Universal Design - Now in Effect as of July 1, 2026

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.

Review the below Universal design legislation and the full Universal Design FAQ document if you would like more information about the Universal Design bill, its requirements, exemptions, waivers, or how Universal Design will impact you.

Universal Design Legislation

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

• 2023 Legislative Session CB-065-2023 (Bill) 
• 2024 Legislative Session CB-085-2024 (Bill) 
• 2025 Legislative Session CR-141-2025 (Resolution) 

Universal Design Application Requirements- Effective October 1, 2026

Beginning October 1, 2026, applicants submitting building permit applications for new residential dwelling units must complete the Universal Design section of the permit application.   This is further described in Bulletin 2023-03 dated 8/7/2026.

The Universal Design requirements apply to new single-family attached, single-family detached, two-family, two-over-two, and three-family residential dwelling units constructed in Prince George’s County on or after July 1, 2026, unless the project qualifies for an exemption or an approved waiver under Division 6 of Subtitle 4 of the Prince George’s County Code. For multifamily buildings, Universal Design requirements apply on or after October 31, 2026.

Universal Design Declaration

The applicant must complete the Universal Design section in the permit application and identify one of the following:

1. Universal Design Compliant – The proposed dwelling unit will comply with the applicable Universal Design requirements.
2. Exempt from Universal Design – The project qualifies for an exemption under Section 4-357. The applicant must identify the applicable exemption and provide the required supporting documentation. See information below.
3. Universal Design Waiver – The project is requesting or has received a waiver from the applicable Universal Design requirements. The applicant must identify the waiver and provide the applicable waiver request, approval, or other documentation required by DPIE. Identification of a waiver request does not constitute approval of the waiver.

Exemptions and Required Documentation

Previously Approved Detailed Site Plan (DSP)

If claiming an exemption based on a previously approved Detailed Site Plan, the applicant must upload a County-approved/stamped copy of the DSP showing an approval date prior to July 1, 2026.

Previously Approved Plan on File (POF)

If claiming an exemption based on a Plan on File, the applicant must provide the County-approved POF number showing an approval date prior to October 1, 2026.

Existing Dwelling Units

Existing dwelling units are not required to be retrofitted to comply with the Universal Design requirements.

Student Housing and Dormitories

Undergraduate and graduate student housing for public and private colleges and universities, and private dormitories as defined in Subtitle 27 of the Prince George’s County Code, are exempt from the Universal Design requirements.

Owner-Built Single-Family Detached Dwelling

The Universal Design requirements do not apply to a single-family detached dwelling that is built or subcontracted by an individual owner and used as the owner's personal residence.

Waiver Information

If a waiver from the Universal Design requirements is being requested or has been approved, the applicant must 1) identify this in the permit application and 2) provide the applicable waiver request/documentation uploaded in both Momentum and projectdox/eplan.

Where a waiver applies only to specific Universal Design requirements, the applicant must identify the provisions for which the waiver is requested or approved. All Universal Design requirements not covered by an approved waiver remain applicable.

Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information and documentation for DPIE to verify the claimed exemption or approved waiver.

Applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026, that do not complete the Universal Design section or provide the required supporting documentation may be returned to the applicant for correction or additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Review the full Universal Design FAQ document if you would like more information about the Universal Design bill, its requirements, exemptions, waivers, or how Universal Design will impact you.

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