Smithsburg Residents to See Permitting Services Transition to Washington County

Smithsburg residents will experience a significant shift in how building permits and inspections are handled beginning September 9, 2025. As announced by the town, all such services will be managed by the Washington County Permits Office, located at 747 Northern Ave in Hagerstown, Maryland. This change aims to streamline the permitting process for individuals and contractors alike.

The Washington County Division of Permits & Inspections is encouraging the public to utilize online resources for all permit applications and related activities. The primary platform for submitting applications is the Citizens Portal, accessible via the county’s website at washco-md.net/permits-and-inspections. Prior registration is required to create a user account for full access to the portal’s services. For those who prefer or require a physical copy, paper applications will still be available at Smithsburg Town Hall. However, residents are advised to use this manual option only if electronic submission is not feasible. Inquiries and permit documentation can also be directed to permsupport@washco-md.net, with county staff monitoring this email address daily.

To further enhance convenience, the Washington County Division of Permits & Inspections has implemented an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Contractors and citizens can access this automated system by calling 240-313-2488. Through the IVR, users can schedule and cancel inspections, retrieve inspection results, and check the status of building permits, all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This system is designed to make the construction and permitting process more efficient and user-friendly. When using the IVR system, it is crucial to use the correct identification number. Building permit information requires the building permit activity number. For stand-alone plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits, the individual trade permit number must be used. Project numbers, which begin with the letter “P,” are not compatible with the IVR system for transactions. Inspections requested before midnight will be scheduled for the following business day.

In addition to the service transition, changes have been made to permit fee collection. Permit fees are no longer be required at the time of application submission, and this payment option has been temporarily disabled. Once a permit is processed, a permit technician will contact the applicant with the total amount due. Payments can still be made online after receiving notification of the fees. Furthermore, a new requirement is in effect for all new residential one and two-family dwellings, as well as additions to existing structures. These projects must now comply with the residential provisions of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). An Energy Efficiency Form must be completed and submitted at the time of permit application.

The Accela Citizen Access Portal, a component of the county’s e-government services, is available to citizens, businesses, and visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The portal offers various government services and community information, with the goal of making interactions with the county more efficient, convenient, and interactive. While anonymous users can access general information and have some limited services, full utilization of all features requires user registration and account creation. The county aims to provide a higher level of service through these digital platforms to improve the experience of living and working within the community. It is important to note that all applications should be submitted through the Citizen Access portal and will no longer be accepted via email.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Town of Smithsburg and Washington County Government

---