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Steep slopes and problem soils in Prince George's County, MD

DPIE can require a sealed soils report based on slopes and soil type (§ 32-131), and no cut or fill may be steeper than 2:1 without a soil engineer's report (§ 32-160). Retaining walls on steep ground are capped at 6 ft with terraces.

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

  • Retaining walls reduce slope steepness and must allow replanting between tiers.High confidence
  • Expect a soils report where Marlboro or other shrink-swell clays are suspected.Medium confidence

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Common questions

Do steep slopes or soils like marine clay change what I can build in Prince George's County?
DPIE can require a sealed soils report based on slopes and soil type (§ 32-131), and no cut or fill may be steeper than 2:1 without a soil engineer's report (§ 32-160). Retaining walls on steep ground are capped at 6 ft with terraces.

Sources

  1. Prince George's County Zoning Ordinance (Subtitle 27), Sections 27-5202, 27-5203, 27-6600 and 27-6800. Checked 2026-10-21
    [27-5203(b)(15)] An outdoor swimming pool shall be enclosed by a fence at least six feet high... An outdoor swimming pool accessory to a single-family dwelling may be located in a required side or rear yard except that it shall be set back at least eight fe…
  2. Prince George's County Code Subtitle 32, §§ 32-127 (exceptions to grading permit), 32-131 (soils report), 32-160 (slopes). Checked 2026-10-21
    [excluding property within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone, no grading permit is required for] (6) Grading, as a maintenance measure, or for landscaping or construction purposes on existing developed lots or parcels, provided: (A) The aggregat…

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.