planning a project requiring a permit will need to call the planning division at 301-891-7119.
Digging, Burying, Trenching, Grading, or Constructing New Impervious Surface
Tree protection and removal: Click here for a summary of the requirements, or call 301-891-7612.
Stormwater: Click here for a summary of the requirements, or call 301-891-7620.
Right-of-Way
Dumpster or Storage Pod: If you plan to locate a construction dumpster or pod on a City right-of-way (usually an adjacent road), you will need to obtain a permit. Call 301-891-7633.
Driveway apron: If you plan to construct or alter your driveway apron, you need a Driveway Apron Permit. Call 301-891-7633.
Fences: If you plan to construct a fence in a City right-of-way, you need to apply for a Fence Permit. Call 301-891-7633.
Rental Units
If the construction involves a new or improved rentable unit, then you may need a residential rental license. Contact the City's Code Enforcement Division at 301-891-7119.
Various Construction Permits Required by the County
The Department of Permitting Services provides information about how to submit various types of permits. Some of the permit types include:
Building construction and remodeling
Fences, decks and some types of patios
Sprinklers and fire alarms
Inspections
Licenses
Well and septic
Zoning (for some cases; also check the Board of Appeals website)
Once the construction is complete, depending on the type of project, you may also need a certificate of occupancy from the County. Call the Department of Permitting Services at 240-777-6300 for more information.
temporary use of public space
The City Clerk issues various permits in the City. The City Clerk's office may be contacted at 301-891-7267 for more information. Permits issued by the City Clerk include:
Block Parties: To shut down a City street in order to hold a block party, permission is needed from the City Clerk. View the City Clerk's webpage for more information.
Vending: This includes ambulatory vending or vending from a private location with permission from a property owner.
Use of Public Space for Events: May require a permit or permission from the City Clerk or Council.
renting residential units
Laws regarding rental units in the City of Takoma Park are administered by the City's Code Enforcement Division. For more information, call 301-891-7119.
Rental License
A rental license is required for all residential units that are rented in the City. The City of Takoma Park requires all residential rental property to be licensed, including single family houses. Owner-occupied single family houses are excluded from this requirement. When purchasing a rental property, a new owner should register the transfer of property by completing a license application.
Landlord Certification Program
Mandated by the City Code, all landlords and property agents in the City are required to be certified by the City. The three-year certification is required prior to the issuance of all rental housing licensed and can be obtained by attending a 90 minute seminar which is offered once a month or upon the successful completion of a 60-question multiple choice exam.
