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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Prince George's County.

For applications filed on or after March 1, 2026, DPIE lists the 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Existing Building Code with Prince George's County Subtitle 4 amendments; 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and 2021 NFPA 1 Fire Code with Subtitle 11 and Maryland State Fire Prevention Code requirements; 2019 NFPA 13/13D/13R sprinkler standards; and 2019 NFPA 72 fire-alarm standards. County and Maryland electrical, mechanical, energy, accessibility, grading, stormwater, and site/road codes also apply by project type.

Inspection lane

Schedule inspections online through the Momentum system where available or call the automated IVR at 301-755-9000 Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Have the contact phone number, permit case number, request code, and desired date ready; keep the confirmation number for the inspection. Commercial projects may be assigned to the Third-Party Inspection Program, and municipal inspection responsibilities vary by project and municipality.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The county identifies as exempt from a building permit: one detached, non-habitable accessory structure under 150 square feet on a one- or two-family dwelling property, limited to one per lot; paving under 500 square feet except parking surfaces; retaining walls no higher than 2 feet unless supporting a structure; fences no higher than 4 feet; exterior siding, roof-shingle replacement without structural repair, painting, carpeting/flooring, kitchen or bathroom counters, cabinets, exact window/door replacement without structural alteration, and similar minor work. Separate electrical, mechanical, plumbing, grading, or municipal requirements may still apply.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Schedule inspections online through the Momentum system where available or call the automated IVR at 301-755-9000 Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Have the contact phone number, permit case number, request code, and desired date ready; keep the confirmation number for the inspection. Commercial projects may be assigned to the Third-Party Inspection Program, and municipal inspection responsibilities vary by project and municipality.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Prince George's County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 301-636-2050 (building permits); 301-755-9000 (inspection IVR).

How long might review take?

N/A - DPIE publishes a process guide and requires plan screening for many projects, but no single current standard review time applies to all permit types. A building application is abandoned if a permit is not issued within one year unless it is diligently pursued or otherwise extended.

How are inspections scheduled?

Schedule inspections online through the Momentum system where available or call the automated IVR at 301-755-9000 Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Have the contact phone number, permit case number, request code, and desired date ready; keep the confirmation number for the inspection. Commercial projects may be assigned to the Third-Party Inspection Program, and municipal inspection responsibilities vary by project and municipality.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

For applications filed on or after March 1, 2026, DPIE lists the 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Existing Building Code with Prince George's County Subtitle 4 amendments; 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and 2021 NFPA 1 Fire Code with Subtitle 11 and Maryland State Fire Prevention Code requirements; 2019 NFPA 13/13D/13R sprinkler standards; and 2019 NFPA 72 fire-alarm standards. County and Maryland electrical, mechanical, energy, accessibility, grading, stormwater, and site/road codes also apply by project type. The county identifies as exempt from a building permit: one detached, non-habitable accessory structure under 150 square feet on a one- or two-family dwelling property, limited to one per lot; paving under 500 square feet except parking surfaces; retaining walls no higher than 2 feet unless supporting a structure; fences no higher than 4 feet; exterior siding, roof-shingle replacement without structural repair, painting, carpeting/flooring, kitchen or bathroom counters, cabinets, exact window/door replacement without structural alteration, and similar minor work. Separate electrical, mechanical, plumbing, grading, or municipal requirements may still apply.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.