Do I need a permit to grade behind my yard? When is it necessary to have a Grading Permit?

Yes, a grading permit is required if you are grading more than 5,000 square feet of land or moving more than 100 cubic yards of soil. If you are grading in the public road rights-of-way, a street construction permit is required even if less than 5,000 square feet.

Related questions

Grading (Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement)

How long does it take to issue a Site Development Concept Approval?

It takes approximately 3 months. Expedited processing is available if permittee hires peer reviewers. Visit DPIE's website for more information regarding the Peer Review Program.

How long does it take to issue a Site Development Fine Grading Permit?

Depending on the size of the project, the response time to County comments and status of approvals from other agencies (M-NCPPC, PGSCD) is approximately 5 months. Expedited processing is available if permittee hires peer reviewers. Visit DPIE's website for more information regarding the Peer Review Program.

I am an Engineer in another state and I have a project in Prince George’s County to develop. How do I start the permit process and what are the procedures? Which application comes first?

This table identifies key approvals needed.

Phase

Prince George’s County DPIE

Prince George’s County SCD

Prince George’s County M-NCPPC

WSSC

CONCEPTUAL

Site Development Concept
Floodplain Delineation (Existing)

Erosion Sediment Control Concept Plan

Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) or Equivalency Letter
Preliminary Plan of Subdivision
Conceptual Site Plan or Comprehensive Design Plan
Type 1 Tree Conservation Plan or Exemption Letter

Preliminary Water/Sewer Sketch and Letter of Finding

PERMITTING

Building Permit
Street Grade Establishment Plan (Public Roads)
Site Development Fine Grading Permit including: storm drain, stormwater management, grading, roads, sidewalk, parking, bridges, culverts, easements, signals
Floodplain Delineation (Proposed)

Site Development Sediment Control Plan
Final Sediment Control Plan (FSC)

Site Plan and Landscape Plan (Detailed Site Plan Specific Design Plan, Special Exception Site Plan or by Right Site Plan)
Type 2 Tree Conservation Plan
Final Plat of Subdivision

Final Water/Sewer Plans and System Extension Permit
Final Water/Sewer Plans (Private) and On-site Water Sewer Permit
Plumbing Permit

Where do I go to apply for a Building or Grading Permit?

You may apply for a Building or Grading Permit at the ePermits Online Portal.