In this issue:
 A rendering of the completed Hampton Park Redevelopment located on Central Avenue and the Beltway.
The Business Development Section (BDS) continues to assist with the permitting process for the projects included in the redevelopment of the old Hampton Mall/Kingdom Square Shopping Center located in Capitol Heights. Significant progress was made on construction over the last two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The redevelopment is expected to be completed by September 2022.
The new mixed-use Hampton Park will include residential housing, a 125-room hotel, additional commercial space, a Prince George’s County Health and Human Services (HHS) office building and a parking deck to accommodate HHS employees and shoppers. Carolina Kitchen, a restaurant specializing in Southern cuisine, and Market Fresh Gourmet, a grocery store featuring restaurant-quality foods, are among a cadre of businesses opening in Hampton Park. Hampton Park is among several developments coming into Prince George’s County featuring businesses that will help reduce local food deserts by providing fresh and healthy fare to communities where such choices previously were limited.
 The Hampton Park Redevelopment project shows significant progress.
Next month, DPIE will introduce DPIE Connect — Mini Preliminary Design Review Meetings (PDRM) for individual small business owners. Starting in May 2022, entrepreneurs will meet with staff from DPIE’s Building Plan Review, Permitting and Licensing and Inspections divisions and the Business Development Section (BDS) officers. Topics will include application requirements, permits, licenses, inspections, fees, and plan review. Code-related questions about building/structural, electrical, mechanical, fire and life safety, health and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility will also be addressed. Items discussed during the virtual meeting do not constitute a plan review or approval. All plans will be reviewed for compliance when submitted. DPIE Connect meetings are limited to one hour each. The following projects qualify for this free program:
- Projects requesting a straight Use and Occupancy Permit (U&O) — no construction
- Projects for a change of occupancy — no construction
- Projects with interior alterations not exceeding 2,000 square feet in area
- Projects not more than one story in height
Note that the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), which is responsible for zoning, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), which oversees plumbing, will not participate in DPIE Connect.
Starting in May, business owners may reserve appointments for DPIE Connect meetings by going to DPIE's website.
 
  Staying Updated on Permit Application Status
As an owner, you should request your architect, general contractor or whomever applies for your permits to list your contact information on the online permit application with view only privileges. You will receive an automated email to inform you that you have been invited to access the application. If you do not have an account, you will be prompted to create one. This will allow you to stay updated on the permit status of your project and any outstanding tasks that need to be completed by the applicant.
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Scheduling Inspections
There are two methods that you may use to schedule an inspection with DPIE. You may schedule online using the schedule an inspection link that directs you to the scheduling portal or via telephone by calling 301-755-9000. Remember to have the following information available when arranging for the inspection: contact number, case number and the correct request code. The request code identifies the inspection type needed. The following link provides a list of the request codes.
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Introducing Our New BDS Team Member: Charles Cooper, Business Development Officer
Charles is a highly accomplished and motivated building code professional with more than 16 years of public sector experience. He comes to DPIE from the City of Alexandria, Virginia, where he served as a senior architectural plans examiner and business facilitator. He has a background in architecture and building code regulation with a primary focus on municipal legislation. He is certified in all building code disciplines through the International Code Council (ICC). He is an alumnus of High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, and holds a Construction Management Diploma from North Carolina State University. He is a member of the American Association of Code Enforcement.
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Business Development Section
Please join the BDS team at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, for a virtual discussion about building permits, U&Os, and inspections. Email dpiebizdev@co.pg.md.us for an invitation. The class is limited to 50 people.
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ICYMI
Over the last year, the BDS has conducted several webinars and prepared PowerPoint presentations for the business community on a variety of DPIE processes. These include Building and Use and Occupancy Permits, Inspections, Special Events, Business Licensing, and more. Customers may access the BDS presentations here.
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