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1. I noticed a sign posted at the end of my street advertising a hearing. Can you please tell me what this is all about?

Call the phone number printed on the sign to obtain more information about the pending application.

You can also search the application number in PGAltas.com.

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

2. Why do I have to provide off-street parking/loading facilities? My business doesn't need any!

Section 27-6303 of the Prince George's County Zoning Ordinance requires that each development application (including building permits and use and occupancy permits) subject to review for compliance with the off-street parking and loading standards include a parking plan or site plan indicating compliance with the standards in Section 27-6300. These spaces are required to serve the parking and loading needs of all persons associated with the building(s) and use(s). Requirements for specific uses can be found in the Table of Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces in Table 27-6305(a) of the Ordinance.

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

3. I don't agree with your interpretation of the regulations. How do I get a legal opinion?

A request for a formal Zoning or Subdivision Ordinance Interpretation must be submitted in writing as an application to the Development Review Division. The interpretation request should be of either the Ordinance text, zone boundary, compliance with conditions of approval, whether or not an unlisted use is comparable to a listed use (i.e. should it be allowed or prohibited in a zone), or other provisions of the Ordinance. The interpretation application must identify the nature of the request, provide all necessary background information, include section(s) of the Ordinance for interpretation, and Indicate specific use(s), subdivision standard(s), map(s), and/or condition(s) of approval in question, as applicable.

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

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1. I purchased my home years ago because the land behind me was wooded. Does anyone have the right to come in now and develop this property?

The development potential of all property is determined by its zoning classification. You can use PGAtlas to search a property and turn on the Zoning layer to determine the zoning classification. Then search the uses allowed in the zone in the Principal Use Tables of the Zoning Ordinance. 

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

2. How long does it take to process my permit application?

Most permit applications (excluding those select types that are eligible for a walk-through process) take a minimum of three weeks to process. This is due, in part, to volume, but is primarily due to the amount of research conducted for each application. The permit must first be located to verify the current zoning, legal description, and whether any special exceptions, variances, or other types of waivers have been granted. The permit is then logged in and, depending on the type of application, routed throughout other Divisions for their comments. Once returned to the Permit Office, the permits are processed in the order in which they were received. More complex projects may take longer. Information as to the status of particular permit applications may be obtained by visiting our Permits Tracking application and referencing the permit number.

3. What can I do to quicken the processing of my permit application?

Be certain that all necessary information is submitted with the permit application and paying particular attention to the site plan requirements. Inadequate site plans create the biggest delay in the review process. Information as to the status of particular permit applications may be obtained by visiting our Permits Tracking application and referencing the permit number.

4. What is a site plan, and why do I need to submit one with my permit application?

Section 27-3608(c)(3) and Section 27-3611(c)(3) of the Zoning Ordinance requires that each application for a building permit or use and occupancy permit be accompanied by a site plan. The site plan is a graphic illustration of the site and all buildings, improvements, parking facilities, landscaping, etc. This description allows the reviewers to accurately determine what is proposed and whether it conforms with applicable zoning regulations. Without a complete site plan, action on permit applications cannot be taken because compliance with zoning regulations cannot be determined. 

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

5. Does the Planning Department issue permits?

No. The Prince George's County Department of Permitting Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) issues all permits, after review by several agencies for conformance with different types of regulations (building, fire, health, etc.). The Planning Department is merely the reviewing agency that ensures conformance with land use regulations.

For more information in permits, please contact the DPIE Permitting and Licensing Division at 301-636-2050.

For more information on the Planning Department’s role in permitting, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

6. Why does the Planning Department need to see my permit application?

The Summary Table of Development Review Responsibilities (Table 27-3200) of the Zoning Ordinance requires referral of most grading, building, general exterior, addition and use and occupancy permit applications to the Prince George's County Planning Department for review and recommendations as to requirements of the County Zoning Ordinance, County Subdivision Regulations, and the State Regional District Act (Article 28, Annotated Code of Maryland). The Planning Department also reviews for compliance with any conditions imposed in a zoning (including rezoning and Special Exception) or subdivision matter and conformance with any approved site plan applicable to the subject property. The Zoning Ordinance, likewise, requires referral to and review by Planning Department of sign permit applications for conformance with the sign regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

7. May I have a business in my home, and do I need a permit for it?

It depends on the type of business. Some home occupations require use and occupancy permits and some do not require them. 

For more information please contact the DPIE Permitting and Licensing Division at 301-636-2050.

8. May I walk my permit application through the process?

A permit application is deemed to be a walk-through by the Department of Permitting Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE) and is typically permits of a minor nature for both residential and commercial projects. 

For more information please contact the DPIE Permitting and Licensing Division at 301-636-2050.

9. Why can't I fast-track review of my permit application?

The Permit Review Section receives hundreds of permit applications a week. To treat applicants equally, they are generally processed in the order in which they are received.

10. What happens to my non-walk-through permit application after you complete your review?

The application is returned to the County's Department of Permitting Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE). The approved site plan is transmitted to Planning Department staff located within the Permit Office of DPIE and must be picked up there by the applicant when the permit is issued. This plan must be available on site, and development and use must be in conformance with the approved site plan.

For more information and to check the status of your permit, please contact the DPIE Permitting and Licensing Division at 301-636-2050.

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1. How do I find the zoning classification of my property?

You can use PGAtlas to search your property and turn on the Zoning layer to determine the zoning classification. 

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

2. As a county resident, how can I participate in the development review process to ensure the protection of my home and community?

As a resident, you can become a Person/Party of Record for a specific project, which provides you with notice of upcoming meetings, actions, and decisions rendered at certain stages of the zoning application process, and relevant appeals procedures. 

As a community association, you can register your association to receive informational mailings on new development projects in your community, which provides your community an opportunity to participate early in the development review process.

You can view upcoming Planning Board meeting agendas and sign up to speak or submit comments. 

You can follow the Planning Department on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date. 

You can contact the resident planner assigned to your area of the county at the Community Planning Office or call 240-524-8413 to obtain information about ongoing planning projects and development activities. 

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

3. What can I do on my property?

The Zoning Ordinance designates the permitted uses and the requirements for development of a property. First, confirm the zoning classification with the Planning Information Services Section (email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976). You can also use PGAtlas.com to search your property to determine the zoning classification. Then, consult the permitted uses per the Zoning Ordinance Principal Use Tables. The Zoning Ordinance also establishes certain minimum yard sizes (setbacks), height limitations, maximum percentage of lot coverage, off-street parking, green area, landscaping, and various other requirements.

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

4. How do I obtain a copy of a site plan of my property?

The Planning Department may or may not have a site plan or survey of a property in Prince George's County on file. The Planning Department only has site plans or surveys for a property if submitted to the department as part of a development proposal. The Planning Department is not responsible for having site plans of every property within the County.

To inquire if the Planning Department has a copy of a site plan for your property, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

5. What are the setbacks for my property?

The Zoning Ordinance designates the size of lots and the placement of buildings on lots. First, confirm the zoning classification of your property with the Planning Information Services Section (email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976). You can also use PGAtlas.com to search your property to determine the zoning classification. Then, consult the Zoning Ordinance to determine certain minimum yard sizes (setbacks), height limitations, and various other requirements of the zoning classification.

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

6. I have a large parcel of land. Can it be subdivided into smaller lots?

Individual parcels of land may be subdivided if the new lots meet the requirements of the zone within which they are categorized. Each zone requires a certain minimum lot size, street frontage, and building line (yard/setback) requirement, as designated by the Zoning Ordinance. If these zoning requirements (along with those of the Subdivision Regulations) can be satisfied, new lots may be created through the subdivision process.

For more information, please email PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org or call 240-545-8976.

7. My lot has no frontage on a public street. Is there any way I can build on it?

Under certain circumstances, subdivision plats may be approved for development served by private streets or the Department of Public Works and Transportation may authorize permit issuance for one-family detached dwellings, only, on lots served solely by private rights-of-way or easements. In all other instances, the County Executive must recommend and the County Council (by resolution) must approve authorization for the issuance of a building permit on a lot served only by a private right-of-way or easement. 

For more information, please contact DPIE at 301-636-2000.

8. Is there a floodplain on my property?

A 100-year floodplain is the area that has a one percent chance of being flooded in an amount equal to or greater than its average in any given year. The Environmental Planning Section has copies of Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] maps and some individual watershed studies that depict the approximate location of the 100-year floodplain. You can also use this map of the floodplain in Prince George’s County to determine if your property is in the floodplain.

The official source for floodplain information is the Prince George's County Department of the Environment (DoE), they can be reached at 301-883-5810.

9. Is my property historic or in a historic district?

You can use PGAtlas.com to search your property to determine if it is either a historic site or in a historic district. Be sure to turn on the “Historic” layer. You can also use this map of Historic Prince George’s to search historic sites and districts in Prince George's County.

You may also contact a staff member in the Planning Department’s Historic Preservation Section at 301-952-3520.

10. How do I obtain a mailing list for a storm water management plan?

The Planning Information Services Section provides mailing lists for storm water management plans. Complete an General Information Request Form and email to PPD-InfoCounter@ppd.mncppc.org.