Annapolis (September 26, 2003) - The Anne Arundel County, Department of Inspections and Permits, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the State Board of Public Works, Maryland Department of the Environment and the State Critical Area Commission this week established a permit process sensitive to the needs of residents and business owners who sustained property damage during Hurricane Isabel. "More than 1,400 homes and businesses and countless piers and other water-dependant structures have been affected by this storm," said County Executive Janet S. Owens. "Working closely with the appropriate federal, state and local officials, we put in place an expedited system to help people begin to rebuild in a safe manner, consistent with our environmental laws. I thank these officials for responding so quickly to our needs and the public for their continued resolve in trying to rebuild their lives." The Department of Inspections and Permits has set up the following system to assist residents and businesses rebuild in the safest, most expeditious manner: No permit is required to: - Repair roof damage such as plywood sheeting, shingles and minor repair to trusses or rafters.
- Replace damaged windows or doors.
- Replace siding on your house or shed.
- Replace the decking on your pier.
Minor structural damage (less than 50% of the market value of the structure) Repairs to houses or accessory structures; or to replace or repair a pier or bulkhead, or other shoreline protective structure that was damaged will require a permit. Applicants should follow the following procedure: - Submit a Building Permit Application with pertinent property information.
- Sign and submit an Isabel Permit Affidavit that states you are repairing and/or replacing what existed prior to Hurricane Isabel and the construction is in the same footprint, with no deviation from the original structure.
- These permits will be issued the same day while you wait.
- The fee for these permits is $65, which is the minimum permit fee.
Substantial damage (more than 50% of the market value of the structure) Applicants must submit a regular building permit application package indicating all the work to be done with appropriate plans and specifications. Permits will be reviewed in accordance with the Maryland Department of the Environment's coastal floodplain requirements. Inspections by the Department of Inspections and Permits are required for all construction except for the repairs that do not require a permit. For detailed information on what is required, applicants may call the Permit Application Center at (410) 222-7730. | 
