1.
Accessory Buildings
Build shed that is more than
150 square feet
Build storage shed that is
150 square feet or less (only one
allowed per lot without permit)
Any shed that is attached to a
building or carport
Build farm building (on farm
property, agricultural use only)
* Electrical and Mechanical Contractors License required to
obtain electrical and mechanical trade permits.
Permit Plans
Additions and Alterations
Addition and alteration construction is a
miscellaneous grouping of home improvement
B Y
and renovation projects that are generally geared
toward the enhancement of an existing principal
structure. Exterior and interior additions/alterations
N N fall into this category. There are numerous home
improvement projects within this classification,
some of which may require multiple permits.
B Y
Residential additions can extend outward or
upward from the existing structure. Literally
E* N speaking, they are extensions of your living space.
Living areas can often be altered
or created through renovations to an
existing structure without the benefit
of outward physical expansion.
For example, a basement can be
finished as a family recreation room
and/or den, or it can be divided
and partitioned to create an
additional bedroom.
In order to perform new
construction or to alter an existing
structure, you must obtain a building
permit and submit site plans
showing existing and proposed
structure location(s), including well and/or septic
(if applicable). Structural plans are also required.
Electrical work for additions will require an
application for an electrical permit by a Master
Electrician licensed with Prince George’s County.
Electrical work for alterations of existing
dwellings will require an application for an electrical
permit by a Master Electrician licensed with
Prince George’s County.
 Additionally, the Health Department’s Division When Is a Permit Required?
of Environmental Health will check to ensure that
the existing septic system is sized adequately for any
proposed increase to living area(s), Project Categories
where applicable.
The projects listed in this booklet are grouped into
Like electrical work, the four general categories:
installation of plumbing or
natural gas piping requires an 1. Accessory Buildings (includes sheds);
application by a Registered 2. Home Improvement and Repair Projects;
Master Plumber/Gasfitter licensed
by WSSC. Generally, the installation 3. Appliance Installations (includes replacements);
of plumbing by homeowners is not and
permitted. Installation of natural 4. Miscellaneous.
gas piping and appliances by other
than Registered Master Gasfitters is
strictly prohibited.
Type of Permit and Symbols
For sprinklered homes, all additions (including
sunrooms and patio enclosures) must also be The symbols listed below appear in the
protected by an automatic sprinkler system in permit/plans column to indicate the type of permit
accordance with NFPA 13D. required. The symbols denote:
In accordance with Prince George’s County B — Building Permit
Building Code, Subtitle 4, Section 4-245(c),
E — Electrical Permit
“Structures that undergo a complete demolition
(exclusive of the foundation) due to lack of M — Mechanical Permit
maintenance, fire, explosion or natural causes of the P — Plumbing and Gasfitting Permit Issued
structure and additions to structures which exceed by Washington Suburban Sanitary
one hundred (100) percent of the total floor area Commission (WSSC)
(square footage) of the existing structure, shall be
required to be fully sprinklered.” G — Grading Permit
N — No Permit or Plans Required
The following pages provide standard details for
additional living space constructed onto existing Y — Plans Required
dwellings.

If you are located in a subdivision with a Homeowner’s

Association (HOA), a separate approval from the HOA may
be necessary. Unless erected by the homeowner, all home
improvement projects require a contractor who is licensed
with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
detached structure, you will need Health Department Wall Section
approval of your building permit. You will need to Crawl Space
know the size and location of your septic system
and/or well.
12
Roof Shingles
4 min.

nce
If you have any questions regarding your 1/2O C-D Exterior Plywood

ara
Roof Sheathing
property or Health Department requirements, contact

Cle
Building Paper

2O
the Water Quality and Septic Systems Program at Rafters Drip Cap
(301) 883–7680. Remember, you will need to protect Gutter w / Downspout
& Splashblock
your investment in these systems by providing access TOP OF PLATE

for construction equipment that prevents travel over

Ceiling Joists
any part of your septic system or near your well. R38 Insulation
1O x __ Fascia
1/2O Drywall
Vented Soffit
This guide will assist you in obtaining permits for Foundation Notes: Hurricane Tie
your home improvements. If you have any questions 1) Minimum compressive strength of concrete
shall be 2500 psi.
Double Top Plate

or comments, please call the Permits and Information 2) Provide one 8O x 16O vent louvre for every
70 square feet of crawl space area. Locate
Management Section at (301) 883–5776. one vent within 3 feet of each corner.

8N– 0 1/2O
3) Provide crawl space access (minimum
24O wide by 18O high).

R15 Insulation
Vapor Retarder Siding
1/2O Drywall Building Paper
1/2O f Anchor Bolts @ 1/2O C-D Exterior Sheathing
32O O.C.
2 x 4 Studs @ 16O O.C.
3/4O T&G Plywood
Screwed and Glued
2 x Pressure Treated Plate
TOP OF SUBFLOOR

Floor Joists

18O Minimum
Insulation (R19 Min.; Horizontal Reinforcements

8O Min.
R30 Preferred) Every Second Course
GRADE
Proposed Crawl Space

30O Minimum
8O Cmu or Concrete

3OMin.
Cover
20Ox 10O Conc. Footing w/ 2
#4 Cont. & #3 Ties @ 32O O.C.

Undisturbed Soil
3OMin.
Cover

WARNING AND DISCLAIMER

This drawing is intended only to be illustrative of the minimum requirements of applicable County Ordinances.
Code changes may not appear in this illustration. It is not a blueprint, nor a set of plans and specifications.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND DOES NOT WARRANT OR GUARANTEE IN ANY MANNER OR
TO ANY EXTENT THE SUFFICIENCY OF THIS DRAWING. Persons to whom this drawing is distributed should
not rely on it as an acceptable plan or blueprint for any structure. PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND
DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR INJURIES, DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL,
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS DRAWING.
Wall Section Introduction
Slab on Grade
This booklet has
12
been prepared to provide
preliminary information

nce
4 min. Roof Shingles

ara
1/2O C-D Exterior Plywood and instructions

Cle
Roof Sheathing

2O
Building Paper regarding a number
Rafters Drip Cap of common home
improvement projects.
TOP OF PLATE
The enclosed guidelines
Ceiling Joists
R38 Insulation
will enable homeowners
1/2O Drywall
1O x __ Fascia
and their contractors to understand
Vented Soffit
Hurricane Tie the permit process and how it applies to their
Foundation Note: Double Top Plate specific project.
1) Minimum compressive strength of concrete
shall be 2500 psi.

Inside you will find information on requirements

8N– 0 1/2O
R15 Insulation that must be fulfilled prior to the issuance of permits.
Vapor Retarder Additional requirements apply to projects located
1/2O Drywall
1/2O f Anchor Bolts @
Siding in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and /or for
Building Paper
32O O.C.
1/2O C-D Exterior Sheathing
historic structures or properties. Applicable codes
1/2O Exp. Joint
Bond Break 2 x 4 Studs @ 16O O.C. and general details are provided in each section.
4O Concrete Slab
By learning which sections of the Prince George’s
on Grade
6O x 6O –1.4O x 1.4O Wwf
County Code apply to a proposed project, applicants
Pressure Treated Plate
(Wire Mesh)
TOP OF SLAB
can prepare their plans accordingly, thereby
reducing delays and increasing the cost efficiency
8O Min.

Horizontal Reinforcements
Every Second Course
GRADE
of their project.
6 Mil. Vapor
Barrier

Any questions pertaining to the professional

30O Minimum

4O Washed 8O Cmu
Gravel
R6 Perimeter
Insulation
standing of a specific Home Improvement Contractor
20Ox 10O Conc. Footing w/ 2
#4 Cont. & #3 Ties @ 32O O.C.
should be directed to the Maryland Home Improvement
Commission (MHIC) at (410) 230–6309 or their
3OMin.

Undisturbed Soil
Cover

3OMin.
Cover web site at www.dllr.state.md.us.

Information about plumbing and gasfitting permit

requirements issued by the Washington Suburban
Sanitary Commission (WSSC) may be
WARNING AND DISCLAIMER obtained by calling (301) 206 – 4003.
This drawing is intended only to be illustrative of the minimum requirements of applicable County Ordinances.
Code changes may not appear in this illustration. It is not a blueprint, nor a set of plans and specifications.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND DOES NOT WARRANT OR GUARANTEE IN ANY MANNER OR
TO ANY EXTENT THE SUFFICIENCY OF THIS DRAWING. Persons to whom this drawing is distributed should If your home is currently served by a
not rely on it as an acceptable plan or blueprint for any structure. PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND
DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR INJURIES, DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL,
well and/or septic system and you wish
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS DRAWING. to construct additional living space or a
Concrete Masonry Unit and
Slab Construction for Additional
Living Space

235 # Min. Roofing (Use Roll Roofing

When Pitch Is Less than 3/12)

15 # Felt (2 Layers When

Pitch Is Less than 4/12)

3/8² Min. (PS70) CD Plywood Use Gable Vent on Each End

(with Clips When Framing 24² O.C.) or Ridge Vent or Soffit Vent

Rafter

Gutter, Optional Manufactured Trusses at 24² O.C.

Downspout,
Splash Block Ceiling Joist

R19 Faced Batt or R19 Blown

Insulation with 6 Mil Vapor Barrier

7¢6² Minimum Ceiling Height

Optional Soffit Exterior 1/2² Gypsum Board or 1/4² Wood Paneling

Plywood or Other
Approved Material

6² Stud at 24² O.C. with R19 Faced Batt Insulation

OR
Siding
4² Stud at 16² O.C. with R11 Faced Batt Insulation

1/2² Anchor Bolt at Corners and Every 8¢ O.C.

Sheathing Extending 8² into Concrete
Pressure-Treated Plate on Concrete Typical
Mastic Seal or Fiberglass Sill Sealer

Grade
4² 2500 psi Concrete
8² CMU
6 ´ 6 #10 WWM
6 Mil Polyethylene Vapor
30² Min.
Barrier with 6² Laps
Vegetation Free, Compacted to 90% Sub-Grade
8²
1² ´ 24² Foam Insulation
2500 psi Concrete
16²

WARNING AND DISCLAIMER

This drawing is intended only to be illustrative of the minimum requirements of applicable County Ordinances.
Code changes may not appear in this illustration. It is not a blueprint, nor a set of plans and specifications.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND DOES NOT WARRANT OR GUARANTEE IN ANY MANNER OR
TO ANY EXTENT THE SUFFICIENCY OF THIS DRAWING. Persons to whom this drawing is distributed should
not rely on it as an acceptable plan or blueprint for any structure. PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND
DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR INJURIES, DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL,
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS DRAWING.
Concrete Masonry Wall with Table of Contents
Block Foundation for Additional
Living Space
Page
235 # Min. Roofing (Use Roll Roofing
When Pitch Is Less than 3/12)

15# Felt (2 Layers When

Pitch Is Less than 4/12)
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3/8² Min. (PS70) CD Plywood
(with Clips When Framing 24² O.C.)
Use Gable Vent at Each End
When Is a Permit Required? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Rafters or Ridge Vent or Soffit Vent
Gutter,
Downspout,
Splash Block Fences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Optional Manufactured Trusses at 24² O.C.

Ceiling Joists
Privacy Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
R19 Faced Batt or R19 Blown with 6 Mil Vapor Barrier
7¢6² Minimum Ceiling Height Retaining Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Optional Soffit Exterior 1/2² Anchor Bolts at Corners and Every 8¢ O.C. Extending
Plywood or Other 15² into Masonry: 2´ Plate on 4² Solid Masonry
Approved Material 3/4² Furring Strips with 3/4² Urethane Foam or 1 1/2² Furring Strips
with R7 Batts (Omit Insulation and Interior Finish if Unheated) Patios and Decks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1/2² Gypsum Board
Stoops and Porches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
8² CMU or 4² Brick and 4² Block

Felt

Joint Reinforcement at 16² Vertical Sheds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4² 2500 psi Concrete
Gazebos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6 ´ 6M #10 WWM
Grade
6 Mil Polyethylene
Vapor Barrier with
Garages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1² ´ 24² Foam Insulation 6² Laps

Gravel Fill
30² Min.
Vegetation Free, Compacted Carports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
to 90% Sub-Grade
8² Min.

2500 psi Concrete

Plumbing Work by Homeowners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
16²

Additions and Alterations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

WARNING AND DISCLAIMER
This drawing is intended only to be illustrative of the minimum requirements of applicable County Ordinances.
Code changes may not appear in this illustration. It is not a blueprint, nor a set of plans and specifications.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND DOES NOT WARRANT OR GUARANTEE IN ANY MANNER OR
TO ANY EXTENT THE SUFFICIENCY OF THIS DRAWING. Persons to whom this drawing is distributed should
not rely on it as an acceptable plan or blueprint for any structure. PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND
DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR INJURIES, DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL,
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS DRAWING.