Prince George's County, Maryland, USA
Interior Nat Harbor

Universal Design Coming July 1, 2026

Homes under construction

Universal Design in Effect Beginning July 1, 2026

Universal Design is a building approach that makes homes easier to use for people of all ages, abilities, and mobility levels. These features help residents safely navigate and enjoy their homes, significantly enhancing accessibility and reducing the need for costly future modifications at the owner's expense.

Beginning July 1, 2026, certain newly constructed residential homes and buildings in Prince George's County will be required to include Universal Design features unless they qualify for an exemption or receive an approved waiver.

Who is Affected?

The Universal Design requirements generally apply to:

  • New single-family detached homes
  • New single-family attached homes
  • New two-family homes
  • New three-family homes
  • New multifamily residential buildings

Universal Design Legislation

The program was established from enabling legislation CB 65-2023, CB 85-2024, and CR 141-2025.

Effective Date

  • Universal Design requirements for qualifying new residential construction take effect on: July 1, 2026
  • The implementation date was extended from January 1, 2026, to July 1, 2026, by County Council action. 

Key Universal Design Features:

Accessible Entryways

New homes must include:

  • At least one step-free entrance
  • An accessible route to the entrance
  • Walkways with smooth, slip-resistant surfaces
  • Entrance doors with a minimum width of 36 inches

Interior Accessibility

Homes must include features that make movement throughout the home easier, including:

  • Accessible pathways between key living areas
  • Wider hallways
  • Wider doorways
  • Lever-style door handles
  • Flooring that accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices

Bathrooms

Homes must include an accessible bathroom on the entry level with:

  • A sink, toilet, and shower
  • Slip-resistant flooring
  • Reinforced walls that can support future grab bars
  • Accessible controls and fixtures

Kitchens

Kitchen designs must provide sufficient space for mobility and accessibility, including:

  • Wider clearances between cabinets and appliances
  • Accessible work areas
  • Lever-style sink fixtures

Electrical and Safety Features

Homes must include:

  • Accessible light switches
  • Accessible electrical outlets
  • Accessible thermostat placement
  • Audible and visual smoke alarms
  • Carbon monoxide alarms where required

Townhouses and Two-Over-Two Homes

Townhouses and two-over-two dwelling units are subject to a modified set of Universal Design requirements that focus on:

  • Wider hallways and doorways
  • Bathroom accessibility features
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Stairways that can accommodate future chair lift installation

Contact Us

For questions about Universal Design requirements, exemptions, waivers, or permit applications, please contact:

Building Plan Review Division at: dpiebprd@co.pg.md.us 

Site Road Plan Review Division at: dpiesiteroadplanreview@co.pg.md.us