Permit fees vary, depending upon the structure and size. Building permits are required for construction such as new housing, additions, basement finishing, pools, decks, and fireplaces. Permits are not required for patios laid directly on grade, for sheds less than 100 square feet or for replacing roofing. A building permit is not required to replace kitchen counters and cabinets, but an electrical or plumbing permit may be required . Other permits may take two or three weeks.
Free collection is available for apartments and condominiums upon request by their managing company.
Residents in the metropolitan area also have yard trimmings and Christmas tree collections. The county provides trash collection once a week for those homes using a curbside trash set-out. All about Howard County's trash service. After the county connection is installed, each homeowner's plumber installs the remainder of the system. Utility workers will investigate the problem.