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1. What are the building codes in Prince George's County?

Both the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County adopt the codes published by the International Code Council (ICC). The current Structural Codes used in Prince George’s County can be found on DPIE’s Building Codes & Bulletins page.

Building Codes and Bulletins page.

2. What work is exempt from obtaining a permit?

The following are exempt: 

• A one-story detached accessory structure on one- and two-family dwelling properties with less than 150 square feet of floor space not designed or intended for occupation or habitation and limited to 1 accessory structure only per property. 
• All forms of paving less than 500 square feet except for parking surfaces. 
• A retaining wall not greater than 2 feet in height unless supporting a structure. 
• A fence not greater than 4 feet in height. 

For more information, refer to Subtitle 4. Section 4-111., IBC Section 105

3. How long is the permit valid?

A permit under which no work has commenced within 180 days after issuance shall expire and become null and void. For more information, refer to Subtitle 4. Section 4-112.

4. What is the design snow load for Prince George’s County?

The ground snow load (PG) is 35 pounds per square foot (PSF) per the Maryland Code Administration. Design snow loads shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 7 of the ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. However, the minimum design roof snow load shall not be less than 30 PSF plus the drift per the County Subtitle 4 code amendment.

5. What is the required frost depth?

The frost depth is 2 feet 6 inches from finished grade to the bottom of the footing.

6. What are the minimum plan submission requirements for residential projects?

Visit DPIE’s website to view the Minimum Plan Submission Requirements for Residential Additions, Renovations and New Single Family Home Projects information sheet.

7. I want to build a deck. What is the Application Process?

The application process is as follows: 

• Complete the Application Form on DPIEs ePermits Online Portal.
• Provide site plans showing the location and dimensions of the deck. 
• Provide complete structural plans for the deck. For more information, visit DPIE’s web page on Decks and the Minimum Plan Submission Requirements for Residential Additions, Renovations and New Single Family Home Projects information sheet.
• In addition to the complete structural plans, an International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Evaluation Report or Architectural Testing — Code Compliance Research Report (ATI-CCRR) is required if composite decking/composite railing is utilized in lieu of traditional pressure-treated wood.

8. I want to put up a shed. When is a permit required? And what is the Application Process?

A permit is not required if your shed is less than 150 square feet for residential or commercial properties. See Subtitle, 4, Section 4-111 for additional details. 

The requirements are: 

• You need to complete the Application Form. 
• Provide site plans showing the location and size of the shed. 
• Provide complete structural plans for the shed. Visit DPIE’s website to view the Minimum Plan Submission Requirements for Residential Additions, Renovations and New Single Family Home Projects information sheet. 

9. I want to finish my basement. What is the Application Process?

The application process is as follows:

• Complete the Application Form on DPIEs ePermits Online Portal.
  
• Provide basement floor plans. Visit DPIE’s website to view the Minimum Plan Submission Requirements for Residential Additions, Renovations and New Single Family Home Projects information sheet.
  

10. Where can I get my site plan? When do I need a site plan?

Please call the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission at 301-952-3208 for information to determine if there is an existing site plan for your subject property. If a site plan does not exist, the property owner must contact a State licensed engineer to prepare a site plan for the subject property at their own cost. 

The site plan requirement is based on project types. All additions and building height increases require a site plan. For additional information, call the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission at 301-952-3208.

11. Where can I get zoning information for my property?

Please call the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission at 301-952-3208 for information.