Talbot County Local Guide

Your Guide to Settling In

View Your Guide to Settling Into Talbot County (PDF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)A helpful, print friendly checklist for your move by LizyTylerCo · www.lizytylerco.com

• Request USPS mail forwarding and confirm the start date.
• Update important accounts and contacts, including banks, insurers, your employer and relevant agencies.
• Update applicable Maryland license or ID and vehicle addresses. Arriving from another state? Follow the new resident process.
• If eligible, register or update your voter address and confirm the change.
• Confirm utility providers at the exact address, arrange account transfers and start dates, and compare internet availability before scheduling installation.
• Confirm town, landlord or private trash collection. Check county disposal and recycling guidance for materials that need a separate trip.
• Enroll in Talbot County emergency alerts using the department’s Everbridge link, or update your existing address and contact preferences.

A practical starting list, not every task that may apply to your move. Confirm requirements with each agency or provider.

Settling in sources reviewed 10/17/2026

Find the Right Office

Begin with municipal boundaries, not just the postal address. County Permits and Inspections excludes the incorporated towns of Easton, St. Michaels, Trappe, Oxford and Queen Anne from its building permit jurisdiction. Contact the relevant town for a property within those boundaries.

County Planning and Zoning handles county land use questions. Well and septic reviews go through the Talbot County Health Department. Ask which town, county and state approvals apply before commissioning plans.

Set Up Utilities and Care for Septic Systems

Confirm providers against the full address and existing accounts. Easton Utilities is one local operator, not a countywide provider. The Maryland PSC utility directory can help identify other companies. Ask the seller or landlord which transfers you must arrange.

Public water and sewer arrangements vary. County wastewater service guidance identifies sanitary districts and directs residents to check its service area map before requesting service. Some areas use municipal systems, while others rely on private wells and septic systems. A nearby pipe does not establish a connection.

For private systems, obtain well, septic and maintenance records. Ask the Health Department about review and permits before modifying or expanding a system, or changing a building’s use.

Internet Access

Check the full address in the FCC National Broadband Map, then confirm installation, serviceability, equipment and total pricing directly with providers. A coverage report is not a guarantee of immediate connection.

Talbot County Free Library offers public WiFi and computer access at its Easton and St. Michaels branches. Review its technology services and locations and hours before planning a work session.

Recycling and Household Waste

Talbot County does not operate or manage curbside trash collection. Check municipal, landlord or private hauler arrangements for the address. Easton Public Works publishes town collection information, which should not be applied to rural addresses.

The county solid waste page explains resident drop off at the Midshore Regional Solid Waste Facility on Barkers Landing Road and links recycling information. Check the exact material, vehicle, fee and opening rules before loading a vehicle. Bulky items, construction debris and household hazardous waste need separate planning.

Find Property Records and Tax Bills

Select Talbot County in SDAT Real Property Data Search to check the account number, owner and assessed value. Assessment records are different from current tax balances.

The county tax information page links real property bills and payment services. Ask about any municipal billing and reconcile mortgage escrow payments. Use the Maryland Courts land records guide to find recorded deeds and related documents.

Find Tax Information and Relief

Maryland’s Homestead Property Tax Credit limits qualifying increases in taxable assessment on an eligible principal residence. Check your application status rather than assuming the previous owner’s approval transfers to you.

The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit is a separate income based program with an annual application. Review current eligibility and deadlines directly with SDAT, and ask the county about any additional local relief. A pending application does not automatically reduce the amount due.

Plan a Renovation

Prepare a project description and a survey or plat before requesting estimates. Confirm zoning, setbacks, floodplain, historic district and Critical Area reviews with the county or town. Shoreline work and changes to lot coverage can involve approvals beyond the building permit.

For a private well or septic system, discuss changes with Environmental Health before finalizing the design. Obtain existing system records and ask whether the project changes approved use or capacity. HOA and condominium permissions are separate from public approvals.

Project and permit guidance · Environmental Health contact directory

Put your goals, priorities, questions and next steps in one place.View Home Project Planning Sheet (PDF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)To keep completed entries, save a copy with your changes using the PDF viewer’s controls.

Understand Permits and Inspections

Check county permit guidance or the appropriate town before starting construction, alterations, demolition or trade work. Do not assume one permit covers every part of a project.

The county links its current OpenGov permitting portal for applications and inspections. Agree with your contractor who will obtain permits and arrange required inspections. Keep approved plans, inspection results and final approvals with the property records.

Repair and Housing Assistance

Start with Maryland DHCD repair program contacts and ask which office serves your Talbot County address. Confirm current intake, eligible work, income rules, funding and repayment terms before signing a contract.

For septic replacement or an eligible sewer connection, county Public Works guidance links the Bay Restoration Fund program. Eligibility and available funding require confirmation. Do not assume every repair program is a grant or reimburses completed work.

Check a Contractor

For home improvement work, check the business and license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Match the licensed name to the contract, request insurance information and references, and confirm separately any required trade license.

Get a written scope, payment schedule and responsibility for permits and inspections before authorizing work. Keep changes in writing. A license check does not establish that a particular design or property alteration is approved.

Keep useful questions and conversation notes together as you compare your options.View Questions Before Hiring a Contractor (PDF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)