Grading Permit

A Grading Permit is sometimes required when a project involves disturbance to the Earth's surface.  

 A Grading Permit is required if the proposed project fails to meet the limitations (1-12) of the Standard Grading Plan.  These limitations are: 

  1. The lot where the work is to be performed is on a paved, graveled or publicly maintained street where storm drains are in operation and roadside ditches are stabilized.
  2. Not more than 5,000 square feet of ground shall be disturbed.
  3. Cuts and fills shall not exceed 10 feet in depth or heights and shall not exceed 100 cubic yards in volume.
  4. Slopes with a grade of 15% or greater shall not be disturbed and slopes steeper than 3:1 may not be created.
  5. No earth disturbance shall occur within the following with the exception of shoreline stabilization projects and retaining wall replacements in kind: a. the limits of the 100 year floodplain of any stream; b. 100 feet of any perennial stream or water body; c. 100 feet landward of Mean High Water Line of any water body affected by tidal action, d. 100 feet from any tidal wetland or bog; or e. 25 feet of any non-tidal wetland except for an approved Buffer Management Plan approved by the County Forester for clearing less than 5,000 square feet of vegetation.
  6. The owner, builder or developer is not the same owner, builder or developer of any contiguous lots undergoing development.
  7. The proposed construction is not a single family dwelling.
  8. Any proposed grading will not impair existing surface drainage, constitute a potential erosion hazard or act as a source of sedimentation to adjacent land or watercourse or impact an erosion and sediment control plan previously approved by the Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District.
  9. The site conditions must be such that it is possible to satisfy the required erosion and sediment control requirements by the use of reinforced silt fence, a stabilized construction entrance and vegetative stabilization.
  10. The applicant has submitted a site plan adequately showing the property lines, site conditions, and the proposed work which is attached hereto and made a part thereof.
  11. For work in the Critical Area, the applicant has submitted a Critical Area Worksheet detailing existing, and proposed lot coverage and impervious cover.
  12. The proposed work does not require a State Waterway or Wetland Permit except where the project is a shoreline stabilization project.
Please Note: If you are applying online using the Land Use Navigator system, you will enter application information online for the selected permit. Any additional applications, worksheets, or plans required will need to be uploaded to the system as attachments and can be downloaded below. Certain documents listed below may not be required for every project.

If you are submitting in person or by mail and have plans that exceed 11x17 inches, refer to the list of copies required.

Grading Permit

Apply Online

To apply online, access the Land Use Navigator system: 

Land Use Navigator

If you are a first time user of the Land Use Navigator system, access the Help Site to get started


Apply In Person

Customers may apply in person at the Permit Center. Staff will assist you with submitting your application using the Land Use Navigator system at a kiosk. Please bring any plans that may be required.


Apply By Mail

Customers can mail completed applications and other submittal requirements to: 

2664 Riva Road, MS 6201
Attention: Permit Center
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

To check on the status of your permit, access the Land Use Navigator system:

Land Use Navigator

If you are a first time user of the Land Use Navigator system, access the Help Site to get started


For questions about your permit status, call (410)222-7730.

To schedule an inspection, access the Land Use Navigator system:

Land Use Navigator

If you are a first time user of the Land Use Navigator system, access the Help Site to get started


For questions about your scheduling your inspection, call (410)222-4432.

To check on the result of your inspection, access the Land Use Navigator system:

Land Use Navigator

If you are a first time user of the Land Use Navigator system, access the Help Site to get started


For questions about your inspection status, call (410)222-4432.