Apply for a Permit

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When you apply for a permit with us, you probably want to know how long the process will take. Each application is unique, but we set standard processing times to give you a general idea of what to expect.

The time it takes to review and decide on a permit application depends on many factors, including the type of permit, the complexity of the request, and whether public input is required. Each year, we calibrate estimated processing times to recent data.

For most types of permits, 90% of applications are processed within the standard time frame. Some may take less time, while others may take longer if they involve special circumstances.

While we strive to process applications as quickly as possible, certain factors may delay the process. These include:

  • Missing or incomplete information in the application

  • Required public review periods

  • Environmental or legal complexities that need additional evaluation

Roles and Responsibilities

  • The permit applicant—typically the owner or operator of a facility—is responsible for ensuring that all permit conditions are met. This includes compliance with environmental regulations, reporting requirements, and any special conditions outlined in the final permit.

  • A consultant may be hired to assist with completing the permit application and ensuring all technical requirements are met. However, the applicant remains accountable for the overall permit process, from submission to compliance with final permit conditions.

Key Milestones to Monitor

Applicants should closely track important steps in the permit process, including:

  • Submission and approval of a complete application

  • Providing supplemental information if requested, within the given timeline

  • Participation in public meetings, where applicable, to review the draft permit and provide information to the community

  • Review of public comments, which may influence final permit conditions

  • Understanding special conditions that may be included in the permit

  • Final permit issuance and renewal requirements, ensuring continued compliance and timely renewal when necessary

We encourage applicants to review the estimated processing times before applying. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, our staff is available to help guide you through the process.


Air and Radiation Administration​

General Permit to Construct 

45 days 

Air Quality Permit to Construct 

4 months - without expanded public review 

5 months – synthetic minor permits without expanded public review 

15 months - with expanded public review 

New Source Review Approval 

15 months 

Prevention of Significant Air Quality Deterioration 

15 months 

Air Quality State Permit to Operate 

4 months 

Part 70 (Title V) Permit to Operate 

18 months for new permits 

15 months for renewals 

Asbestos Contractor License 

60 days 

Asbestos Training Provider Approval 

3 months 

Incinerator Operator Certification 

30 days 

Incinerator Training Course Approval 

60 days 

Fleet Inspection Station License 

30 days 

Emissions Repair Facility   Certification 

30 days 

Master Certified Emissions Technician   Certificate 

30 days 

Radiation Machine Facility Registration 

60 days for dental and veterinary machines 

4 months for all other machines 

Certification of Machines Emitting   Radiation 

6 months 

Radioactive Materials License 

12 months for new and renewals 

90 days for amendments and terminations 

Private Inspector License For Inspecting X-Ray Machines 

60 days 

Reciprocal Recognition of Out-of-State Radioactive Material Licenses 

21 days 



Land and Materials Administration​

Refuse Disposal Permit 

9 months for transfer stations 

9 months for processing facilities 

9 months for processing facilities & transfer stations 

12 months for incinerators 

12 months for land-clearing debris landfills 

24 months for industrial landfills 

36 months for rubble landfills 

36 months for municipal landfills 

Groundwater Discharge Permit for Rubble Landfill 

18 months 

Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit 

150 days – research project 

4 months – transportation 

6 months – utilization or disposal at a sanitary   landfill, energy generation, or incineration 

8 months – marketing 

12 months – land application 

24 months – treatment, composting, distribution   facility, or storage 

36 months – sewage sludge landfill 

24 months – innovative projects 

General Discharge Permit for Animal Feeding Operations 

160 days for new construction 

36 months for renewal 

Natural Wood Waste Recycling Individual Facility Permit 

9 months 

Natural Wood Waste Recycling Facility General Permit 

60 days 

Individual Composting Facility Permit 

220 days 

General Composting Facility Permit 

120 days 

Scrap Tire Hauler 

6 months 

Scrap Tire Collection Facilities (General and Secondary) 

6 months 

Scrap Tire Solid Waste Acceptance Facility 

9 months 

Scrap Tire TDF/Substitute Fuel Facility 

9 months 

Scrap Tire Primary Collection Facility 

12 months 

Scrap Tire Recyclers 

12 months 

Oil Operations Permit – Storage, Delivery, Transfer in Maryland (OPT) 

24 months 

Oil Operations Permit – Delivery Only (OPV) 

12 months 

Oil Operations Permit – Solidification of Oil Sludge,  Refuse, and/or Oil Mixed with Other Wastes (OPX) 

12 months 

Oil Operations Permit – Oil Contaminated Soil Storage and Treatment (OPS) 

18 months 

Oil Transfer License 

45 days 

General Permits for Discharge of Treated Groundwater from Oil Contaminated Groundwater Sources to Surface or Groundwaters of the State (OGR) 

30 days 

General Permits for Discharge of Stormwater and Hydrostatic Test Water from Oil Terminals to Surface  or Groundwaters of the State (OGT) 

12 months 

Surface Water Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODS) 

12 months 

Groundwater Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODG) 

12 months 

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Technician, Remover, and Inspector Certifications 

40 days 

Controlled Hazardous Substances Facility Permit 

24 months 

Hazardous Waste; EPA Identification Number 

30 days 

Controlled Hazardous Substances Hauler and Vehicle Certifications 

60 days 

Special Medical Waste (SMW) Hauler and Vehicle Certifications 

60 days 

Coal Mining Permit 

12 months 

Surface Coal Mining Blaster Certification 

Immediately on passing exam 

Coal Mining Operator License 

30 days 

Non-Coal Mining Permit 

4 months 

Non-Coal Mining License 

20 days 

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production 

5 months 

Lead Paint Accreditations 

90 days 

Lead Paint Training Course Approvals

90 days 

Lead Paint Instructor Approvals 

90 days 

Voluntary Cleanup Program 

60 days to determine if application is accepted 

75 days to review action plan 


Water and Science Administration

General Discharge Permit Registrations (excluding   Construction Activities and Animal Feeding Operations) 

100 days for all general permits 

Individual Permit for Wastewater Discharges 

12 months for new minor surface facilities 

18 months for new surface major facilities 

24 months for renewal surface discharge facilities 

18 months for new groundwater discharge facilities 

34 months for renewal groundwater discharge   facilities 

Water and Sewerage Construction Permit 

3 months 

Water Appropriation and Use Permit 

90 days for under 10,000 gallons per day 

18 months for over 10,000 gallons per day 

Well Construction Permit 

30 days 

Drinking Water Laboratory Certification 

4 months 

Nontidal Wetlands and Waterway Construction (Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Permits) 

6 months for minor projects 

12 months for major projects 

90 days for stream restoration projects when no   public hearing is requested 

Tidal Wetland Licenses and Permits 

90 days for minor projects 

8 months for major projects when no public hearing   is requested 

11 months for major projects when a public hearing   is requested 

Erosion/Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Plan Approvals 

9 months 

Erosion and Sediment Control - Responsible Personnel Certification - Online 

1 day 

Erosion and Sediment Control - Responsible Personnel Training Program Approval 

4 weeks 

General Discharge Permit Registrations (excluding   Construction Activities and Animal Feeding Operations) 

100 days for all general permits 

Individual Permit for Wastewater Discharges 

12 months for new minor surface facilities 

18 months for new surface major facilities 

24 months for renewal surface discharge facilities 

18 months for new groundwater discharge facilities 

34 months for renewal groundwater discharge   facilities 

General Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity 

45 days 

Individual Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity 

12 months 

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit 

36 months 

Dam Safety Permit (major project) 

36 months 

Dam Safety Permit (minor project) 

18 months 

Dam Safety (small pond) 

18 months 

Dam Safety Permit Exemption 

6 months 

Dam Safety Permit (removal) 

36 months 

Waterworks and Waste Systems Operator Certification 

60 days for all licenses 

Well Driller License 

6 months for new licenses 

30 days for renewals 

Marine Contractor’s License 

3 months for new licenses  

 60 days for renewals 


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