Permits and Review Division (PRD)

Our Mission

To protect the natural and built environment by providing technical support to the development community through the review and approval of permits and plans for residential and commercial construction.

The Permits and Review Division (PRD) provides technical support to review and approve plans for construction, including structural, mechanical, electrical, fire, and life safety-related issues throughout a construction project. The law requires that an owner or authorized agent shall obtain a permit to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, improve, connect, demolish, use and/or occupy, or raze any building. PRD assists in determining the type of permit needed and works with the development community for the completion of a successful project venture.

Permitting Process

In addition to construction plans, other examples of projects requiring permits include installation or construction of chimneys, billboards, carports, chairlifts, escalators, swimming pools, wood burning stoves, certain fences, antennae, and installation or renovation of certain electrical devices and wiring. Applicants must submit structural and site plans with the application. Application fees are set in accordance with the County Code and the nature of the project.

The permit application must be reviewed for approval by other County and State agencies. This occurs when part(s) of a particular construction plan include environmental, health and/or safety matters governed by agencies other than the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources. Those agencies include the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T), the Health Department, the Soil Conservation District (SCD), the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Representatives from DPW&T, Health and M-NCPPC are now accessible in the Department of Environmental Resources for a "one-stop" permits process.

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Permits and Information Management Section

Section Office (301) 883-5987 
Record Management Unit Information Line (301) 883-5776

The Permits and Information Management Section operates and manages the County Permits Office, including providing residential and commercial customers with the information needed to submit permit application and plans, distributing permit application and plans to agencies responsible for review, and issuance of permits for approved applications and plans. Other services provided by this Section include:

• Providing permit application and processing status;
• Storing, maintaining, and archiving permit applications and plans; and
• Preparing and distributing brochures and other public information on permits.

Engineering Management Section

Section Office (301) 883-5880

Building Review Unit (301) 883-5855

Life Safety and Fire Review Unit (301) 883-5855

Electrical Unit (301) 883-5855

The Engineering Management Section reviews all building plans (residential and commercial) to ensure compliance with all applicable Building Codes. These plans include structural, architectural mechanical, energy, electrical, fire protection systems, fire alarms, sprinkler  drawings/calculations, and handicapped disciplines. 

PRD Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I Need a Permit?
• What Information Do I Need to Bring With Me?
• What are the Office Hours?
• Can I Get My Permit the Same Day?
• What are the Fees?
• How Do I Check the Status of My Permit?
• When Do I Need a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) Request Form?

How to Schedule An Inspection

For information on how to schedule an inspection, click here.