 Clockwise from top left: Acting Director Jared McCarthy talks to a resident after the meeting; Senior Advisor to the Director Lori Parris (R) chats with Council Member Krystal Oriadha; (L-R) IT Consultant Kevin Edwards, Special Assistant to the Director Dan Dornan, Associate Director for Permitting and Licensing Bellur Ravishankar and Associate Director for Inspections Behdad Kashanian watch the proceedings as Enforcement Division Inspector Ron Waters observes from the next row; Deputy Directors LaMont Hinton (L) and Dawit Abraham await the start of the meeting.
DPIE leadership and several staff members attended a County Council town hall meeting on March 21. Acting Director Jared McCarthy discussed programs implemented to allow DPIE to continue to provide service during the pandemic; agency challenges, such as staffing; and initiatives to further improve service delivery. DPIE, which turns 10 this year, is one of the County’s largest regulatory agencies and revenue generators. DPIE thanks the residents who came out to share information and provide feedback. Contact DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us for questions or concerns.
 Staff who attended the meeting included (front row, L-R) Public Information Officer Avis Thomas-Lester, Parris, Associate Director for Site/Road Plan Review Mary Giles, Kashanian, Hinton and Inspector Jason Carter; (second row, L-R) Supervisory Inspector Tony Best, Supervisory Inspector DeJuan Valentine, Inspector Darren Fox and Associate Director for IT Yvette Gayles.
Neighbors had complained about the “abandoned” properties for some time – two dilapidated structures located on adjacent lots in Fort Washington. The properties were among hundreds that drew complaints last year. Such properties create eyesores and negatively impact the aesthetics of neighborhoods. They may pose a hazard to anyone who happens inside and serve as havens for vermin.
At any time, there may be upwards of 4,000 vacant structures in Prince George’s County. Some have been left unoccupied for short periods of time as owners go on extended trips. Others have been vacant for years after owners surrendered mortgages, became incapacitated or passed away.
Enforcement Division inspectors refer to unoccupied properties as “vacants.” Complaints are referred to the Vacant Properties Unit. Seriously blighted vacant properties are investigated by the Inspections Division's Demolition Unit, which has the authority to raze such structures.
The Demolition Unit investigates cases where properties have fallen into serious disrepair. There are a number of steps the team must follow before a demolition can occur. Research must be conducted to try to locate the owner. Inspectors search land records, tax records and other public documents to try to find the person who is legally responsible for the property. DPIE then sends a violation notice by certified mail to the owner giving them 30 days to declare what they intend to do with the property.
If there is no response, DPIE advertises its intent to demolish the structure. A contractor is hired in a bid process and approved by the Office of Finance. The case is evaluated by the Office of Law to ensure appropriate steps have been taken. Raze permits are obtained.
Such an extensive process can take upwards of nine months, but DPIE is committed to addressing noncompliant vacant and blighted properties. Report violations of vacant and blighted properties to PGC311. Contact DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us for more information.
 
As we head into spring, DPIE is reminding property owners to take steps to bring their properties into compliance. The Enforcement Division is stepping up inspections and the Inspections Division's Demolition Unit is making preparations to raze some blighted structures. The Enforcement Division recently cleaned a property in Clinton by removing open storage, junk and inoperable vehicles from the yard. Under the Clean It and Lien It! program, the property owner will be assessed for the charges. DPIE cleans dozens of properties in violation each year and several properties are razed. Report property maintenance violations to PGC311.
DPIE hosts monthly virtual Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions to allow the public to interact directly with agency leadership and staff. Each session focuses on a particular topic and includes a brief presentation, comments by DPIE experts and a Q&A period. Sessions take place from 11 a.m.–12 noon on the third Thursday of each month. See details below. We hope to see you at the virtual meeting!
 DPIE holds monthly contests to share information about the Prince George's County Code. The first person to respond with the correct answer will win one of DPIE's large (13"x10"x15") insulated grocery tote bags with a zipper closure, and your name in next month's Under Construction newsletter.*
*DPIE employees and their family members are not eligible to enter in this promotion.
For this month's contest, carefully study QUIZ PHOTO # 3 below and "Name that Violation" by emailing your best guess to DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us.
 
DPIE Congratulates
Judy Poole
for correctly identifying the violation
in photo number 2 (shown at right)
in last month's issue of Under Construction.
The answer is shown in the image below.
(DPIE added the ordinance from County Code.)
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Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Farsi, originated 3,000 years ago in ancient Persia. The holiday celebrates the arrival of spring, beginning on the vernal equinox, and is observed by various ethnicities worldwide. May new beginnings bring you and yours blessings, good health and prosperity!
Ramadan, the most sacred time of year in Islamic culture, is observed worldwide as a month of fasting and prayer. From sunup to sundown each day, observers fast and abstain from negative behavior. Observers do good deeds for their communities and help others who are less fortunate. At the end of the month, Eid-al-Fitr, known as the Festival of Sweets, is observed. DPIE wishes you and yours joy and peace during the holy month of Ramadan.
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