Private Property Concerns — Code Enforcement
Private Property Concerns
1. Would I need a license to rent my multifamily home?
Any property containing three (3) or more dwelling units is considered a multifamily property. In order to rent such a property, a multifamily rental license is required. Please view the DPIE Fee Schedule for the cost of a Multifamily Rental License; the cost is per unit for a 2-year license. For more information regarding multifamily rentals, visit the Multifamily Rental Licensing page.
2. Would I need a license to rent my home?
Any property containing two or less units would be considered single family rental. For more information, visit the Single-Family Rental Licensing page.
3. How many tenants can occupy a home?
Information concerning non-related tenants [more than five UNRELATED persons] in a home not occupied by the owner:
(1) County Code allows for up to five unrelated persons in a rental residence (related is blood or legal relative, i.e., married, children, parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc.).
(2) If tenants are related, there is no limit and NO VIOLATION.
(3) If this is an owner-occupied rental (i.e., townhome, single-family home, or condominium), there is no limit and NO VIOLATION. If there is a violation, submit a service request to PGC311.
4. To whom would I report a property with tall grass, trash, and/or debris?
Tall grass (12 inches or above), trash, debris, open storage, and/or dismantled vehicles should be reported by submitting a service request to PGC311.
5. Can I park my car in my yard?
Vehicles may not be parked on grass or unpaved surfaces; the Revenue Authority issues citations for these violations.
6. How many cars can I have on my residential property?
There is no limit, provided the vehicles have current tags, are not dismantled, are operable, and are parked on paved surfaces.
7. Can I park a commercial vehicle on my property?
No. Commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking on residential property.
8. Commercial vehicles are being parked on the street overnight in my neighborhood; is this legal?
No. Commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking on the street in residential neighborhoods.
9. Does a business require a business license and permit?
All businesses must apply for a Use and Occupancy Permit and be approved through M-NCPPC for that specific use. This includes all home-based businesses. Some businesses will also be required to obtain a separate business license. For more information, visit the DPIE Licensing page.
10. To whom do I report a rental property operating without a license?
Please submit a service request to PGC311 to report unlicensed rental properties by selecting “Private Property Concerns.”
11. My neighbor is renting a portion of their home. Is this legal?
Converted homes must have a valid Use and Occupancy Permit and meet current Building Fire codes. Properties that have been converted without permits are illegal. To check property permits, visit the Permit History By Address page.
12. Can I put in a second kitchen?
All additions, improvements, or alterations must have the proper permit(s).
13. What is a Boarding House?
Definition: Boarding House, Lodging House or Group Home is defined as – A residential property where lodging and meals are furnished to four (4) or more, but not exceeding nine (9), guests and containing not more than five (5) guest rooms.
14. Am I allowed to have shed/s on my property?
There are requirements that regulate where sheds may be placed. Sheds exceeding 150 square feet require a permit. Sheds may not be used for dwellings. Submit a service request to PGC311 to report possible occupancy of a shed by selecting "Private Property Concerns."
15. Do all signs have to have a permit?
Most signs at business locations are required to have a Sign Permit. Signs along the roadway must be permitted. If you have questions regarding signs on a State Highway (street names with a number like Rt. 4, Rt 5, Rt. 301, etc.), please contact the State Highway Administration. For more information, visit DPIE's Sign Permits and Inspections page.
16. Am I allowed to perform vehicle repairs on my residential property?
Minor vehicle repairs, such as oil changes, are allowed for your personal vehicle. Major repairs, such as replacing an engine, are not allowed for your vehicle or other vehicles.
17. Where do I report illegal dumping?
To report illegal dumping, submit a service request to PGC311 and select the "Litter and Illegal Dumping" category.
18. What are the most common violations on properties?
Business/Commercial: Operating without a License, Illegal or Unapproved Business, Exterior Commercial or Industrial Concerns, Illegal Signs, and Operating a Multifamily Building or Rooming House, Commercial or Industrial Noise Complaints, Other.
Residential: Exterior and Common Area Concerns, Interior Unit Concerns, Sanitation Concerns, Pest Infestation Concerns, Other.
To verify the existence of a permit, visit the Permit History By Street Address page.
