New Baltimore County Permit Portal for Arbutus Homeowners

Baltimore County opened a new online portal on October 26, 2026 for electrical, plumbing and gasfitting permits and trade licenses. Contractors now use the new portal for those trade permits, while all other building permits stay in the county's existing portal. If you are planning a home project in Arbutus, here is what changed.

Most of us never think about permits until we need a new water heater, a panel upgrade or a bathroom redo. Knowing how the county handles them makes those projects, and later a home sale, go a lot smoother.

What changed on October 26, 2026?

The county announced that the new trade permit portal handles electrical, plumbing and gasfitting permits along with related licensing and registration. It is part of Baltimore County Builds, the county's effort, launched in November 2025, to modernize development, permitting and licensing.

According to the county's announcement, the new system fills in property owner information and address unit numbers automatically, and it speeds up issuance for certain simple or limited trade permits that meet eligibility rules. Electrical, plumbing and gasfitting permit records are moving to the new system too.

"Baltimore County Builds is about making it easier for people to get things done," said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier.

Which portal handles which permit?

Who needs to set up a new account?

The portal is built mainly for licensed electrical, plumbing and gasfitting contractors. The county says contractors must use the same email address that is on their existing portal account when they create a new account, so they keep access to their previous permits.

Step by step instructions are on the county's Trade Permits, Licensing and Registration page. For help, the county lists 311 inside Baltimore County, 410-887-0311, or email at paipermitstatus@baltimorecountymd.gov.

What does this mean for homeowners, buyers and sellers?

If you are hiring someone for electrical, plumbing or gas work, it is a good time to ask your contractor how they will handle the permit under the new system. Keeping copies of finished permits with your home records is a habit that pays off later.

When you sell, buyers and their agents often ask about past work on the house, so having that paperwork ready helps. My selling your home page walks through getting ready to list, and my Moving to Arbutus guide covers the basics for new neighbors.

Where can I get help with a county permit question?

Start with the county's trade permit page, which explains how to create an account, find existing permits and use the new system. You can also call 311 inside Baltimore County or 410-887-0311.

If you are not sure whether a project needs a permit, ask the county or a licensed contractor before work begins. It is much easier to sort out up front than at closing time.

Frequently Asked Questions