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Do I need a permit? in Prince George's County, MD

DPIE exempts only four things: one detached accessory structure under 150 sq ft per lot, paving under 500 sq ft that isn't for parking, retaining walls 2 ft or less that support nothing, and fences 4 ft or less.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Prince George's County before you build.

The details

  • Only one exempt accessory structure per property, so a second shed or a pergola after a shed needs a permit.High confidence
  • Paving under 500 sq ft is exempt except parking surfaces. Driveways and parking pads always need a permit.High confidence
  • Fences over 4 ft, and all fences on corner lots, need a permit.High confidence
  • Towns such as Hyattsville, College Park, Greenbelt and Bowie may require their own permits too.Medium confidence

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Common questions

Which small projects need no permit in Prince George's County?
DPIE exempts only four things: one detached accessory structure under 150 sq ft per lot, paving under 500 sq ft that isn't for parking, retaining walls 2 ft or less that support nothing, and fences 4 ft or less.

Sources

  1. Prince George's County DPIE, What work is exempt from obtaining a permit?. Checked 2026-10-21
    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 pa…
  2. Prince George's County DPIE, Residential fence permits. Checked 2026-10-20
    Fences taller than four (4) feet require a permit... all properties located on a corner lot, must possess a permit to install a fence, regardless of height... NO VISUAL OBSTRUCTION MORE THAN THREE (3) FEET HIGH (above the curb level) [within the sight trian…

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.