Baltimore County has announced Baltimore County Builds, a coordinated effort to update the County’s development, permitting, and regulatory systems– a major step that brings several improvements under one umbrella and will introduce a new online platform that will make it easier for residents, businesses, and builders to access County services. 

From the county press release:

“Baltimore County Builds is about making government work better for the people we serve,” said County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “From getting a permit approved to helping small businesses grow, we’re making the development process simpler and more responsive.”

Three Pillars of Baltimore County Builds

Baltimore County Builds is structured around three main pillars:

• technology modernization
• process efficiency
• regulatory updates.

Technology Modernization

The initiative’s technology upgrades are centered on the transition to a new portal with Accela. The first phase will cover plumbing, gas, and electrical permits and trade licenses and is expected to launch in late summer 2026.

Process Efficiency

Under the process efficiency pillar, the County is streamlining the development review process, changing how permits are granted so that residents’ and builders’ paths are smoother.

Regulatory Updates: Local Growth

Highlighting the initiative’s focus on regulatory reform, the County Council recently passed legislation that would allow artisan and small-scale manufacturing in select Commercial Revitalization Districts – known as artisan manufacturing.

Baltimore County Builds represents more than a system upgrade, it positions the county to better support housing needs, small business growth, infrastructure investment, and community development. Together, these pillars guide the County’s work to streamline the entire permitting and licensing process, making it faster, simpler, and more convenient by cutting red tape.