How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?

The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type and offense category; see current DPIE fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; current schedule includes valuation-based building permit calculations, surcharges, flat review fees, and fixed penalties depending on permit class.. Plan check fee: Included in the current DPIE fee schedule by permit type..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structure on one- and two-family dwelling properties under 150 square feet, limited to one such accessory structure per property, not for habitation; Paving under 500 square feet except parking surfaces; Retaining wall not greater than 2 feet high unless supporting a structure; Fence not greater than 4 feet high; Additional exemptions listed in county exempt-work PDF and Subtitle 4 / IBC Section 105. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the county before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: IVR, Online scheduling for some permits.

County Building Permits

Prince George's County, MD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maryland Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Countywide permitting authority for unincorporated Prince George's County and for county-administered permit functions; municipalities may still require separate local permits, zoning sign-off, historic review, right-of-way approval, or local occupancy approvals.

Department: Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), Permitting and Licensing Division
Address: 9400 Peppercorn Place, 1st Floor, Largo, MD 20774
Phone: 301-636-2050
Website: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/permitting-inspections-and-enforcement/permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Momentum

Platform: Momentum • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm whether the work requires a permit using the county permit guidance pages and exempt-work guidance.
Create a Momentum account and, where required, an ePlan account.
Submit the permit application in Momentum with property details, work description, applicant information, and required plans/documents.
Upload plan sets and supporting documents in ePlan if the application routes to plan review.
County and outside-agency review occurs as applicable, including Health Department, Soil Conservation District, WSSC, M-NCPPC, SHA, floodplain, stormwater, or other reviews.
Pay fees in Momentum once invoiced/approved.
Receive the permit through Momentum and keep approved plans on site.
Schedule inspections by IVR or online as applicable and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: VPC homeowner permits can be same-day if complete; no universal countywide review time posted for standard permits.

Source: Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), Permitting and Licensing Division

General Requirements

Required for work listed in the county's permit-required matrix, including many additions, alterations, structural repairs, decks, sheds, retaining walls, electrical/mechanical work, and other residential and commercial work.

Required Documents

County permit application
Property description
Work description
Site/plot plans
Architectural/structural drawings
Trade plans
Agency approvals and other supporting documents as required

Permit validity: Permit expires if work does not commence within 180 days after issuance; county also advises at least one inspection within six months to keep permit active.
Building code: County publishes 2021 International Building Code and Subtitle 4 Prince George's County Building Code; county guidance says the State and County adopt ICC codes.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may build their own home; for new single-family dwelling permits the county requires either a Prince George's County Building Contractor's License or a Homeowner Waiver from the Board of Registration for Building Contractors.
Contractor requirements: County building contractor license for applicable builders; state registrations and MHIC/Maryland Home Builder requirements also apply depending on project type.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Varies by permit type and offense category; see current DPIE fee schedule
Plan check fee: Included in the current DPIE fee schedule by permit type.
Permit fee formula: Mixed; current schedule includes valuation-based building permit calculations, surcharges, flat review fees, and fixed penalties depending on permit class.
Reinspection fee: Post-construction permit fees and other penalties listed in current DPIE fee schedule; county also cites enforcement for unpermitted work.
Payment note: Momentum users pay in Momentum; legacy ePermits payments stay in ePayments; alternate payment methods handled through DPIE payments page.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective See current DPIE fee schedule).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structure on one- and two-family dwelling properties under 150 square feet, limited to one such accessory structure per property, not for habitation
Paving under 500 square feet except parking surfaces
Retaining wall not greater than 2 feet high unless supporting a structure
Fence not greater than 4 feet high
Additional exemptions listed in county exempt-work PDF and Subtitle 4 / IBC Section 105

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the county before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

IVR (phone)
Online scheduling for some permits (online)

Inspection hours: IVR scheduling available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by permit type; county instructions require inspections at required milestones and county notes permits need inspections whenever permits are required.

Virtual inspections available for some cases.

Additional Resources

Building code: County publishes 2021 International Building Code and Subtitle 4 Prince George's County Building Code; county guidance says the State and County adopt ICC codes.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
When a Permit is Required
Exempt Work
Contact DPIE
Building Codes and Bulletins
License lookup guide: Maryland Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Maryland Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Maryland hub: Maryland Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), Permitting and Licensing Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prince George's County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?: Required for work listed in the county's permit-required matrix, including many additions, alterations, structural repairs, decks, sheds, retaining walls, electrical/mechanical work, and other residential and commercial work.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?: The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type and offense category; see current DPIE fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; current schedule includes valuation-based building permit calculations, surcharges, flat review fees, and fixed penalties depending on permit class.. Plan check fee: Included in the current DPIE fee schedule by permit type..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?: 1. Confirm whether the work requires a permit using the county permit guidance pages and exempt-work guidance. 2. Create a Momentum account and, where required, an ePlan account. 3. Submit the permit application in Momentum with property details, work description, applicant information, and required plans/documents. 4. Upload plan sets and supporting documents in ePlan if the application routes to plan review. 5. County and outside-agency review occurs as applicable, including Health Department, Soil Conservation District, WSSC, M-NCPPC, SHA, floodplain, stormwater, or other reviews. 6. Pay fees in Momentum once invoiced/approved. 7. Receive the permit through Momentum and keep approved plans on site. 8. Schedule inspections by IVR or online as applicable and obtain final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?: Typical processing time is VPC homeowner permits can be same-day if complete; no universal countywide review time posted for standard permits..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structure on one- and two-family dwelling properties under 150 square feet, limited to one such accessory structure per property, not for habitation; Paving under 500 square feet except parking surfaces; Retaining wall not greater than 2 feet high unless supporting a structure; Fence not greater than 4 feet high; Additional exemptions listed in county exempt-work PDF and Subtitle 4 / IBC Section 105. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the county before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Prince George's County, MD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: IVR, Online scheduling for some permits.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Prince George's County can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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