DPIE News
New Trade Permits Accepted in Momentum
As of Monday, April 24, 2023, new trade permits (electrical and mechanical) that do not require a building permit will be accepted in Momentum. Read more here.
The Business Development Section (BDS) Presents a Summer Webinar Series
Join Us for a Free Instructional Presentation Every Month of Summer!
BDS is featuring the following webinars on the permitting and licensing process in Prince George’s County. Click on the following links to register:
- May 25, 10:00 a.m. ― How to Obtain a Special Event Permit
- June 22, 12:00 noon ― Building Permits, U&Os and Inspections for Commercial Businesses
- July 27, 12:00 noon ― DPIE Business Licenses
- August 31, 12:00 noon ― Introduction to the Business Development Section
Rent Stabilization Act of 2023 Goes into Effect April 17 Limiting Rent Increases for Some Renters to 3 Percent Annually
Landlords in Prince George’s County are now limited in the amount they can increase existing rent in certain rental units. To learn more, see the Rent Stabilization Act FAQs.
New Requirement Helps Streamline the Permit Process for Residential Fences
DPIE's Site/Road Plan Review Division (SRPRD) has streamlined permitting procedures for Residential Fence Permits by designing a form that establishes when a permit review is needed or not needed by the SRPRD. The landowner is required to sign and submit the new "Residential Fence/Gate Owner Certification" form for all residential fence permits. This form will help shorten the timeframe for residential fence permits by predetermining the review steps in order to keep the permit moving forward.
New Document Clarifies Requirements for Change of Occupancy (Use) per Current Codes
DPIE's Building Plan Review Division's (BPRD) chief, Nabeel Waseem, has written a document in collaboration with Associate Director Bellur Ravishankar and staff to review applicable building codes to assist customers who need clarity in planning change of use vs. building changes. The document provides information on: applicable building codes to determine the change of occupancy/use; conditions where a plan review Is NOT required by the BPRD; BPRD's requirements for change of occupancy/use; and common examples of change of occupancy/use. Click to access the "Change of Occupancy (Use) per the Building Code" document.
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.
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.
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.
DPIE No Longer Requires Paper Copies Delivered with Wet Seals/Signatures to DPIE; All Approved Plans Are Still Required at the Construction Site at All Times
- Final Construction Plan Submission requirements:
Effective, May 1, 2022, DPIE will no longer require paper copies of final approved plans delivered to DPIE with wet seals/signatures. The applicant is still required to upload signed and sealed drawings at the time of plan submission for every page. - Construction 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 plans, in color, must be at the construction site for inspection, at all times and available upon request by the Building Official. The final approved set of drawings on the construction site shall always display a red DPIE approval stamp and design professional signature. Copies of the final approved set of plans can be downloaded by the applicant of record from the approved permit set folder in ePlan. Failure to have the affixed wet seal approved plans on site may result in the cancellation of an inspection and assessed a re-inspection fee. Applicants are still required to maintain copies of the approved plans.
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.
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 legislation at https://bit.ly/3HVwAfP. For more information, email mcgiles@co.pg.md.us.
DPIE Modifies Inspection Procedures Due to COVID-19 Surge
The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) has modified some of its inspection processes to enhance the safety of both residents and staff in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases across the region and State. The changes include the expanded utilization of virtual inspections for indoor inspections and limiting in-person meetings. Read more here.
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.