HSIA Building Permits

Why does the HSIA require and issue building permits?

To maintain the look and feel of our community as envisioned in the mid-1950s establishment of the Hillsmere Shores Improvement Association, the original covenants and deed restrictions outlined a series of requirements that control the use of the residential lots in our community. Recorded among the Land Records of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in Liber 900, Folio 334, they are binding as a matter of law and benefit all lot owners in Hillsmere Shores. The purpose of the Building Permits Committee is to help property owners conform to the requirements of the covenants for the benefit of the community.

When do you need a permit?

We encourage anyone having work done at their property to reach out to the HSIA Building Permit Chair before designing your structure. Failure to obtain a HSIA Building Permit will result in a stop work order. There are situations when a County Permit is not required, but an HSIA Permit is. Please check the AA County requirements as well as the HSIA Covenants before undertaking any building projects at your property. The responsibility of obtaining a HSIA Building Permit falls on the owner, not the contractor.

What is the process for obtaining an HSIA permit?

The following items are required to obtain an HSIA permit:

  • The contact information (phone numbers and email address) of the applicant and the address of the location of the building project. Please include a short description of the nature of the project.

●       A copy of the Anne Arundel County Building Permit. *

●       A “TO SCALE” copy of the site plan.

●       A “TO SCALE” copy of the plans and elevations of the structure(s). *

●       Cash or check in the amount of $25.00, made payable to HSIA.

* If required

You can forward these documents and the application fee in one of the following manners:

  1. Mail payment and all required documents to HSIA, PO BOX 3485, Annapolis MD 21403

  2. Drop off these documents in the mailbox at the Community House—119 Great Lake

  3. Email these documents to permits@hillsmereshores.org

 

How much time should I plan for a response to my application?

Please allow 10 working days to receive your permit. This allows time to make sure all of your documents are legible (do not take photos of documents and email them), review them, verify your request meets HSIA Covenants and setbacks, and contact you for any questions on the submission. Your permit will also be mailed via USPS, which may take several days. Please be sure to provide your current mailing address if it is different than the address on the AA County Building Permit.

If you have any questions on the setbacks, please revisit the HSIA Covenants, or feel free to ask before you go to the trouble of getting a county permit and find you cannot get an HSIA permit. If in doubt, or if you have any questions, please contact the HSIA Building Permit Chairman via email at permits@hillsmereshores.org or voicemail at 410-263-4456.

Any resident can request a variance should some restrictions not be adhered to. Please follow this link to our website for information about how to apply for a variance.