# Sec. 32-127. Exceptions to Grading Permit

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.

## Sec. 32-127. Exceptions to Grading Permit

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-127 (2026)

(a) Provided all other provisions of this Division are met and excluding the property located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone, no grading or storm drain connection permit will be required under the following conditions:

  (1) Agricultural land management practices and construction of agricultural structures; and removal of cultivated sod, shrubs and trees for transplant as part of a regular commercial activity.

  (2) The stockpiling, with slopes at a natural angle of repose, of raw or processed sand, stone and gravel at concrete, asphalt and material processing plants and storage yards not associated with a development application.

  (3) Refuse disposal areas or sanitary landfills operated and conducted in accordance with the requirements, rules and ordinances adopted by Prince George's County.

  (4) Grading for or by, and on land owned by, the United States of America or the State of Maryland when used exclusively for purposes originally acquired or consistent with constitutional and statutory authorizations and limitations; or for, by or under permit from a municipality authority, State Highway Administration or the County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement to the extent such grading is within public right-of-way and adjacent slope easements or minimum slope areas only, and specifically exclusive of the remainder of the lot.

  (5) Grading and trenching by privately or publicly-owned and operated public utility companies or commissions for open channel improvements and underground utility installations and maintenance in:

    (A) Public rights-of-way and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission easements; and

    (B) Utility easements immediately adjacent to public rights-of-way or in the space on abutting lot(s) needed to accommodate the respective house connections; provided, however, that all grading and trenching involved is included in a current site grading permit or as part of a current building permit.

  (6) Grading, as a maintenance measure, or for landscaping or construction purposes on existing developed lots or parcels, provided:

    (A) The aggregate of area(s) affected or bare-earthed at any one (1) time does not exceed five thousand (5,000) square feet or disturb less than 100 cubic yards of earth;

    (B) The grade change does not exceed twelve (12) inches at any point and does not alter the drainage pattern;

    (C) All bare earth is promptly seeded, sodded or otherwise effectively protected from erosive actions.

    (D) Does not require a Tree Conservation Plan per Subtitle 25.

  (7) Grading and related earthwork, incidental to individual water wells and sewage disposal (septic) systems installed pursuant to a valid permit from the appropriate authority.