What Happens When You Build Without Permits?

A Chesapeake Bay homeowner on a small wooded island builds a 3,500-square-foot house without permits.

1 minute read

December 13, 2004, 7:00 AM PST

"County inspectors happened to see the house this year while investigating a complaint at a nearby property. They're still unsure exactly when it was built.

...County officials have told Wagner, who lives in the house, to go through the permit process retroactively or face possible fines or demolition. The Army Corps of Engineers is also pressuring the builder to remove a 71-foot gravel road he built on coastal wetlands to create a boat launch to the island.

...Dixon, a 15-year veteran, said she has seen the county demolish home additions, piers and garages that were built without permits. But she said that until this year, she had never seen people build whole houses without permits."

Thanks to Urban-Policy Discussion Group

FULL STORY: Big home lacks only one thing: permits

Monday, December 6, 2004 in The Baltimore Sun

Housing Maryland

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.