Construction Inspection Division

About the Construction Inspection Division

The Construction Inspection Division (CID) includes a combination of field inspectors and administrative staff. Site Construction Inspection Work is divided regionally into three inspection teams: East, Central, and West. Right-of-Way Utility Permits (RUP) for power and communications improvements within Howard County Right-of-Way are reviewed, issued, and the construction inspected by CID.

CID inspection teams ensure that capital and developer projects are constructed in accordance with the contract documents which include written agreements, approved plans, and specifications. All team members endeavor to assure contractor and developer site construction compliance to County standards as established in the Howard County Design Manual, Volume IV. CID inspects a number of construction improvements: capital projects, developer projects, all grading permits, large diameter pipe plumbing permits, and underground utility permits.

CID is responsible for inspection of construction improvements to roads, bridges, utilities, and grass areas, all of which are outside of residential or commercial buildings. Please see The Department of Inspections, License, and Permits (DILP) for inspection of residential or commercial buildings. The Howard Soil Conservation District reviews and approves the grading plan, The Department of Inspections, License, and Permits processes the grading permit application and publishes the grading permit. CID issues the grading permit on-site in the field, inspects the work, and recommends surety release for all grading permits in Howard County.

Capital projects are managed by Howard County Government to improve transportation, park, water and wastewater projects. These projects include: bridges, parks, roads, sidewalks, storm water management facilities, storm drain systems, water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, elevated water tanks and pumping facilities.

Developer Projects are managed by private entities to construct housing or businesses. These projects include residential neighborhoods, commercial areas for retail or business use, and industrial areas for manufacturing or processing. Construction on these projects often includes roads and utility systems that are dedicated to public use as well as site grading and storm water management facilities.

The Developer Process Flowchart outlines the steps that a typical developer project takes to fulfill the developer agreement for the construction of a community or neighborhood.