Planning Resources
Prince George’s County Agencies
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
Prince George’s County Department of the Environment
Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE)
Prince George’s County Housing and Community Development
- Community Development Block Grant
- Emergency Solutions Grant
- HOME Investment Partnership
- Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids
- Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program
Prince George’s County Public Works and Transportation
Prince George’s County Redevelopment Authority
Prince George’s County Municipalities
Maryland State Agencies
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
- EmPOWER Program
- Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Local Government Infrastructure Financing
- Main Street Maryland
- Sustainable Communities
- Weatherization Assistance Program
- WholeHome Program
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland Department of Planning
- A Better Maryland
- Cultural Resource Information System
- Planning Commission Education Course
- Reinvest Maryland 2.0
- Tools for Transit-Oriented Development
- Transfer of Development Rights
Maryland Department of the Environment
Maryland Department of Transportation
U.S. Federal Government Agencies
Local Government Agencies
Other Resources
General Information
Who works with the Planning Department?
- Planning Board – The five-member board (one chair and four part-time members) supervises the preparation of plans, advises the County Council on certain applications, and conducts public hearings with the District Council, among other things.
- District Council – “District Council” is the term we use for the County Council when it acts on planning and zoning matters. The District Council approves a plan’s blueprint and authorizes plan preparation, holds public hearings along with the Planning Board, and has the authority to approve or reject a plan.
- County Executive – The County Executive, along with the District Council, receives the public facilities parts of all plans approved by the Planning Board. The County executive branch includes the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, which issues permits (for buildings, use and occupancy, grading, and signs). The County Executive also has authority over the County’s water and sewer plan.
- Office of the Zoning Hearing Examiner – The Office of the Hearing Examiner conducts public hearings on behalf of the District Council in zoning matters, including appeals from decisions of the Historic Preservation Commission and applications related to special exceptions and permits issued in error.
- The office issues a written decision for each hearing and files it with the District Council.
- Office of People’s Zoning Counsel – Appointed by the County Executive to protect the public interest and ensure that the record in each zoning case is complete. The People’s Zoning Counsel attends all zoning hearings held by the District Council and Zoning Hearing Examiner. It can question witnesses, introduce evidence, and make legal arguments in the case.
- Board of Zoning Appeals – This three-member board, appointed by the County Council, hears appeals on issues such as:
- Zoning violation notices, correction orders, or stop work orders;
- Variance applications from Zoning Ordinance requirements; Permit denials; and
- Requests for time extensions to correct zoning violations.
- Historic Preservation Commission – The Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is a nine-member body responsible for protecting properties listed on the Inventory of Historic Resources in the Prince George’s County Historic Sites and Districts Plan. The HPC is empowered to:
- Evaluate historic resources for designation as historic sites or historic districts;
- Review and approve plans for exterior alteration, demolition, or new construction; and
- Prevent the deterioration of historic resources caused by neglect.
Plan Information
Where can I find plans covering planning for the whole County?
Functional plans are plans that cover a specific topic for the entire County, including plans for transportation, the environment, historic resources, parks and recreation, schools, public safety, and water resources.
The Countywide Planning Division can answer questions related to:
- Environmental impacts of plans and developmental proposals: woodlands, wildlife habitats, green infrastructure, streams, floodplains, wetlands, unsafe soils, noise, and endangered species
- Measures we take to mitigate these impacts
- Environmental applications and submission procedures
- Environmental laws relevant to the County
Katina Shoulars is the Division Chief of the Countywide Planning Division
Contact: Thomas Burke, Supervisor, Environmental Planning Section; 301-952-3650; PPD-Enviroplanningquestions@ppd.mncppc.org
Our Historic Preservation Section also works with the Planning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission
For questions related to:
- Historic preservation
- Historic sites
- Historic resources and preservation awareness
- Grant programs and tax credits related to historic preservation
- Historic work permits
- African-American history
Contact: Thomas Gross, Supervisor, Historic Preservation Section; 301-952-3520; HistoricPreservation@ppd.mncppc.org
Where do I go for questions about water and sewer planning?
The current water and sewer plan for the County, published in 2008, includes water and sewer planning policies and procedures as well as descriptions of water and sewer categories, existing water systems, and sewage treatment facilities.
You can find more information on the County’s water and sewer planning on the County’s website.
Who is the planner responsible for the projects in my community?
Visit our planner responsibility map to find the Planning Department staff member responsible for planning projects in your area.
How do I contact Planning Department Staff?
Use our directory to contact Planning Department staff. If you do not know who to contact about your issue or question, our Planning Information Services staff will assist you.
Who can help me with County planning and zoning research?
The Planning Information Services staff can assist you with planning and zoning research.
240-545-8976
Where can I get a copy of a plan (or other publications) for my area?
You can access the Planning Department’s publications electronically. If you need paper copies, please email us.
How do I make a request for Planning Department public records?
You can find out how to file a request under the Maryland Public Information Act here..
You can request copies of documents that are within our system. (Note: All requests must be for existing records; we are not required to create new records.)
Zoning
What are the zones in Prince George’s County?
Prince George’s County has many different zones that are divided into eight general types. Five zone types are named after their use: residential, nonresidential (commercial and industrial), rural, and transit-oriented/activity center. There are also three other types of zones: legacy, overlay, and planned development.
Our Guide to Zoning Categories is a resource that visually represents each zone and describes its important details by type.
How do I find the zoning for my community?
You can find your property’s zone at PGAtlas.com. PGAtlas is the core online global information systems website for the Prince George’s Planning Department.
PGAtlas provides residents, developers, and planners access to property information such as zoning, recent development activity, and other relevant information.
How do I know if a use on my property complies with the zoning ordinance?
You can request a confirmation from the Planning Department that a use on the property complies with the Zoning Ordinance.
Please fill out the online form, provide your payment method, and attach any relevant files. Most requests will be answered within three business days.
How can I find out if a use is allowed under the zoning ordinance?
Property owners (or others with a contractual interest in land) can ask the Planning Department for an official written explanation of the Zoning Ordinance, called a Zoning Ordinance Interpretation, to determine how to apply the zoning rules in a particular situation. Zoning Ordinance Interpretations can be obtained for clarifications regarding:
- zone boundaries;
- compliance with conditions of approval, or
- whether an unlisted use should be allowed or prohibited in a particular zone.
How are zoning changes made?
When the District Council changes the Zoning Ordinance (through text amendments), the process is called rezoning. Several entities may review and comment on proposed changes to the Ordinance, including the Planning Board, Zoning Hearing Examiner, Planning Director, the Historic Preservation Commission (where applicable), and affected municipalities.
Rezoning can happen in two ways: through Zoning Map Amendments or Sectional Map Amendments.
Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA)—A ZMA rezones one or more individual properties at the request of the property owner (or other applicant). The District Council will approve a ZMA if it determines that:
- there has been a substantial change in the community’s character that supports the rezoning, or
- a mistake was made regarding the prior zoning or SMA.
You can find information on the ZMA process, including fees, public notice requirements, and application instructions here.
Sectional Map Amendment—An SMA is a legislative act that changes the zoning rules for a specific area (such as a municipality, planning area, or other areas) to help put a master plan’s recommendations into action. Planning Department staff initiate SMAs.
You can find more information about SMAs on the Planning Department’s website.
Do zoning changes impact boundaries in my community?
No, they do not change your municipality, school district, or zip code boundaries. They only change the zoning for specific properties or areas or provide exceptions to the current zoning rules.
Can I get an exception to the zoning rules in my community?
There are two ways you can receive Planning Department approval for land uses that do not follow the Zoning Ordinance: special exceptions and variances.
Special Exception
You can apply for a special exception use of your property to permit a use that would not otherwise be permitted in your zone under the Zoning Ordinance.
For example, if your situation meets certain conditions, you may be allowed to operate a commercial enterprise in your home even though your property is in a residential zone.
Variance
You can also get an exception to the Zoning Ordinance rules by obtaining a variance. A variance allows a property owner to deviate from zoning requirements such as building height or setbacks if following those requirements would cause undue hardship to the property owner.
For example, you can apply for a variance if you own a lot that you are building a home on and the lot is so narrow that it prevents you from following the side yard setback requirements.
Departures are similar to special exceptions and variances, except that they allow for flexibility concerning County landscaping rules (found in the Landscape Manual), sign regulations, or the design of parking and loading and facilities.
Development In Your Community
How can I get help with submitting a development review application?
We can provide assistance with development applications in the following areas:
- Environmental – We review applications related to the impact of development proposals on woodlands, wildlife habitats, green infrastructure, streams, floodplains, wetlands, unsafe soils, and rare, threatened, and endangered species habitats.
- Expedited Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) – We review ETOD applications to ensure they comply with legislation enacted to incentivize transit-oriented development in the County.
- Subdivision – We review preliminary plans to ensure that adequate public facilities are available (or will be available in the future) to serve the proposed development.
- Urban Design – Ensures that all applications consider the areas between and around site development; reviews applications for compliance with the County’s Landscape Manual.
- Zoning – Zoning applications are submitted for changing zoning maps, allowing special uses, granting exceptions, issuing permits, certifying existing uses, and allowing deviations.
You can find the applications, information on fees, pre-application conferences (where applicable), and other resources on our website.
You can also check the status of a permit application submitted to the Planning Department. (Note: You will not be able to check the status of applications submitted to another agency even if the permit application is part of the same development project).
The government is building a facility in my community — Is the process the same for private development?
Government-funded development projects follow a different process than private ones.
The Planning Department reviews all qualifying public sector projects through the mandatory referral process to ensure they conform to the Zoning Ordinance.
How does the Development Review process work?
The development process depends on the type of structure(s) to be built. However, the process is generally as follows:
| Phase 1 | Applications |
| Phase 2 | M-NCPPC Permit Review |
| Phase 3 | Subdivision |
| Phase 4 | Urban Design |
| Phase 5 | Zoning |
Where do I go for more information on Urban Design applications?
Urban Design applications take into consideration the area between and around site development to better organize physical space and community environments.
Applications are also reviewed for compliance with the Prince George’s County Landscape Manual.
You can find the types of urban design applications here.
Contact: Hyojung Garland, Supervisor, Urban Design Section
301-952-3530
Where do I find information on development projects in my district?
You can find a visual summary of the progress of current development projects across the County and related details on our Development Activity Monitoring System (DAMS) dashboard, which includes a video tutorial. The development data are updated every two weeks.
You can also search for specific development projects on DAMS.
Can you alert my community association about new development?
Your community or civic association can fill out this form to receive notifications of new development applications in your area so that your community can participate early in the Planning Department’s development review process.
Do you have questions about the form? Contact Planning Information Services for assistance and the schedule for the intake/information center.
My community group has a project idea. Can you help us implement it?
Yes! Our Planning Assistance to Municipalities program can help your community with projects aligned with the plan(s) in place for your area. We can provide a variety of technical planning services to your community free of charge, including:
- business improvement district preparation
- community outreach and capacity building
- walkability assessments
- landscape design plans
- technical writing assistance for grant applications or government contracts
- housing research
Check our PAMC page for eligibility guidelines, the application form, and a description of current or past projects.
How do I make my voice heard about development in my community?
You can get involved in the planning process in your community in many ways:
- Get notified of upcoming meetings, actions, and decisions related to a specific development project in your community by becoming a person of record.
- Speak at a Planning Board meeting or budget forum. The Planning Board meetings are open to the public and usually occur on Thursdays.
- Receive a monthly report of all development applications filed in your District.
- Receive Planning Board meeting agendas and notifications via email.
- Submit materials to a Planning Board meeting.
- Attend community meetings.
- Watch a meeting online.
- Connect with us on social media.
How can I get information on a new subdivision coming in my area?
You can find information on the subdivision process and upcoming meetings, which are open to the public.
How can I get information on a new subdivision coming in my area?
You can find information on the subdivision process and upcoming meetings, which are open to the public.
Transportation
What is the Master Plan of Transportation?
The County’s Master Plan of Transportation (MPOT) lays out the actions needed to create a high-quality transportation system for everyone, regardless of whether they are driving, walking, biking, or using other ways to get around.
The current plan is from 2009, but the Planning Department is working on the next version, called MPOT 35, which will update and replace the old plan.
Contact: Crystal Hancock, Supervisor (Acting), Transportation Planning Section
301-952-3084
The government is building a facility in my community — Is the process the same for private development?
Government-funded development projects follow a different process than private ones.
The Planning Department reviews all qualifying public sector projects through the mandatory referral process to ensure they conform to the Zoning Ordinance.
Where can I find the status of the Purple Line construction?
Check the Line’s website for construction updates and related news.
I’m not a planning expert. How can I better understand planning documents?
We created a glossary of planning terms to help you navigate Planning Department information.
Historic Preservation
How do I make changes to my property if I live in a Historic District?
If you’re planning to make changes to a historic site or property in a historic district, you may need a historic area work permit. This is usually required for exterior changes, as well as any demolition, grading, signs, or new construction that affects the property’s outside appearance.
But if you’re doing interior work or regular maintenance that doesn’t change the exterior, you probably won’t need a permit.
The Planning Department’s Historic Preservation Commission will review your project to ensure it fits with the historic character of the property.
Contact: Thomas Gross, Supervisor, Historic Preservation Section
Who can answer questions about County history and properties?
Our Historic Preservation team has a library full of research materials and helps the public do their own research on County history. We also point people to useful resources for historical documents and information.
How can I get involved in County preservation activities?
You can:
- Attend Historic Preservation Commission meetings
- Join the Prince George’s Historical Society
- Subscribe to the Prince George’s County Historical and Cultural Trust’s Friends of Preservation newsletter
How are historic districts and historic sites created?
The Historic Preservation Commission decides whether a property in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Resources meets certain historical or architectural standards. The commission can also create a historic district by grouping nearby properties that have similar historical or architectural importance.
You can find the relevant forms, procedures, and guidelines on our website.
Does the Planning Department have historical and cultural resources?
The Prince George’s Cultural Arts Study was a team effort between the County’s Planning Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Prince George’s Humanities Council. The document shows how our group worked with County residents and arts community representatives to understand the County’s arts scene, identify its challenges, and find ways to use arts and culture to benefit all County residents.
We also put together a report on African-American Historical and Cultural Resources for the County. The publication highlights 107 historic properties and 14 historic important communities in the County.
Can I get tax credits or grants for my historic site or district?
You may qualify for a Prince George’s County Preservation Tax Credit on County property taxes if you’re doing restoration or new construction projects completed within a historic district.
We encourage you to contact us and submit your tax credit application before you start the project.
You could also be eligible for:
- State and federal preservation tax credits for the project. Visit the Maryland Department of Planning Historical Trust for more information.
- Other federal tax incentives related to historic preservation for both individual property owners and 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Grants related to African-American heritage preservation.
- Competitive commercial rehabilitation projects and small commercial tax credits.
Be sure to check the relevant websites for deadlines and other application details.
Environment
What environmental conservation efforts are happening in the County?
The County enforces the Woodland Conservation and Tree Preservation Ordinance, which protects the County’s woodlands and wildlife habitat.
If you’re doing any development work that disturbs the land—like digging, changing the elevation (called grading), or filling in areas—you’ll need a permit from the County, though there are a few exceptions.
You can check the guidelines to see what’s allowed on your property under this ordinance.
We also provide information on other conservation rules, the types of applications, and additional resources.
Do I need a permit to cut down trees in my yard?
You can remove one or two trees without a permit or plan if it’s necessary to protect life or property. Be sure to take photos of the trees before removing them to show why the tree removal was needed.
For more details on tree removal rules, get in touch with the Environmental Planning section.
Who do I call if my basement floods?
Contact the County’s Department of the Environment.
What is a floodplain? How do I know if my property is in a floodplain?
A floodplain is any area that can easily flood due to nearby bodies of water, heavy rain, storms, or poor drainage in areas where water cannot seep into the ground.
The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement is responsible for following federal and state rules to limit property damage and keep residents safe.
To find information about your property or other floodplain issues, reach out to the County’s Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement.
What do I do about nuisance or injured wildlife in or around my home?
If you find sick or wild animals, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for help and information.
You can also contact the Maryland office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services.
How do I register my boat or get a hunting and fishing license?
Contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for more information about boating, hunting, and fishing licenses.
County Research and Data
Where can I find research on land use, housing, or other topics?
The Planning Department’s Research Section collects and analyzes County demographic information and data on housing, land use, and the economy.
You can explore our demographics dashboard, including population breakdowns by age, race, language, and educational attainment. The dashboard also includes snapshots of housing and employment data. The data come from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey.
You can also find a collection of interactive online maps that showcase a variety of types of data about the County, including:
| Existing and prior zoning | 2020 Census data | Proposed development cases | Tax-exempt property |
| Population forecasts | 3D representations of buildings | Historic homes | Tree canopy coverage |
| Aerial imagery comparisons | Easement types | Property comparisons | Senior housing communities |
The County’s street address tool allows you to generate lists of County property owners and addresses.
Can you help me make custom maps from County data?
Fill out our GIS & Data Analysis request form, and we will gladly assist you. We offer free custom map and data analysis services for the first two hours. Afterward, there is a charge for the service.
We complete requests within 3-5 business days.
Do you have visualizations of County map data?
Yes. Our website has dashboards that show:
Permits
I am building a patio/deck/driveway on my property. Do I need a permit?
The Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement handles this type of construction. Please check their website for further information.
Do I need a permit or license to operate a business from my home?
The Planning Department does not issue business licenses or permits for operating a home-based business.
The Prince George’s County’s Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement handles the County’s business licensing requirements.
How do I check the status of an M-NCPPC permit review?
You can check the status of a permit review using our permits tracking system.
Please note that while there are many agencies that will participate in permit review, our permits tracking system only provides the status of the permit review process within the Prince George’s County Planning Department.
There are many divisions within the Planning Department that will review a permit. The permits tracking system shows all the divisions that will review the permit and which divisions have or have not completed its review. In order to find the status of your permit, a permit number or address (street number and street name) must be entered in the form below.
Contact: Brooke Larman (Supervisor), Permit Review Section
301.952.3530
Other
There is a sign on my street advertising a hearing. What is this about?
Each sign displays a case number and a phone number.
You can enter the case number into our Development Activity Monitoring System or call the number on the sign to find out what the hearing is about. Signs are posted 30 days before the hearing.
What is the process for changing a street name in the County?
You can find the guidelines and process for renaming a street here.
Does the Planning Department give technical advice on mandatory referral cases?
The Special Projects Section is responsible for providing technical advice on mandatory referral cases, the need for public facilities, and agricultural issues.
Contact: Bobby Ray, Supervisor, Special Projects Section
301-952-3680
