Heat Warning in Effect

County urges caution during this severe weather event. Visit mypgc.us/StayCool for more info.

Trash Time Change

Due to extreme heat, trash collection throughout the county will begin at 5 am beginning Monday, July 15, 2024. Learn more at mypgc.us/ClearTheCurb.

Prince George's County, Maryland, USA
Interior Nat Harbor

Alteration

An alteration is any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or an addition. Alteration construction is a miscellaneous grouping of home improvement and renovation projects generally geared toward the enhancement of an existing principal structure. Exterior and interior additions/alterations fall into this category. There are numerous home improvement projects within this classification, some of which may require multiple permits.
 

Applying

Building Permit applications are completed online. Please go to the Momentum portal and enter the information directly into the County’s Permitting System.


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.
 

Plans and Drawings Requirements

Interior

The following are required when applying for an Alteration Permit:

Exterior
The following are required when applying for an Exterior Permit:

Electrical

Electrical work for additions or alterations of existing dwellings requires an application for an Electrical Permit by a Master Electrician licensed by the State of Maryland.
 

Health and Plumbing

Additionally, the Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health will check to ensure that the existing septic system is sized adequately for any proposed increase to living area(s), where applicable.

Like electrical work, the installation of plumbing or natural gas piping requires an application by a Registered Master Plumber/Gasfitter licensed by WSSC. Generally, the installation of plumbing by a homeowner is not permitted. Installation of natural gas piping and appliances by an entity other than a Registered Master Gasfitter is strictly prohibited.

For sprinklered homes, all additions (including sunrooms and patio enclosures) must be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13D. 
 

Demolition

In accordance with Prince George’s County Building Code, Subtitle 4, Section 4-245(c), “Structures that undergo a complete demolition (exclusive of the foundation) due to lack of maintenance, fire, explosion or natural causes of the structure and additions to structures which exceed one hundred (100) percent of the total floor area (square footage) of the existing structure, shall be required to be fully sprinklered.” 
 

Homeowner's Associations

If your home is located in a subdivision with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), a separate approval from the HOA may be necessary. Unless erected by the homeowner, all home improvement projects require that a contractor licensed with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission is used.

Applications

  1. Additions and Alterations (PDF)