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1. What are the building codes in Prince George's County?

The State of Maryland and Prince George’s County adopts the codes published by the International Code Council (ICC). For more information, please visit the Building Codes and Bulletins page.

2. What work is exempt from obtaining a permit?

The following are exempt:
- A one-story detached accessory structure on one- and two-family dwelling properties with less than 150 square feet of floor space not designed or intended for occupation or habitation and limited to 1 accessory structure only per property.
- All forms of paving less than 500 square feet except for parking surfaces.
- A retaining wall not greater than 2 feet in height unless supporting a structure.
- Fence not greater than 4 feet in height.
- Please refer to Subtitle 4. Section 4-111., IBC Section 105 for more information.

3. How long is the permit valid?

A permit under which no work has commenced within 180 days after issuance shall expire and become null and void. Please refer to Subtitle 4. Section 4-112 for more information.

4. What is the design snow load for Prince George’s County?

The ground snow load (PG) is 35 pounds per square foot (PSF) per the Maryland Code Administration. Design snow loads shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 7 of the ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. However the minimum design roof snow load shall not be less than 30 PSF plus the drift per the county Subtitle 4 code amendment.

5. What is the required frost depth?

The frost depth is 2 feet 6 inches from finished grade to the bottom of the footing.

6. What are the minimum plan submission requirements for residential projects?

The minimum requirements are:

- Two (2) copies of complete architectural/structural plans for all residential construction projects.
- Plans must be drawn to scale and be of sufficient quality to explain the proposed construction clearly and completely.
- For more information, please refer to the “Minimum Plan Submission Requirements for Residential Projects.”

7. I want to build a deck. What is the Application Process?

The process is as follows:
- You need to complete the Application Form.
- You need to provide three (3) site plans showing the location/dimensions of the deck.
- You need to provide three (3) copies of complete structural plans for the deck. Please refer to our “Minimum Plan Submission Requirements For Residential Projects.” You can also refer to Prince George's County’s standard deck drawings for more information.
- In addition to the complete structural plans, an International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Evaluation Report or Architectural Testing – Code Compliance Research Report (ATI-CCRR) is required if composite decking/composite railing is utilized in lieu of traditional pressure treated wood.

8. I want to put up a shed. When is a permit required? And what is the Application Process?

The requirements are:
- A permit is not required if your shed is less than 150 square feet.
- You need to complete the Application Form.
- You need to provide 3 site plans showing the location/sizes of the shed.
- You need to provide 2 copies of complete structural plans for the shed. Please refer to our “Minimum Plan Submission Requirements for Residential Projects.”

9. I want to finish my basement. What is the Application Process?

The process is:
- You need to complete the Application Form.
- You need to provide two (2) copies of basement floor plans. Please refer to Prince George's County “Finished Basement General Code Requirement” for more information.

10. Where can I get my site plan? When do I need a site plan?

- Please call the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission (301-952-3208) for information to determine if there is an existing site plan for your subject property. If a site plan does not exist, the property owner must contact a properly licensed engineer to be provided a site plan for the subject property, and fees may apply.

- The site plan requirement is based on project types. As an FYI, all additions and building height increases require a site plan. For additional information, please call the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission (301-952-3208).

11. Where can I get zoning information for my property?

Please call Park and Planning (301-952-3208) for information.