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HARFORD COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

LICENSING

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, LICENSES, & PERMITS

The Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits administers and enforces laws and regulations pertaining to abandoned buildings, animal control, building and construction, electrical installations, mobile homes, and plumbing. The Department also issues building and maintenance related permits, and licenses for dogs and regulated services such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing (County Code, secs. 16-1 through 16-11).

Under the Department are five divisions: Animal Control Services, Building Services, Electrical Services, Housing Services, and Plumbing Services.

ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES DIVISON
In cooperation with the Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., and the County Health Department, the Animal Control Services Division is responsible for enforcing the animal control section of the County Code. Animal control officers respond to reports of animal abuse or misuse, as well as dead, at-large, wild or nuisance animals. Dog licenses may be obtained through offices of the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits (County Code, secs. 64-1 through 64-30).

BUILDING SERVICES DIVISION
The Building Services Division issues licenses and permits regarding commercial and residential construction. For construction plans involving other divisions within the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits, the Division coordinates all related licenses and permits. Permits issued through the Division include: building, altering, or demolishing a structure; changing the use of a structure; or installing any equipment regulated by the County Code. Building permits regarding manufactured or mobile homes are also issued through the Division.

To obtain building permits for additions, remodeling, renovations, deck construction or replacement, or building a new home, plans must be submitted to the Division for approval.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES DIVISION
Responsible for the enforcement of the electrical code, and licensing electrical work performed in the County, the Electrical Services Division maintains a staff of certified electrical inspectors. The Division coordinates and conducts inspections with contractors, and maintains a record of all certified electrical work conducted in the County.

HOUSING SERVICES DIVISION
The Housing Services Division enforces livability standards established by State and local ordinances. Conducting inspections of standard and commercial residential contstruction, the Division also conducts inspections of manufactured and mobile homes. For mobile homes, the Division issues permits for electrical, and plumbing work, and coordinates related inspections. In addition, the Division investigates complaints related to landlord disputes and abandoned or unsafe structures.

PLUMBING SERVICES DIVISION
The Plumbing Services Division licenses and inspects all plumbing and gas work performed in the County. In addition, the Division licenses and inspects mechanical work (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and geothermal systems). The Division administers related exams, and maintains records regarding license holders, and inspectors.

Homeowners must apply for a one-time homeowners permit to perform plumbing work in their own home. An exam is required for the homeowners permit. No gas related plumbing work may be done under the homeowners permit.


BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

The Board of License Commissioners regulates the retail sale of alcoholic beverages in Harford County (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-112).

BOARD OF LIQUOR CONTROL

The Board of Liquor Control establishes and maintains county liquor dispensaries for the sale of wines and other alcoholic beverages (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-203).

In Harford County, the Board's five members are appointed by the County Executive with advice and consent of the Harford County Delegation and the County Council. Members serve three-year terms (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-201).

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 Maryland Manual On-Line, 2015

July 1, 2015

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