DPIE Notices & Alerts
View alerts and notifications by service area. Choose a service below to stay up-to-date on important news, alerts and notifications.
Coming Soon: Permits and Inspections through Momentum
DPIE will soon be launching our new permit and inspections module of Momentum. We have successfully launched several modules over the past two years: business licensing, rental licensing, health licensing and permits, as well as our enforcement module. The new module features several upgrades:
- It provides a one-time registration process that allows customers to view all business from the dashboard.
- It allows several people in a company to apply for permits and licenses.
- It directs customers to the correct permit type.
- It allows case names, as well as a system-generated number, to assist with project lookup.
- It auto-generates permit expiration notices.
- It gives users the ability to download permits and licenses from the dashboard.
- It provides greater transparency into the process.
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.
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."
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
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.
ICYMI:
Winter 2022 Virtual Community Partners' Meeting
DPIE, DoE and DPW&T held a virtual meeting to present information on best practices for the winter season. If you missed it, you may view the PowerPoint at Winter 2022 Virtual Community Partners' Meeting.
Virtual Open Forum II
Come ask your questions and share your concerns with representatives from DPIE staff and top management.
DPIE is holding virtual monthly seminars on a variety of topics in our Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions series. Our Zoom seminar, “Virtual Open Forum II,” included a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a listening session where staff answered questions from the floor. If you missed it, you may view the presentation at Open Forum II or click the image.
The Business of Investigating Zoning Violations
Find out how DPIE's Code Enforcement Zoning Unit investigates violations and how you can effectively report violations to help us bring the properties into compliance.
DPIE is holding virtual monthly seminars on a variety of topics in our Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions series. Our Zoom seminar, “The Business of Investigating Zoning Violations,” included a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a listening session where staff answered questions from the floor. If you missed it, you may view the presentation at The Business of Investigating Zoning Violations or click the image.
Understanding the Residential Infill Permit Process
Learn how to review: issues before purchasing a lot, residential infill stormwater management requirements and the permit process.
DPIE is holding virtual monthly seminars on a variety of topics in our Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions series. Our Zoom seminar, “Understanding the Residential Infill Permit Process,” included a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a listening session where staff answered questions from the floor. If you missed it, you may view the presentation at Understanding the Residential Infill Permit Process or click the image.
ICYMI:
Fall 2022 Virtual Community Partners' Meeting
DPIE, DoE and DPW&T held a virtual meeting to present information about programs, services and new initiatives. If you missed it, you may view the PowerPoint at Fall 2022 Virtual Community Partners' Meeting.
Virtual Open Forum
DPIE took questions from the virtual floor that were answered by staff.
DPIE is holding virtual monthly seminars on a variety of topics in our Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions series. Our Zoom seminar, “Virtual Open Forum,” included a short PowerPoint presentation, followed by a listening session where staff answered questions from the floor. If you missed it, you may view the presentation at Virtual Open Forum or click the image.
Who Handles That?
Learn how to connect with the appropriate agencies to respond to some of your most frequent complaints.
DPIE is holding virtual monthly seminars on a variety of topics in our Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions series. Our Zoom seminar, “Who Handles That?,” included a PowerPoint presentation, with information by staff from several agencies and a Q&A session. If you missed it, you may view the presentation at Who Handles That? or click the image.
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.
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 3,000 sq. ft. in area; or
4. Projects not more than 1 story in height.
For more information, visit the DPIE Connect web page.
Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM) Overview
The purpose of the Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM) is to have the requester, the applicant and/or architect/engineer meet with the County's Building Plan Review Division to discuss code-related design items in reference to building/structural, electrical, mechanical, fire & life safety, health and ADA accessibility.
Please be aware that the Site/Road Plan Review Division, Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) reviews are not part of the Building Plan Review Division, but they are required to obtain a permit. Contact these agencies separately as needed:
For more information, visit the Preliminary Design Review Meeting 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.
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.
The DPIE Building is Open for Appointments
Please contact the appropriate division for assistance or an appointment.
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.
DPIE Implements Updated Fees
Modest Increase Will Help Fund Services
DPIE will implement fee changes, effective Monday, February 14, 2022. Most fees will increase by 10 percent, meaning that an applicable fee that was previously $50 will increase to $55. The updated fee schedule is posted on the DPIE website. The revised fee structure was approved by the Prince George’s County Council with CR-082-2021, which took effect November 2, 2021. Visit the Legislative/Zoning Information System (LZIS) to view the CR-082 legislation. “This modest increase in fees will help the County keep pace with commerce,” said DPIE Director Melinda Bolling. “The additional revenue will have a positive impact on the County by providing funds for service delivery, as well as hiring additional staff to issue permits and licenses, perform plan reviews and enforce code and safety regulations at DPIE.”
New Site/Road Plan Review Fees
Effective January 18, 2022, DPIE will implement permit fee changes per CB-38-2021, which enacts two fees related to site/road plan approvals.
- A fee will be required on a plan application that cannot be approved within four review cycles.
- Another fee will be applied on deficient plans that omit road frontage improvements.
See the CB-38-2021 legislation. For more information, email mcgiles@co.pg.md.us.
New Process for Prince George’s County Health Permits & Licenses
Online Health applications for Food and Pool permits and licenses are now processed using Momentum. Learn More. . .
A New System, A New Number for Scheduling Inspections! (301) 755-9000
Begin using the new phone number now, as we are phasing out the old number. Learn More. . .
New Virtual Permit Café (VPC)
DPIE launched the VIRTUAL PERMIT CAFÉ (VPC) for homeowner walk-through permits only, following COVID-19 safety protocols. The Virtual Permit Café is an online system that allows customers to have plans reviewed virtually, instead of in person. A list of the eligible permit types can be found HERE. Learn More. . .
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Open by Appointment
The M-NCPPC Planning Information Services Office is open to the public by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Read more here.