Prince George’s County Code Violations: DPIE Notices, Clean Lot & Unpermitted Work

In Prince George’s County, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) is the enforcement authority. Unlike neighboring counties that might give you a warning, DPIE operates under a “Stepped-Up Enforcement Initiative” that targets unpermitted construction, illegal basement apartments, and property maintenance issues.

For 2026, the county continues to aggressively enforce the “Clean Lot” Ordinance. If you receive a Notice of Violation (NOV) for high grass or trash, you have a strict 10-day window to comply. If you miss it, the county won’t just fine you—they will send a contractor to clean the property for you, bill you at a premium rate, and place a lien on your tax bill.

This guide explains the 2026 fine schedule, the risks of “Stop Work Orders,” and how to sell your house to a cash buyer to resolve DPIE citations immediately.

The 3 Most Common DPIE Violations

DPIE inspectors patrol neighborhoods looking for three specific types of violations:

1. The “Clean Lot” Violation

  • What it is: Grass taller than 12 inches, accumulation of trash/debris, or unregistered vehicles.
  • The Timeline: Under the “Clean Lot” Ordinance, you have 10 days from the date of the notice to cut the grass or remove the trash.
  • The Consequence: If you fail to comply, DPIE hires a contractor to do the work. You are billed for the contractor’s cost plus an administrative fee. If unpaid, this becomes a tax lien that can lead to foreclosure.

2. Unpermitted Construction (Stop Work Order)

  • What it is: Finishing a basement, building a deck, or adding a bedroom without a permit.
  • The Fine: If caught, DPIE issues a Stop Work Order (SWO). To lift it, you must pay an investigation fee, apply for “after-the-fact” permits (which often cost double), and potentially tear down the work to expose the framing for inspection.

3. Rental Licensing & Illegal Units

  • The Rule: Every single-family rental property in Prince George’s County must have a valid Rental License. Operating without one is a civil violation.
  • The Fine: Fines start at $1,000 for operating an illegal multi-family dwelling (like an unauthorized basement apartment).

The 2026 Schedule of Civil Monetary Fines

DPIE uses a progressive fine schedule. Note that a “Technology Fee” of 10% is often added to permit and administrative fees.

Violation Type1st Offense2nd Offense3rd/Subsequent
Housing Code$100$500$1,000
Zoning Violation$500$750$1,000
Unpermitted Construction$500$1,000$1,000 + Permit Fees
Short-Term Rental (Airbnb)$1,000$1,000License Revocation

Warning: If you fail to respond to a citation within 30 days, you may be issued a “Default Judgment,” which can triple the fine amount up to $1,000 per violation.

Your Options: Fix, Appeal, or Sell?

Option 1: Abate the Violation (Fix It)

  • For Clean Lot: You must cut the grass/remove trash immediately and request a re-inspection.
  • For Unpermitted Work: You must hire a licensed architect or engineer to draw plans for the work you already did, submit them to DPIE, and pay the “After-the-Fact” permit fees.

Option 2: Request an Administrative Hearing

You can appeal the citation to the Administrative Hearing Unit (AHU).

  • Process: You must mail a request for a hearing within 30 days of the citation date.
  • Risk: If the Hearing Officer rules against you, you are liable for the full fine plus potential court costs.

Option 3: Sell “As-Is” (Stop the Enforcement)

If you cannot afford the “after-the-fact” permits or the mounting daily fines, selling to a cash buyer is the fastest exit.

We Buy Prince George’s County Houses with Violations.

  • We Handle Unpermitted Work: We buy houses with unfinished basements or unpermitted decks. We assume the responsibility of pulling the correct permits or removing the structure.
  • We Resolve DPIE Liens: If you have unpaid “Clean Lot” bills or civil citations, we ensure they are paid off from the proceeds at closing.
  • We Close Fast: We can often close in as little as 10–14 days, stopping the cycle of re-inspection fees.

Important Contact Information

  • DPIE (Permitting, Inspections & Enforcement)
    • Address: 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD 20774
    • Phone: (301) 636-2000
    • Website: princegeorgescountymd.gov/DPIE
  • Administrative Hearing Unit (AHU)
    • Address: 9400 Peppercorn Place, Suite 500, Largo, MD 20774
    • Email: AHU@co.pg.md.us

Stop The Fines. Sell Your House Today.

If you are facing a “Stop Work Order” or drowning in Clean Lot charges, fill out the form below. We can make you a cash offer that resolves the violations and puts money in your pocket.

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Areas We Serve in Prince George’s County

We help homeowners with code violations across the county, including:

More Resources for Prince George’s County Homeowners

Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice regarding DPIE defense or administrative hearings. We recommend consulting with a Maryland real estate attorney for legal representation.