# Division 7. Property Standards and Maintenance

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.

## Division 7. Property Standards and Maintenance

### Sec. 13-230. Scope

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-230 (2026)

The provisions of this Division provide the minimum standards and the responsibilities for maintenance of structures, equipment, and exterior property for all property and structures used or zoned for commercial and industrial purposes in Prince George's County and for residentially zoned property where the use is other than residential.

### Sec. 13-231. Definitions

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-231 (2026)

(a) The following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated:

  (1) Director shall mean the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement.

  (2) Garbage shall mean the animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, or consumption of food.

  (2.1) Graffiti shall mean any inscription, drawing, painting, or other visual defacing that is written, marked, etched, scratched, painted, or engraved on or otherwise affixed to any surface of a building, structure, roadway, or natural feature that was not authorized by the prior consent of the owner.

  (3) Maintenance shall mean acts of repair or other acts to prevent a decline in the conditions of grounds, structures, and equipment such that the condition does not fall below the standards established by this Division and other applicable statutes, codes, and ordinances.

  (4) 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.

  (5) Property shall mean any land utilized or zoned for commercial or industrial purposes, or residentially zoned where the use is other than residential, and any improvement thereon.

  (6) 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.

  (7) Rubbish shall mean all solid waste consisting of both combustible waste (including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, wood, cloth, bedding material, lawn and yard clippings not located in an established compost pile, and dead trees and limbs to include any hazardous or uprooted trees) and noncombustible waste (including, but not limited to, metals, glass, crockery, tin cans, junked appliances, abandoned vehicles, and any building and construction waste). For the purposes of this ordinance, abandoned vehicle shall mean any motor vehicle or trailer that is inoperable and left unattended on private or public property for more than forty-eight (48) hours, or does not display current license plates for that vehicle, is wrecked or dismantled.

  (8) Tree shall mean a plant with a woody stem capable of achieving a height of at least twenty (20) feet at maturity.

  (9) Weeds shall mean grass, weeds, brush, and growth, excluding trees, ornamental shrubbery, plants, flowers, garden vegetables properly tended, cultivated crops, or woodland, not otherwise in violation.

  (10) Woodland shall mean a perpetual biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants covering a land area of 10,000 square feet or greater. This includes areas that have at least 100 trees per acre with at least 50 trees that are 2 inches or greater in dbh (diameter at breast height — means the diameter of a tree measured at a height of 4.5 feet from the ground). This also includes areas that have been timber harvested where the stumps remain in place for future regeneration. The terms "woodland," "forest," and "forest cover" are synonymous and do not include orchards or other areas without multiple layers of woody and herbaceous vegetation.

### Sec. 13-232. Responsible person

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-232 (2026)

All owners of property are responsible for complying with the requirements of this Division.

### Sec. 13-233. Maintenance requirements

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-233 (2026)

All improved and unimproved property shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure, and sanitary condition, free of graffiti, and in conformance with this Division so as not to create a public nuisance or adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare.

### Sec. 13-234. Disposal of garbage and rubbish

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-234 (2026)

All garbage, vegetable waste, or other putrescible materials or rubbish, shall be placed in approved containers provided with close fitting covers for the storage of such waste until removed from the premises for disposal in accordance with provisions of this Code.

### Sec. 13-235. Screening

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-235 (2026)

All approved vehicle repair facilities, towing stations, and storage lots abutting areas used for residential purposes shall be completely screened in accordance with the requirements of Subtitle 27 of this Code, notwithstanding the nonconforming status of a property.

### Sec. 13-236. Accessory structures

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-236 (2026)

All accessory structures, including, but not limited to detached garages, fences, and walls, shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition and in good repair.

### Sec. 13-237. Weeds

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-237 (2026)

All property shall be kept free from weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches in height except where prohibited by other applicable laws.

### Sec. 13-238. Insect and rat control

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-238 (2026)

All owners of the property shall be responsible for the extermination of insects, rats, vermin, or other pests in all areas of the property.

### Sec. 13-239. Public areas

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-239 (2026)

(a) All sidewalks, steps, driveways, parking spaces, loading docks, service areas, and similar paved areas for public use shall be kept in a proper state of repair and maintained free of hazardous conditions and shall be maintained free of garbage and rubbish.

(b) The owner shall provide and maintain receptacle(s) for garbage and rubbish in the public areas of the property. The owner shall remove all garbage and rubbish from both the paved and unpaved public areas and empty the receptacle into an approved container in accordance with Section 13-234.

### Sec. 13-240. Exterior surfaces, walls, and foundations of structures

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-240 (2026)

(a) Every exterior surface, wall, and foundation shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards, timbers, or other materials, and any conditions which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls. All exterior surface materials, including wood, composition, cinder block, or metal siding, shall be maintained in a weather-proof condition, properly surface-coated, and free of graffiti.

(b) It shall be unlawful for a person to apply graffiti to any natural or artificial surface on publicly-owned property or to any natural or artificial surface of privately-owned property without the prior authorization and consent of the owner of the property.

(c) The owner of property upon which graffiti has been applied shall remove the graffiti within ten calendar days after it was applied. If the owner fails to remove the graffiti, the Director may issue a notice of violation in accordance with Section 13-244. If the owner fails to remove the graffiti within 7 calendar days after receipt of a notice of violation and has not filed an appeal of the violation, the Director shall cause the graffiti to be removed. The owner shall pay the actual costs of removal to the County within thirty days after receipt of an itemized invoice from the County.

### Sec. 13-241. Roofs and drainage

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-241 (2026)

Roofs and drainage systems shall be structurally sound and tight and without defects which might admit rain or cause dampness or deterioration in the interior portion of the building. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner which creates a private or public nuisance or violates ordinances relating to stormwater management.

### Sec. 13-242. Decorative features

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-242 (2026)

All cornices, entablatures, belt courses, core belts, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.

### Sec. 13-243. Signs, marquees, and awnings

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-243 (2026)

(a) Canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a safe and sound condition. They shall be protected from the elements against decay and rust by the periodic application of a weather-resistant material such as paint or other protective treatment.

(b) Any structure, post, or foundation which was constructed, erected, or maintained for the purpose of supporting or displaying, or which was used for support or display of any on-site sign, but which has not been used for such support or display for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days is prohibited and must be removed.

(c) Framing lights, whether static or flashing, internal or external, fully or partially framing windows or doors, is prohibited for commercial use. Notwithstanding the fines set forth in Section 13-246 of the County Code, any person who fails to comply with the remedial action set forth in a notice of violation of this Subsection shall be subject to the following monetary fines:

  (1) A minimum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) upon the initial violation, and

  (2) An additional One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for each subsequent violation, up to a maximum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per property.

### Sec. 13-244. Notice of violation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-244 (2026)

(a) Whenever the Director shall determine that a provision of this Division has been violated, the Director shall serve notice of the violation upon the owner or other responsible party by sending a copy of the notice by mail to the last known address, or, if the notice is returned showing that it has not been delivered to the last known address by posting a copy in a conspicuous place in or about the subject property in violation.

(b) The notice shall be in writing; shall include a description of the property sufficient for identification; shall specify the violation that exists and the remedial action required; and shall allow a reasonable time for the performance of any act it requires.

### Sec. 13-245. Appeals of Notice of Violation

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-245 (2026)

(a) Except as provided in this Section, an owner may appeal a notice of violation or a decision of the Director with respect to any provision of this Division by filing an appeal with the Administrative Hearing Unit established by Division 15 of this Subtitle within fifteen (15) calendar days or within the period required for compliance, whichever is shorter. The appeal shall state in detail the reasons for the appeal. The Administrative Hearing Unit shall hold a hearing upon the appeal and the proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in Sections 13-1134 through 13-1151 and Section 13-1153 through 13-1154 of this Code. The Director shall have the initial burden to establish the basis for the determination from which the appeal was taken. The appellant shall have the burden to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the Director has misconstrued or wrongly interpreted the intent and meaning of this Code. The Administrative Hearing Unit shall determine only whether there was substantial evidence for the Director to take the enforcement action from which the appeal was taken. The Administrative Hearing Unit may not substitute its judgment for that of the Director.

(b) The decision of the Administrative Hearing Unit shall be given in writing within thirty (30) days after the hearing is concluded. The Administrative Hearing Unit shall not have jurisdiction to grant a variance from, extend the time of performance, or waive any requirement of Section 13-246.01, except upon a finding that litigation is pending in the courts and is being actively pursued. A copy of each such decision shall be promptly filed with the Director and a copy shall be sent by U.S. first-class mail, sent electronically, or otherwise delivered to the appellant. An appellant aggrieved by a decision of the Administrative Hearing Unit may seek reconsideration of the matter in accordance with Section 13-1128 of this Code and all provisions of that Section shall apply to the disposition of the application for reconsideration. The decision of the Hearing Administrator on an application for reconsideration shall constitute the final decision of the Administrative Hearing Unit.

(c) Any party aggrieved by the decision of the Administrative Hearing Unit with respect to this Division may appeal such decisions to the Circuit Court for Prince George's County, Maryland, pursuant to the rules governing appeals from administrative agencies. All appeals shall be on the record. The filing of a petition for judicial review does not stay an order of the Administrative Hearing Unit, unless a stay is granted by the circuit court.

### Sec. 13-246. Enforcement and penalty

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-246 (2026)

(a) In the event that an owner does not comply with the remedial action set forth in a notice of violation within the time period provided (including any period allowed by appeal), and upon verification by the Director or the Director's designee that the violation still exists, the Director or the Director's designee may issue upon the responsible parties

  (i) a civil citation pursuant to Subtitle 28, Division 3, of this Code and, for properties subject to foreclosure, the Director shall issue upon the responsible parties a civil citation pursuant to Subtitle 28, Division 3, of this Code or

  (ii) an administrative citation pursuant to Division 15, Subdivision 1 of this Subtitle. The administrative citation shall be adjudicated in accordance with the provisions of that Subdivision.

(b) The responsible person as defined in Section 13-232 issued the civil or administrative citation shall be subject to a monetary fine of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each violation.

(c) Each day the violation continues is deemed a separate offense and is subject to an additional citation and fine in the same dollar amount as the repeat citation(s).

(d) In addition, a lien shall be placed on the property pursuant to Section 13-246.02, which shall be paid in full before transfer or sale of the property, for monies expended by the County for demolition, repair or enclosure of a building or removal of garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials where the responsible party refuses or fails to comply with the lawful order of the County.

(e) In addition, any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this Division shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed the doubling of the total sum of all fines associated with citations issued to the person pursuant to this Section or imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or both.

(f) In addition to the other remedies provided herein, the County Attorney, on behalf of the County, may institute an injunction, mandamus, or other appropriate action or proceeding to enforce the provisions of this Division.

(g) The Police Department shall be authorized to issue a criminal citation or a civil citation pursuant to Subtitle 28, Division 3.

(h) The Revenue Authority shall be authorized to issue a civil citation pursuant to Section 28-266.

### Sec. 13-246.01. Condemnation of open, hazardous structures

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-246.01 (2026)

(a) If the Director determines that a structure is open and vacant, constitutes a public nuisance, and is an immediate and continuing hazard to the community in which the property is located, then the Director shall be authorized to post a notice of not less than two feet by two feet in size on the front of the structure. The notice shall be dated as of the date of the posting and shall state that unless the structure is demolished, repaired, or enclosed, and unless any garbage, refuse, and other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials are removed so that an immediate and continuing hazard to the community no longer exists, then the structure may be demolished, repaired, or enclosed, or any garbage, refuse, and other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials may be removed by the County.

(b) Not later than 30 days following the posting of the notice, the Director shall do all of the following:

  (1) Cause to be sent, by certified mail, a notice to all owners of record of the property stating the intent of the County to demolish, repair, or enclose the building, or remove any garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials if that action is not taken by the owner;

  (2) Cause to be published, for three consecutive days, in a newspaper of record a notice setting forth:

    (A) The address of the property or structure or description of the real estate sufficient for its identification;

    (B) A statement that the property is open and vacant and constitutes a public nuisance and an immediate and continuing hazard to the community; and

    (C) A statement that the County intends to demolish, repair, or enclose the building, or remove any garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials if the owner fails to do so;

  (3) If a structure is an identified historic resource on the Adopted and Approved Historic Sites and District Plan of Prince George's County, Maryland, cause a copy of the notice to be sent to the Historic Preservation Commission and demolition shall not be authorized without approval of the Historical Preservation Commission.

(c) A person objecting to the proposed actions of the County may file his or her objection in an appropriate form in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(d) If the structure is not demolished, repaired, or enclosed, or the garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials are not removed within 30 days of mailing the notice to the owners of record, or within 30 days of the last day of publication of the notice, whichever is later, the Director shall have the power to demolish, repair, or enclose the structures, or to remove any garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials.

(e) The County may proceed to demolish, repair, or enclose a structure or remove any garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials under this Section within a 120-day period following the date of the mailing of the notice if the Director determines that the demolition, repair, enclosure, or removal of any garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials is necessary to remedy the immediate and continuing hazard. If, however, before the Director proceeds with any of the actions authorized by this Section, any person has initiated an action under this Section in a court of competent jurisdiction and has served a copy of the complaint on the County, then the County shall not proceed with the demolition, repair, enclosure, or removal of garbage, refuse, or other substances until the court determines that action is necessary to remedy the hazard and issues an order authorizing the County to do so.

(f) The Administrative Hearing Unit shall not have jurisdiction to grant a variance or waive this Section except upon a finding that litigation is pending in the courts and is being actively pursued.

### Sec. 13-246.02. Creation of a tax lien

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-246.02 (2026)

(a) There is created a tax lien on real property for monies expended by the County for the demolition, repair, or enclosure of a building, or removal of garbage, refuse, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials where the responsible party refuses or fails to comply with the lawful order of the Director after due notice thereof, either actual or constructive or as provided in this Division.

(b) Following the demolition, repair, or enclosure of a building, or removal of garbage, debris, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials under this Division, the County may file a notice of lien against the real estate for the cost of the demolition, repair, enclosure, or removal within 180 days after the repair, demolition, enclosure, or removal occurred, for the cost and expense incurred, with the Director of Finance. The notice of lien shall consist of a sworn statement by the Director setting forth:

  (1) A description of the real estate, such as the address or other description of the property, sufficient for its identification;

  (2) The expenses incurred by the County in undertaking the remedial actions authorized by this Division;

  (3) The date or dates that the expenses were incurred by the Director;

  (4) A statement that the building was open and vacant and constituted an immediate and continuing hazard to the community;

  (5) A statement that the required sign was posted on the building, that notice was sent by certified mail to the owners of record, and that notice was published in accordance with this section; and

  (6) A statement as to when and where the notice was published.

(c) Upon certification from the County Attorney that a tax lien has been created, the amount of such lien shall be collected by the Director of Finance in the same manner as other County real estate taxes.