The purpose of this Subtitle is to provide for the identification, designation, and regulation, for purposes of protection, preservation, and continued use and enhancement of, those sites, structures (including their appurtenances and environmental settings), and districts of historical, archaeological, architectural, or cultural value. It is the further purpose of this Subtitle to preserve and enhance the quality of life and to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of the County; strengthen the local economy, and stabilize and improve property values in and around such historic areas; foster civic beauty; and preserve such sites, structures, and districts for the education, welfare, and continued utilization and pleasure of the citizens of the County, the State of Maryland, and the United States of America.

For the purposes of this Subtitle, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them: Appurtenances and Environmental Setting: The entire parcel of land, within those boundaries existing as of the date the historic resource is delineated on the master plan for historic preservation, and structures thereon, on which is located a historic resource, unless otherwise specified on such master plan, or unless reduced by the Commission, and to which it relates physically and/or visually, as determined by the Commission. Appurtenances and environmental settings shall include, but need not be limited to, walkways and driveways (whether paved or unpaved), vegetation (including trees, gardens, and lawns), rocks, pasture, cropland, and waterways. Commission: The Historic Preservation Commission of Prince George's County, Maryland, as hereinafter described. Day: Calendar day, unless otherwise specified. Demolition by Neglect: A condition where the principal structure of a historic resource has become unsafe as a result of any of the following conditions: The deterioration of the foundations, exterior walls, roofs, chimneys, doors, or windows, so as to create or permit a hazardous or unsafe condition to exist; or The deterioration of the foundations, exterior walls, roofs, chimneys, doors, windows, the lack of adequate waterproofing, or the deterioration of interior features which will or could result in permanent damage, injury, or loss of or loss to foundations, exterior walls, roofs, chimneys, doors, or windows. Director: The Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement of Prince George's County, Maryland, or his designee. Exterior Features: The Architectural style, design, and general arrangement of the exterior of a historic resource, including the color, nature, and texture of building materials, and the type and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, or other similar items found on, or related to, the exterior of a historic resource. Historic District: A historic resource comprised of two (2) or more properties which are significant as a cohesive unit and contribute to historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural values, which has been so classified in the master plan for historic preservation. A historic district includes all property within its boundaries. Historic Resource: An area of land, building, structure, or object, or a group or combination thereof, including appurtenances and environmental setting, which may be significant in national, state, or local history, architecture, archaeology, or culture. Historic resources, designated as such on the master plan for historic preservation, are considered unclassified and shall not be subject to requirements for Historic Area Work Permits or prevention of demolition by neglect until reviewed under the provisions of Division 6 of this Subtitle. Historic Site: Any individual historic resource that is significant and contributes to historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural values which has been so classified in the master plan for historic preservation, or pursuant to Section 29-120.01 of this Subtitle. Master Plan for Historic Preservation: The duly Adopted and Approved Historic Sites and Districts Plan of Prince George's County, Maryland. Permit: When not otherwise identified, permit means a Historic Area Work Permit issued, or not to be issued, by the Director, authorizing work on a historic resource. Planning Board: The Prince George's County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.