Kitchen Remodeling Guide
Kitchen Remodel Permits in Bethesda and Nearby: DPS, WSSC, Rockville and Chevy Chase
A kitchen remodel permit in Montgomery County, MD is needed when the work changes walls, wiring, plumbing, gas or ductwork. Replacing cabinets, flooring or paint usually isn't. Montgomery County DPS issues building and electrical permits, WSSC Water issues plumbing and gas permits, and the City of Rockville and some towns add their own layer.
| Permit type | Who issues it |
|---|---|
| Building and electrical | Montgomery County DPS |
| Plumbing and gas | WSSC Water |
| Rockville addresses | City of Rockville |
| Historic properties | HAWP only for exterior changes |
Do I Need a Permit to Remodel My Kitchen?
Yes, if you move or add walls, circuits, plumbing, gas lines or ductwork. No, if you only replace cabinets in place, refinish floors or paint. This applies across kitchen remodeling in Bethesda and the rest of unincorporated Montgomery County.
| Work | Permit? | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets installed or replaced | No | DPS no-permit list |
| Floor coverings | No | DPS no-permit list |
| Wall repair and painting | No | DPS no-permit list |
| Receptacles replaced in the same spot | No | DPS no-permit list |
| New or moved circuits and lighting | Yes | DPS electrical |
| Moved sink, dishwasher or gas range | Yes | WSSC Water |
| Removing or opening a wall | Yes | DPS building; engineer drawings if load-bearing |
| Countertop and appliance swaps | Not on the DPS list | Confirm with DPS |
Source: Montgomery County DPS, Guide to Building Permits and Home Improvements.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
No, not in unincorporated Montgomery County, as long as plumbing and wiring stay where they are. Cabinets are on the DPS no-permit list. A condo board or HOA may still want to approve the work.
Do I Need a Permit to Move a Sink or Gas Range?
Yes. WSSC Water issues plumbing and gas permits in Montgomery County. Most plumbing and all gas work must be done by a WSSC-licensed plumber or gasfitter, who applies through WSSC's online ePermitting. Rockville addresses follow the area table below.
Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Kitchen Wall?
Yes. Removing or opening a wall is a building alteration. A load-bearing wall also needs engineer drawings for the beam and posts, and it rules the project out of DPS Fast Track.
Who Issues Kitchen Permits in Each Area
Unincorporated areas (Bethesda, Potomac, North Bethesda, Cabin John) use Montgomery County DPS and WSSC Water. Rockville and the Chevy Chase and Kensington towns add their own rules.
| Area | Building and electrical | Plumbing and gas | Extra layer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethesda, Potomac, North Bethesda, Cabin John | DPS | WSSC Water | None |
| City of Rockville | City of Rockville (MGO Connect) | City; WSSC Water for addresses on WSSC water | City review |
| Town of Chevy Chase | DPS | WSSC Water | Town permit for additions, demolition, large decks and patios, fences and dumpsters, after the County permit |
| Chevy Chase Village | DPS | WSSC Water | No Village permit for interior-only work; $30 dumpster permit |
| Chevy Chase View | DPS | WSSC Water | Town permit for construction and additions, after the County permit |
| North Chevy Chase | DPS | WSSC Water | No permit for interior-only work |
| Kensington | DPS | WSSC Water | Town permit for alterations; Town permit for dumpsters over 2 cu yd |
How Long Does a Kitchen Permit Take in Montgomery County?
A kitchen remodel under 400 square feet with no load-bearing wall can qualify for DPS Residential Fast Track, issued in three to five days in most cases. Other projects go through standard review. Fast Track excludes properties on a private well or septic.
| Path | Typical time |
|---|---|
| DPS Fast Track (≤400 sq ft, no load-bearing wall) | 3–5 days |
| DPS standard review | Longer; depends on review comments |
| Rockville, first review of alterations | 28 calendar days |
| Rockville trade permits | 2 days |
Rockville figures: City review timeframes, updated 10/05/26. See where permits fit in the remodel timeline.
What Does a Kitchen Remodel Permit Cost?
In unincorporated Montgomery County, an alteration permit costs $0.78 per square foot plus a filing fee of 50% of the permit fee, with a $329.59 minimum (FY27 schedule, 1 Jul 2026 to 30 Jun 2027).
Worked example, 200 sq ft kitchen: 200 × $0.78 = $156, plus a $78 filing fee = $234. That's below the minimum, so the fee is $329.59.
Electrical and WSSC plumbing and gas fees are separate, and DPS sets the final fee at issue. See permit fees in the cost breakdown.
The Kitchen Permit Process, Step by Step
- Prepare drawings. Layout, electrical and plumbing plans, plus engineer drawings for structural work.
- Apply online. DPS eServices for building and electrical; Rockville's MGO Connect; WSSC ePermitting for plumbing and gas.
- Answer review comments. Reviewers may ask for changes or more detail.
- Receive and post the permit at the house.
- Pass inspections: rough-in, framing if walls change, then final.
- Close the permit after the final inspection passes.
We pull the building and electrical permits, and our WSSC-licensed plumber or gasfitter pulls the plumbing and gas permits. See how a full kitchen renovation and its inspections run.
Historic Homes: When a Kitchen Remodel Needs a HAWP
Only when the exterior changes. Montgomery Planning says interior work doesn't need Historic Preservation Commission review. A Historic Area Work Permit applies to additions, bump-outs, new windows or doors and other exterior changes on a designated property. Some towns, including Chevy Chase Village, Garrett Park and Kensington, review the work before you apply. More on kitchen additions and bump-outs.
Condo and HOA Approvals for Kitchen Remodels
A condo board or HOA approval is separate from a county permit, and you usually need both. Boards typically ask for:
- An alteration request with drawings
- The contractor's credentials and certificates of insurance
- Agreed work hours
- Booked elevator and loading-dock time
Rules differ by building, so we confirm them before scheduling. See condo kitchen remodels in Bethesda.
Lead-Safe Rules for Kitchens in Pre-1978 Homes
Renovation that disturbs paint in a home built before 1978 must be done by an EPA-certified firm using lead-safe work practices. The rule applies once work disturbs more than 6 square feet of interior paint per room, or 20 square feet outside. Bethesda Kitchen Pros is an EPA RRP certified firm. See our certifications.
What Happens If You Remodel a Kitchen Without a Permit?
You risk a stop-work order, fines, having to open finished walls for inspection, and problems when you sell. Buyers' inspectors and appraisers often ask for permit records for kitchen work.
Kitchen Remodeling Services That Need Permits
- Full kitchen renovation in Bethesda: building, electrical, plumbing and often gas permits
- Open-concept and wall removal: a building permit with engineer drawings
- Islands with power or a sink: electrical and plumbing permits
- Additions and bump-outs: a building permit, plus a HAWP on historic exteriors
- Small and condo kitchens: permits for any wiring or plumbing changes, plus board approval
Frequently Asked Questions
The contractor should. We file and close every permit on our jobs.
Countertops aren't on the DPS no-permit list, so confirm with DPS. It usually depends on whether plumbing or wiring changes.
Only for some work. Most plumbing and all gas work needs a WSSC-licensed plumber or gasfitter.
Need a kitchen remodeler in Montgomery County? Call (301) 953-6768
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Let Us Handle Your Kitchen Remodel Permits
Every kitchen remodel permit in Montgomery County, MD goes through DPS, WSSC Water or a town office, and each has its own inspections. We file, track and close them for you as part of the job.