Natalie’s Library
Do I need a permit for a home addition in Kensington?
Natalie’s answer
“Yes, most home additions in Kensington require a permit through Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services, particularly when the work involves structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical components, while purely cosmetic work like painting does not; MOSS Building & Design handles the entire permitting process as part of their design-build service.”
Yes, a home addition in Kensingtonabsolutely requires permits, and nearly every element of the work triggers one. Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services oversees all residential remodeling in Kensington, and an addition, by its nature, involves structural framing, foundation work, and almost always electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or egress changes, all of which require permits. Purely cosmetic interior work such as painting or swapping cabinet hardware does not, but those elements represent a small fraction of any true addition. Montgomery County's standard plan review runs 10 to 15 business days from a complete submission, with each revision cycle adding another 7 to 10 days, so the realistic window from submission to permit in hand is typically 20 to 30 business days. If your home falls within Kensington's Historic District, exterior alterations also require review by the Historic Preservation Commission, which examines materials, proportions, and design details to ensure compatibility with the neighborhood's architectural character.
Under MOSS's design-build model, pulling the permit is our responsibility, not yours. Our design team prepares the detailed, scaled drawings that Montgomery County requires along with the full permit application package. We submit everything to the Department of Permitting Services, respond to any reviewer comments, coordinate any Historic Preservation Commission submissions if your property requires them, and schedule all required inspections from framing through final sign-off. You stay focused on the design decisions that matter to you while we manage the paperwork and the process.
That permit process exists for good reason. It ensures every phase of construction is inspected against current Montgomery County building codes, protecting the structural integrity, fire safety, and habitability of your home. When you eventually sell, a properly permitted addition carries clean documentation that reassures buyers and their inspectors rather than raising red flags. If your neighborhood has an active homeowners association with an architectural review committee, MOSS also recommends engaging them early alongside the county process, since HOA requirements around exterior materials, setbacks, or construction timelines can run parallel to the permit review and are best resolved before plans are finalized.