Sec. 13-1120.03. Definitions
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-1120.03 (2026)
Sec. 13-1120.03. DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this Division, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
(1)
Building shall mean any structure utilized or intended for supporting or sheltering any occupancy.
(1.1)
COVID Hardship shall mean that a residential, commercial, or industrial property was forced to close and was not maintained due to COVID restrictions or a decrease in income due to COVID.
(2)
Department shall mean the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement.
(3)
Director shall mean the Director of the Department or the Director's designee.
(4)
Dwelling shall mean a building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended, or designed to be used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied for living purposes.
(5)
Dwelling unit shall mean a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
(6)
Fit for occupancy shall mean ready for immediate occupancy as a residence or building.
(7)
Occupied shall mean the use of one's dwelling as a residence on a regular basis or the use of a building on a regular basis.
(8)
Owner shall mean any person as defined in Section 1-102 of this Code who owns, leases, occupies, or controls the property and any agent of such person.
(9)
Public nuisance shall mean and include the following:
(A)
The physical condition or use of any premises regarded as a public nuisance at law; or
(B)
Any physical condition or use of any premises or its appurtenances which may reasonably invite or encourage trespassing and resulting injury to trespassers or others; or
(C)
Any property which has unsanitary sewerage or plumbing facilities; or
(D)
Any physical condition or use which would constitute an unsafe condition or structure under Subtitle 4, Building, or Subtitle 11, Fire Safety, Prince George's County Code;
(E)
Any property from which the plumbing, heating, and/or facilities required by the Prince George's County Code or by other applicable laws or regulations have been removed, or from which facilities have been disconnected, destroyed, removed, or rendered ineffective; or
(F)
Any property which is unclean, unsanitary, or which is littered with rubbish or garbage, or which has an uncontrolled growth of weeds.
(10)
Vacant dwelling or building shall mean residential, commercial, or industrial real property improved by a dwelling or building which is not legally occupied. A vacant dwelling includes a unit in a condominium. A dwelling or building is only a vacant dwelling or building if the Director determines that there is no resident or owner for which an intent to return and occupy the dwelling or building can be shown. To determine whether a dwelling or building is vacant, the Director shall take issues into consideration, including, but not limited to the following:
(A)
past due utility notices and/or disconnected utilities;
(B)
accumulated mail;
(C)
window covering;
(D)
furniture observable;
(E)
open accessibility;
(F)
deferred maintenance; and
(G)
whether the dwelling or building is boarded up.
(11)
Unmaintained vacant dwelling or building means a vacant residential, commercial, or industrial dwelling or building not maintained as required by Subtitle 13 of this Code.