Permits Notices & Alerts
New Trade Permits Accepted in Momentum
As of Monday, April 24, 2023, new trade permits (electrical and mechanical) that do not require a building permit will be accepted in Momentum. Read more here.
The Business Development Section (BDS) Presents a Summer Webinar Series
Join Us for a Free Instructional Presentation Every Month of Summer!
BDS is featuring the following webinars on the permitting and licensing process in Prince George’s County. Click on the following links to register:
- July 26, 12:00 noon ― DPIE Business Licenses
- August 31, 12:00 noon ― Introduction to the Business Development Section
New Requirement Helps Streamline the Permit Process for Residential Fences
DPIE's Site/Road Plan Review Division (SRPRD) has streamlined permitting procedures for Residential Fence Permits by designing a form that establishes when a permit review is needed or not needed by the SRPRD. The landowner is required to sign and submit the new "Residential Fence/Gate Owner Certification" form for all residential fence permits. This form will help shorten the timeframe for residential fence permits by predetermining the review steps in order to keep the permit moving forward.
New Document Clarifies Requirements for Change of Occupancy (Use) per Current Codes
DPIE's Building Plan Review Division's (BPRD) chief, Nabeel Waseem, has written a document in collaboration with Associate Director Bellur Ravishankar and staff to review applicable building codes to assist customers who need clarity in planning change of use vs. building changes. The document provides information on: applicable building codes to determine the change of occupancy/use; conditions where a plan review Is NOT required by the BPRD; BPRD's requirements for change of occupancy/use; and common examples of change of occupancy/use. Click to access the "Change of Occupancy (Use) per the Building Code" document.
Important Message
DPIE is experiencing lengthy delays in permit application and building plan reviews for several reasons: higher than normal application submittals, staff shortages due to retirement, staff resignations and other factors. To address these delays, DPIE is utilizing overtime, employing contract plan reviewers and providing residential templates for deck design to reduce review times. DPIE is also providing outreach community information sessions to walk residents through processes.
Rent Stabilization Act of 2023 Goes into Effect April 17 Limiting Rent Increases for Some Renters to 3 Percent Annually
Landlords in Prince George’s County are now limited in the amount they can increase existing rent in certain rental units. To learn more, see the Rent Stabilization Act FAQs.
Definition of "Raze" as it Pertains to Structure
Important information clarifying the definition of "Raze" as it pertains to a structure and define "Interior Demolition" and "Partial Demolition". Read more here.
Change to Pool Permit Process
Problems have been observed by DPIE related to pool construction projects, such as drainage swales being interrupted and other issues. To address the problems, DPIE will now require pool permit contractors to file a site plan that includes existing and proposed topographic contours and spot elevations. The site plans must include a design that maintains code-compliant drainage pathways through the property. The site plan must be signed and sealed by an engineer, land surveyor or landscape architect. Refer to Prince George’s County Code 32-151 for more code information. Contact the DPIE Site/Road Plan Review Division at 301-636-2060 for questions.
School Facilities Surcharge and Public Safety Impact Fees Adjusted
Effective July 1, 2022, the School Facilities Surcharge and Public Safety Surcharge fees were adjusted for inflation for Fiscal Year 2023 by an increase of 8.3% on new residential construction for which a building permit is issued, as required by Maryland State Law and ordinances (CR-079-2022 and CR-080-2022) enacted by the Prince George’s County Council per the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the United States Department of Labor. Click to view the "Notice: School Facilities Surcharge and Public Safety Impact Fees Adjusted."
Homeowners No Longer Need Appointments for Walk-through Permits
Beginning July 1, 2022, homeowners will no longer be required to make an appointment for Walk-through Permits. Customers will be assisted at the Virtual Permit Center Café (VPC) on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For additional information, view the NEW Virtual Permit Process for Homeowners page.
Considering a home improvement or residential building project?
DPIE experts help you navigate the permit application process!
DPIE is holding virtual monthly seminars on a variety of topics in our Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions series. This month’s Zoom seminar, “Mastering the DPIE Permit Application Process,” included a PowerPoint presentation, with directions by permitting staff and a Q&A session. If you missed it, you may view the presentation at Mastering the DPIE Permit Application Process or click the image.
DPIE Connect — Mini Preliminary Design Review Meeting
Effective May 1, 2022, DPIE is encouraging small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in our new DPIE Connect program. DPIE Connect will bring agency experts together with entrepreneurs aspiring to open businesses in one-hour mini preliminary design review meetings (PDRM). Staff from DPIE’s Permitting and Licensing Division, Building Plan Review Division, Inspections Division, and Business Development Section (BDS) will participate. Topics of discussion include application requirements, permits, licenses, inspections, fees, and plan review code-related questions covering building/structural, electrical, mechanical, fire & life safety, health and ADA accessibility. The scope of projects applicable for DPIE connect include:
1. Projects requesting straight U&O — no construction;
2. Projects with change of occupancy — no construction;
3. Projects with interior alterations not exceeding 2,000 sq. ft. in area; or
4. Projects not more than 1 story in height.
For more information, visit the DPIE Connect web page.
In an Effort to Reduce Paper and Increase Efficiencies, DPIE No Longer Requires Paper Copies Delivered with Wet Seals/Signatures to DPIE; All Approved Permit Plans Are Still Required at the Construction Site at All Times
- Final Permit Plan Submission Requirements:
Effective, May 1, 2022, DPIE will no longer require paper copies of final approved permit plans, calculations and design reports delivered to DPIE with wet seals/signatures. The applicant is still required to upload signed and sealed drawings, calculations and design reports at the time of plan submission for every drawing sheet and on the cover page for all calculations and design reports. - Permit Plans at Project Site:
Pursuant to the Prince George’s County Code adopting the International Building and Residential Code, a (24" x 36") full-size copy of the final set of approved signed/sealed permit plans, in color, must be at the construction site for inspection at all times and available upon request by the Building Code Official. The final approved set of permit plans on the construction site shall always display a red DPIE approval stamp and design professional signatures and seals. Copies of the final approved set of permit plans can be downloaded by the applicant of record from the approved permit set folder in ePlan. Failure to have the approved permit plans on site will result in the cancellation of an inspection and the re-inspection fee will be assessed. Applicants are still required to maintain copies of the approved plans. - Green Stamp Erosion/Sediment Control Plans Approved by the Prince George’s County Soil Conservation District:
Prior to issuance of site/road permits, the applicant shall deliver one set of green stamp final erosion/sediment control plans to DPIE. The permittee shall also keep a copy of the original green stamp final erosion/sediment control plan on the construction site at all times, along with all other site/road permit plans. If you have questions regarding green stamp erosion/sediment control plans, contact the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District at 301-574-5162 ext. 3 or visit www.pgscd.org.
NOTICE: Change in Photovoltaic (Solar Panel) Fees
Effective May 1, 2022 — With constant innovation in Photovoltaic (PV) technology, solar products continue to be readily available to customers at competitive pricing. This has also impacted the cost of construction/installation. Currently, Prince George’s County permit fees for Photovoltaic (solar panel) are based on Cost of Construction, as calculated based on the formula indicated below:
- Residential PV system: $5.00 per watt
- Commercial PV systems on roof (100 kW-2 MW): $3.00 per watt
- Commercial Utility-scaled PV systems on ground (5 MW-100 MW): $2.00 per watt
Considering data from National Renewable Energy Laboratory of U.S. Department of Energy on Q1 2020, effective May 1, 2022, Prince Georges County Government, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) will be using the following formula to calculate the cost of construction, based on which permit fees will be assessed.
- Residential PV system: $3.00 per watt
- Commercial PV systems (100 kW-2 MW): $2.00 per watt
- Utility-scaled PV systems (5 MW-100 MW): $1.50 per watt
For questions, contact Nabeel Waseem, Building Plan Review Division Chief at NWWaseem@co.pg.md.us.
Building Permit Fee Multiplier Adjustment
Effective April 1, 2022, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement will change the building permit fee multiplier used for new building construction and additions.
The new formula will be calculated by using the Building Valuation Data (BVD) issued by the International Code Council dated February 2022. The International Code Council updates the BVD table bi-annually; however, Prince George’s County will update the fee multiplier annually.
The BVD table provides the “average” construction costs per square foot, when calculating permit fees for new construction and additions within a jurisdiction. The 2018 International Building Code gives instructions concerning permit fee schedules in Section 109.2 and building permit valuations in Section 109.3. Permit applications submitted prior to the effective date will be calculated by the appropriate BVD.
For additional information or questions regarding this Notice, please call 301-636-2070.
New Virtual Permit Café (VPC)
DPIE launched the VIRTUAL PERMIT CAFÉ (VPC), an online system that allows customers to have plans reviewed virtually, for homeowner walk-through permits following COVID-19 safety protocols. A list of the eligible permit types can be found HERE.
Changes in Electrical Licenses
Effective July 1, 2021, Prince George's County will no longer issue for Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, Apprentice Electricians and Electrical Contractors. Read More Here.
MHIC Procedure
Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license holders are required to follow the procedure indicated below:
• Submit a letter on company letterhead from the MHIC licensed contractor indicating: MHIC license number; date of letter; MHIC licensed contractor’s name and signature; and list of person(s) authorized to obtain permits with their license.
• The identification of each contractor and their designee will be verified to ensure validity of license and authorization by the MHIC licensed contractor.
• The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) has specific requirements for the form and content of every home improvement contract provided by the MHIC licensed contractor. Be sure you are familiar with those requirements before signing any home improvement contract. Home Improvement contractors must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). For any questions pertaining to contract contents, what constitutes a home improvement, or the professional standing of a specific home improvement contractor, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) at (410) 230–6309 or visit their web site at www.dllr.state.md.us.
Should you have any questions regarding this notice, please call 301-636-2050.