Concrete Permit Guide for Gaithersburg & Montgomery County

Some concrete projects require permits or formal approvals, while others do not. The answer depends on project scope, structural characteristics, right-of-way impact, and which specific government entity holds permitting authority over the property. Having a 'Gaithersburg, MD 20877' mailing address does not automatically mean a property sits within incorporated City of Gaithersburg municipal limits.

Two Distinct Local Permitting Authorities

• City of Gaithersburg (Planning & Code Administration): Holds jurisdiction over properties inside incorporated City limits (City Hall, 31 S. Summit Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877; Phone: 301-258-6330; Email: permitting@gaithersburgmd.gov).
• Montgomery County DPS (Department of Permitting Services): Holds jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Montgomery County surrounding Gaithersburg (DPS, 2425 Reedie Dr, 7th Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902; Phone: MC311 / 240-777-0311).

Both jurisdictions enforce adopted model building codes (such as 2021 IBC / 2021 IRC) with local amendments, but permit application portals, fee structures, and administrative workflows differ:

While routine flatwork replacement on private land frequently proceeds without building permits, specific project scopes trigger mandatory agency review:

1. Public Right-of-Way Work (Driveway Aprons, Curbs, Sidewalks)

Any concrete work constructed between the private property line and the public roadway edge — including driveway aprons, curb cuts, and public sidewalk panels — requires a Right-of-Way (ROW) Driveway Permit from either the City of Gaithersburg Public Works / Permitting division or Montgomery County DPS Right-of-Way section, depending on road ownership.

2. Retaining Walls & Poured Concrete Walls

In Montgomery County DPS jurisdiction, a permit is required to construct a retaining wall if the retained height is over 3 feet (36 inches), or if it will be supporting any surcharge load (such as sloped soil, driveways, or structures), crosses a lot line, is located in problem soils, or is part of a tiered retaining wall system. Walls over 7 feet require Special Inspection Program submittals.

3. Patios & Paved Flatwork Altering Drainage

According to official City of Gaithersburg guidelines, permits ARE required when constructing patios or paved areas that alter the existing drainage pattern of the property.

4. Concrete Footings for Additions & Accessory Structures

Concrete footings and foundation walls for home additions, garages, covered porches, and accessory buildings (sheds, gazebos) require building permits and structural plan reviews in both jurisdictions.

Step-by-Step Verification Checklist

• Step 1 — Verify Property Jurisdiction: Use Montgomery County's My Montgomery portal or City of Gaithersburg GIS maps to confirm whether the address sits inside incorporated City limits.
• Step 2 — Define Project Dimensions: Measure slab area, wall retained height, distance to property lines, and right-of-way boundaries.
• Step 3 — Check Right-of-Way Impact: Determine if construction vehicles or new concrete cross property lines, public sidewalks, or street curbs.
• Step 4 — Review Official Agency Portals: Visit the City of Gaithersburg Permitting & Inspections page or Montgomery County DPS eServices portal.
• Step 5 — Contact Permitting Staff: When uncertain, call City Permitting at 301-258-6330 or County DPS via MC311 (240-777-0311) for official guidance.

Official Agency Resources & Contact Verification

• City of Gaithersburg Planning & Code Administration: 31 S. Summit Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 | Phone: 301-258-6330 | Email: permitting@gaithersburgmd.gov
• Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services: 2425 Reedie Dr, 7th Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902 | Phone: MC311 / 240-777-0311

Disclaimer: Permit rules, fee schedules, and review procedures change over time. Gaithersburg Concrete assists property owners with scope planning, but official permit requirements must be verified with the applicable City or County agency prior to construction. Last Reviewed: October 2026.