DPIE Developments Newsletter, Fall 2024

DPIE Developments masthead, words plus hard hat and construction background

Fall 2024

A Message from Director Dawit Abraham

Director Dawit Abraham on job site for inspection

Happy Fall!

We look forward to seeing you on Zoom at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, for the virtual Fall 2024 Community Partners’ Meeting. We are collaborating with DoE and DPW&T. My staff will discuss this summer’s Stepped-Up Enforcement Blitz through which we addressed illegal home-based businesses, helping as many business owners as possible who were operating illegally to come into compliance. We will also discuss our “Fall into Compliance” program, part of our seasonal effort to get property owners and managers to address maintenance violations.

See you on Zoom on Sept.19!

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Stepped-up Initiative Enforcement, photo of illegal car business in backgroundspacer bar between articles, no image, no textStepped-up Enforcement blitz, inspectors investigating complaints and handing out informational flyersspacer bar between articles, no image, no text

Initiative Focuses on Illegal Home-Based Businesses

DPIE is urging home-based business owners to comply with County Code requirements as part of an educational and enforcement program started earlier this year — the Stepped-Up Enforcement Blitz. The blitz, which was rolled out in areas that drew heavy complaints from residents, focuses on home businesses operating without a Use and Occupancy Permit (U&O) and/or applicable licenses. As of August, about 550 citations had been issued and $223,000 in fines were assessed.

The program is getting high marks for quelling illegal and often disruptive activity in communities and assisting operators of illegal home-based businesses with coming into compliance. The initial phase of the project, which ran through July 1, focused on educating the public about compliance requirements. Then, DPIE began issuing citations for U&O, licensing and Housing Code violations (storing trash and debris, keeping wrecked cars on a property, tall grass and weeds, etc.).

Examples of noncompliant home-based businesses include kitchen cafés, makeshift clubs and driveway auto repair shops. PGPD and the Revenue Authority are assisting with the blitz.

For more information, visit the DPIE website.

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Homeowner and Business Timely Tips, photo of digital property search, photo of laptop and house iconsspacer bar between articles, no image, no text

How to Access Permit Status and Other Information

Many of DPIE’s records are searchable at no cost or delay to the requester.

Permit History by Address: To search for permits by property address or permit history, visit: Permit Search. If you would like a copy of a permit, request one using the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) Request Form.

Inspection History: To search for the inspection history by permit number, visit: Inspections History by Permit Number.  

LookSee — Property Explorer: To research permits and properties in Prince George's County, use LookSee. The portal allows you to view Momentum information related to permits, licenses, inspections, and enforcement by entering the full application/permit number or property address.

Application Tracker — Check the Status of Plan Reviews: DPIE’s Application Tracker is a tool that gives users a snapshot of where a permit application is in the plan review process. To use Application Tracker, enter your Application Number into the DPIE Application Tracker portal and see your plan review progress. Each review has a status listed at the bottom of the page (Pending, Under Review, Completed, Hold for Corrections, Out to Applicant).

Data Prince George's: Data Prince George's provides data on communities, County Government, finance, public safety, urban planning, education, health and the environment.

Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) Requests: Request information about code violations, liens, rental licenses, site plans and other documents using the MPIA form. Find details on the MPIA page.


DPIE Has a New Email Address!

Email icon, to accompany message DPIE has a new email

DPIE has updated our email address to dpie@mypgc.us. Although our email has changed, our dedication to send out valuable and informational content will remain the same. Kindly save our new email address to your contacts to ensure you continue to receive updates, newsletters and other information. We hope to reach you and not your spam folder. We appreciate your continued support of our communication efforts and look forward to sharing exciting news with you.

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Homeowners Helpful Hints with photo of maintained door stoop decorated with mums and pumpkins for fallspacer bar between articles, no image, no text

Fall into Compliance

Helpful Hints to prepare your home or business for cooler weather, graphic of house with areas around the home to check for maintenance.spacer bar between articles, no image, no text

Take these steps to keep your property code compliant as the temperatures drop.

  • Remove outdated outdoor décor and replace with items that are appropriate for the season.
  • Put away or cover and secure outdoor furniture, grills and large children’s yard toys.
  • Repair peeling paint, loose siding, ragged gutters and sagging downspouts.
  • Fix broken windows and doors.
  • Clear away leaves, fallen branches, trash, debris and open storage.
  • Remove old appliances, building materials, furniture, garbage, untagged vehicles and vehicle parts.
  • Clean and secure your vacant property.
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Fall 2024 Community Partners’ Meeting Set for 9/19!

DPIE, DoE and DPW&T are partnering again for the Fall Community Partners’ Meeting, from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. The meeting will be held on Zoom. Participants will meet agency leaders, hear from staff experts, and learn about new initiatives. Answers will be provided to pre-submitted questions during a Q&A.

DPIE topics will include the Stepped-Up Enforcement Blitz for home businesses; electronic permitting and licensing processes; and the “Fall into Compliance” property maintenance program. DOE will discuss the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Event (scheduled for 10/7/24) and the Green Summit (scheduled for 10/19/24). DPW&T's presentation will include the Fall Growing Green with Pride event (scheduled for 10/19/24) and transportation updates.

Email DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us for more information and to submit questions for the Q&A. No registration is required. Join the meeting via the flyer below by scanning the QR code, clicking the meeting link or by clicking the flyer itself. Share this meeting with your networks!

Fall 2024 Community Partners Zoom Meeting, image of fall trees and informationwhite space

Enforcement Draws Kudos for Clean Lot Operation

Code Enforcement officers on site, working out of their County vehicle to answer a citizen complaint.

(From left) James Laws, Brandon Wright and Maria Hyatt discuss a recent lot cleanup. The photos below left show before and after views of one area that was cleaned.

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Racetrack before and after the cleanup photo with clear raceway and landscape

Enforcement Division members, led by Zoning Unit Supervisor Brandon Wright, Senior Zoning Inspector James Laws and Single-Family Unit Supervisor Maria Hyatt, were recognized recently for the successful cleanup of the former Marlboro Motor Raceway site at 6000 SE Crain Highway in Upper Marlboro. The team’s tireless efforts led to the removal of 300 vehicles from the property, including 150 cars, seven box trucks and four boats from the 22-acre property. Twelve stolen cars were recovered, three structures were demolished and several unlicensed businesses were discovered. The ongoing project is addressing a longstanding concern among residents about safety and aesthetics in the community. The team collaborated with the Office of Law, County Police officers assigned to the Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (WAVE) Task Force, DPW&T and the Revenue Authority.

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We Love Hearing from Our Customers!

Email

I have recently been working with Salman Babar on various floodplain issues including review of a floodplain study. . . He is a pragmatic employee who has been willing to talk through complex floodplain modelling issues and come to reasonable resolutions to help the project progress. I hope he gets recognized for the fantastic service he is providing to his customers.
Sincerely,
Joe Riley-Ryan, PE

Google Review

Richard Faltz
5 Stars *****
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the staff members at the Prince George's County Permits office... In particular, I want to highlight the outstanding work of Danielle. She is an exceptional worker, a great inspiration to her team, and she consistently provides extremely helpful and professional service every time I come to the office.