Subdivision 1. General Provisions
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.
Subdivision 1. General Provisions
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-170 (2026)
Sec. 32-170. Short Title; PurposeLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The provisions of this Division shall constitute and be known as the "Stormwater Management Ordinance of Prince George's County, Maryland."
(b)
The purpose of this Division is to protect, maintain and enhance the public health, safety and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures that control the adverse impacts with increased stormwater runoff. The goal is to manage stormwater by using environmental site design (ESD) to the maximum extent practicable (MEP); to maintain after development, as nearly as possible, the predevelopment runoff characteristics; and to reduce stream channel erosion, pollution, siltation and sedimentation, and local flooding; and to use appropriate structural best management practices (BMPs) only when absolutely necessary. This will help to restore, as close as possible to predevelopment conditions, enhance, and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of streams; minimize damage to public and private property; and reduce the impacts of land development. This Division also ensures compliance with various provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act related to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for municipal stormwater programs and with the County's current NPDES Municipal Stormwater System Permit. This Division also is consistent with the County's various obligations and commitments to the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Anacostia River and Patuxent River. Proper management of stormwater runoff will minimize damage to public and private property; reduce the effects of development on land and stream channel erosion; assist in the attainment and maintenance of water quality standards; reduce local flooding; and maintain, as nearly as possible, the predevelopment runoff characteristics of the area.
(c)
The provisions of this Division are adopted pursuant to Environmental Article, Title 4, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland Annotated Code 2009 replacement volume, and are adopted under the authority of the Prince George's County Code and shall apply to all development occurring within Prince George's County including within municipalities, except for those exemptions listed under this Division. The exceptions shall be land owned by the Federal or State governments, the City of Bowie or agricultural land management practices. The application of this Division and the provisions expressed herein shall be the minimum stormwater management requirements and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by State statute. The County Executive shall be responsible for the coordination and enforcement of the provisions of this Division. This Ordinance applies to all new and redevelopment projects that have not received final approval for erosion and sediment control and stormwater management plans by May 4, 2010.
(d)
The County may grant an administrative waiver to a development that received a preliminary project approval prior to May 4, 2010. Administrative waivers expire according to (1) of this Section and may be extended according to (2) of this Section.
(1)
Expiration of Administrative Waivers.
(A)
Except as provided in (2) of this Section, an administrative waiver shall expire on:
(i)
May 4, 2013, if the development does not receive final project approval prior to that date; or
(ii)
May 4, 2017, if the development receives final project approval prior to May 4, 2013;
(iii)
An administrative waiver shall expire if there is a substantial change to the proposed development after the preliminary project approval, as determined by the approving agency. A substantial change means:
(a)
An increase in impervious surface by greater than 25%; and
(b)
A change in proposed drainage basin or watershed.
(B)
Construction of stormwater management system facilities, in a final approved stormwater management plan under Section 32-182(c), authorized pursuant to an administrative waiver must be completed by May 4, 2017 or, if the waiver is extended as provided in (2) of this Section, by the expiration date of the waiver extension.
(2)
Extension of Administrative Waivers.
(A)
Except as provided in subsection (d)(2)(B), an administrative waiver shall not be extended.
(B)
An administrative waiver may only be extended, if, by May 4, 2010 the development:
(i)
Has received a preliminary project approval; and
(ii)
Was subject to a Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement, a Tax Increment Financing approval, or an Annexation Agreement.
(3)
Administrative waivers extended under subsection (d)(2)(B) shall expire when the Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement, the Tax Increment Financing approval, or the Annexation Agreement expires.
(e)
The provisions of this Division relating to the development of land within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area are adopted pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, and Section 8-1801 et seq., and shall apply to all development within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone. The provisions of this Division may not be construed to affect the requirements for a project located in an Intense Developed Area of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area to comply with the 10 percent Pollution Reduction Requirement under COMAR 27.01.02.03D(3).
(f)
The following referenced documents are necessary to provide appropriate technical guidance for the planning, design, construction, inspection and enforcement of the provisions of this Division. These documents are revised periodically and it is incumbent upon property owners, planners, designers and applicants to use the most current approved versions available. For purposes of this Division, the following documents are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference:
(1)
The 2000 Maryland Stormwater Management Design Manual, Volumes I and II Maryland Department of the Environment (April 2000), as amended; and
(2)
The current edition of the 2014 Prince George's County Stormwater Management Design Manual or any subsequent revisions; and
(3)
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Maryland Conservation Practice Standard Pond Code 378 (January 2000), as amended.
(4)
Adopted Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans:
(A)
CR-61-1986 - Piscataway Creek
(B)
CR-62-1986 - Henson Creek
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-171 (2026)
Sec. 32-171. DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
For purposes of this Division, the following terms, phrases and words, and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein:
(1)
Administration. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Water Management Administration (WMA).
(2)
Administrative Waiver. A decision by the Director pursuant to this regulation to allow the construction of a development to be governed by the stormwater management ordinance in effect as of May 4, 2009, in the County where the project will be located.
(3)
Adverse Impact. Any deleterious effect on waters or wetlands, including their quality, quantity, surface area, species composition, aesthetics or usefulness for human or natural uses which are or may potentially be harmful or injurious to human health, welfare, safety or property, to biological productivity, diversity, or stability or which unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life, property, and including outdoor recreation.
(4)
Agricultural Land Management Practices. Those methods and procedures used in the cultivation of land in order to further crop and livestock production and conservation of related soil and water resources.
(5)
Alternative Practice. An environmental site design practice or technique or structural stormwater management measure that is not found in the Maryland Design Manual and is proposed during concept plan approval. Alternative practices shall be designed to meet the criteria in the Maryland Design Manual, meet the minimum requirements specified in Section 32-178 of this Division and be approved by the Administration.
(6)
Applicant. Any person, agent, firm or governmental agency that executes the necessary forms to procure official approval of a project, or a permit to carry out the construction of a project.
(7)
Approval.
(A)
"Approval" means a documented action by the Department following a review to determine and acknowledge the sufficiency of submitted material to meet the requirements of a state in the Department's development review process.
(B)
"Approval" does not mean an acknowledgment by the Department that submitted material has been received for review.
(8)
Aquifer. Porous water bearing geological formation generally restricted to materials capable of yielding an appreciable supply of water.
(9)
Best Management Practice (BMP). A structural device or nonstructural practice designed to temporarily store or treat stormwater runoff in order to mitigate flooding, reduce pollution, and provide other amenities.
(10)
Bioretention. A structural soil/plant device, source control, terrestrial base, filter/infiltrating device for managing stormwater runoff.
(11)
Channel Protection Storage Volume (Cpv). The volume used to design structural management practices to control stream channel erosion. Methods for calculating the channel protection storage volume are specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual.
(12)
Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. All waters of and lands under the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to the head of tide as indicated on the State wetlands' maps; and all State and private wetlands designated under the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, Title 9; and all land and water areas within one thousand (1,000) feet beyond the landward boundaries of State or private wetlands and heads of tide designated under the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article Title 9, as indicated on approved Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zoning Map Amendments.
(13)
Clearing. The removal of trees and brush from land, but which does not include the ordinary mowing of grass.
(14)
Concept Plan. The first of three required plan approvals that includes the information necessary to allow an initial evaluation of a proposed project.
(15)
Conservation Agreement. A formal agreement that commits a grading or building permit applicant to the execution of various approved elements of a Conservation Plan, including a stormwater concept management plan, an approved sediment and erosion control plan, a vegetation management plan and other plans that may be required by the Department or the Prince George's County Planning Board.
(15.1)
Conservation Landscaping. A native plant landscape or intentional naturalization designed to provide climate resilient and ecosystem benefits including cooler surfaces, carbon sequestration, pollinator and wildlife support, reduced runoff and pollution, and healthy soils. Types of conservation landscapes and practices may include but not be limited to: Bayscapes, Stormwater Gardens, Urban Meadow, Landscape Restoration, Urban Soil Restoration, and Baywise Maintenance. All practices must incorporate low carbon methods. Soil restoration practices must include vertical composting into compacted soil, eroded soil, or urban fill to re-establish a healthy soil structure and biome.
(16)
Conservation Plan. A plan developed in accordance with Subtitle 5B, which demonstrates how a project has been designed to meet the specific Critical Area Commission criteria. The Conservation Plan consists of an approved stormwater management concept plan, an approved sediment and erosion control plan, a vegetation management plan, and such other plans relating to environmental systems as may be required by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Prince George's County Health Department, the Department or the Prince George's Soil Conservation District.
(17)
County. Prince George's County, Maryland.
(18)
County Engineer. Department engineering staff.
(19)
Department. Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement.
(20)
Detention Structure. A permanent structure for the temporary storage of runoff designed so as not to create a permanent pool of water.
(21)
Develop Land. To change the runoff characteristics of a parcel of land in conjunction with residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional construction or alteration.
(22)
Development. Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate including, but not limited to, any construction, reconstruction, modification, extension or expansion of buildings or other structures, placement of fill or concrete, construction of new or replacement infrastructure, dumping, mining, dredging, grading, paving, drilling operations, storage of materials, land excavation, land clearing, land improvement, landfill operation, or any combination thereof.
(23)
Direct Discharge. The concentrated release of stormwater to tidal waters or vegetated tidal wetlands from new development or redevelopment projects in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.
(24)
Director. The Director of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement.
(25)
Drainage Area. The area contributing runoff to a study point measured in a horizontal plane enclosed by a ridge line.
(26)
Easement. A grant or reservation by the owner of land for the use of such land by others for a specific purpose or purposes, the use of which must be included in the conveyance of land affected by such easement.
(27)
Environmental Site Design (ESD). Using small scale stormwater management practices, nonstructural techniques, and better site planning to mimic natural hydrologic runoff characteristics and minimize the impact of land development on water resources. (Methods for designing ESD practices are specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual).
(28)
Exemption. Those land development activities that are not subject to the stormwater management requirements contained in this Division.
(29)
Extended Detention. A stormwater design feature that provides gradual release of a volume of water in order to increase settling of pollutants and protect downstream channels from frequent storm events. (Methods for designing extended detention BMPs are specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual).
(30)
Extreme Flood Volume (Qf). The storage volume required to control infrequent, but large storm events in which overbank flow reaches or exceeds the boundaries of the 100-year floodplain.
(31)
Filtration. The attenuation of stormwater runoff pollutants by plant and/or soil/sand complexes.
(32)
Final project approval. Approval of the final stormwater management plan and erosion and sediment control plan required to construct a project's stormwater management facilities that includes securing bonding or financing for final development plans if either is required as a prerequisite for approval.
(33)
Final Stormwater Management Plan. The last of the three required plan approvals that includes the information necessary to allow all approvals and permits to be issued by the Department.
(34)
Flow Attenuation. Prolonging the flow time of runoff to reduce the peak discharge.
(35)
Grading. Any act by which soil is disturbed, cleared, stripped, grubbed, excavated, scarified, filled or any combination thereof.
(36)
Impervious Area. An area that is covered with solid material or is compacted to the point where water cannot infiltrate underlying soils (e.g., parking lots, roads, houses, patios, swimming pools, compacted gravel areas, and so forth) and where natural hydrologic patterns are altered.
(37)
Infiltration. The passage or movement of water into the soil surface.
(38)
Maryland Design Manual. The latest edition of the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual, Volumes I and II, that serve as the State of Maryland's official guide for stormwater management principals, methods and practices.
(39)
Major Watersheds. The forty-two (42) watersheds identified in the watershed management plan for the purposes of identifying the preferred stormwater management approach within that major watershed.
(40)
Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP). Designing stormwater management systems so that all reasonable opportunities for using ESD planning techniques and treatment practices are exhausted and only where absolutely necessary, a structural BMP is implemented.
(41)
Natural Resource Inventory (NRI). A plan map and supporting documentation that provides all required information regarding the existing physical and environmental conditions on site and is approved by the Planning Director of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, or the Director's designee.
(42)
Off-Site Stormwater Management. The design and construction of a regional facility necessary to control stormwater from more than one development which is to be located outside the proposed area of development.
(43)
One Hundred (100) Year Floodplain. That area which would be inundated by a flood that has a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
(44)
On-Site Stormwater Management. The design and construction of systems necessary to control stormwater within the proposed area of development.
(45)
Overbank Flood Protection Volume (Qp). The volume controlled by structural practices to prevent an increase in the frequency of out-of-bank flooding generated by development. (Methods for calculating the overbank flood protection volume are specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual).
(46)
Permittee. The individual or corporation officer that signs the stormwater management permit and is legally responsible for all activities pertaining to the permit.
(47)
Person. The federal government, the State, any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State, or any of their units, or an individual receiver, trustee, guardian, executor, administrator, fiduciary, or representative of any kind, or any partnership, firm, association, public or private corporation, or any other entity.
(48)
Planning Techniques. A combination of strategies employed early in project design to reduce the impact from development and to incorporate natural features into a stormwater management plan.
(49)
Pollutant. Sediment runoff due to erosion.
(50)
Pollution Trading. Program, process, policy to be implemented to reduce pollutants and to improve water quality and clean up the water body by addressing nutrients, sediments and other pollutants from a known source. This is intended to establish incentives for voluntary reductions of pollutants on an existing development with no known stormwater management in place. These pollution control devices are to be recorded through GIS watershed data base to be used for SWM banking.
(51)
Pond. Any stormwater management device that meets the category definition of MD 378-USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Conservation Standard Pond.
(52)
Preliminary Plan. The preliminary plan of subdivision submitted pursuant to the County's subdivision regulations.
(53)
Preliminary Project Approval. Approval of an Applicant's stormwater management concept plan, which includes:
(A)
Number of planned dwelling units or lots;
(B)
Proposed project density;
(C)
Proposed size and location of all land uses for the project;
(D)
Plan that identifies:
(i)
Proposed drainage patterns;
(ii)
Location of all points of discharge from the site; and
(iii)
The type, location, and size of all stormwater management measures based on site-specific stormwater management requirement computations; and
(E)
Any other information required by the Department including, but not limited to:
(i)
Proposed alignment, location, and construction type and standard for all roads, access ways and areas of vehicular traffic;
(ii)
Demonstration that the methods by which the development will be supplied with water and wastewater service are adequate; and
(iii)
Size, type, and general location of all proposed wastewater and water system infrastructure.
(53.1)
Prince George's County Design Manual. The 2014 Prince George's County Stormwater Management Design Manual or any subsequent revisions that complements the Maryland Design Manual.
(54)
Recharge Volume (Rev). That portion of the water quality volume used to maintain groundwater recharge rates at development sites. (Methods for calculating the recharge volume are specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual).
(55)
Redevelopment. Any construction, alteration or improvement performed on sites where existing land use is commercial, industrial, institutional, or multifamily residential and existing site impervious area within the limit of disturbance exceeds 40 percent.
(56)
Retention Structure. A permanent structure that provides for the storage of runoff and is designed to maintain a permanent pool of water.
(57)
Retrofitting. The implementation of ESD practices, the construction of structural BMP, or the modification of an existing structural BMP in a previously developed area to improve water quality over current conditions.
(58)
Sediment. Soils or other surficial materials transported or deposited by the action of wind, water, snow, ice or gravity as a product of erosion.
(59)
Site. For new development, any tract, lot, or parcel of land or combination of tracts, lots, parcels of land that are in one ownership or are contiguous and in diverse ownership, where development is to be performed as a part of a unit, subdivision or project.
(60)
Site Development Plan. The second of three required plan approvals that includes the information necessary to allow a detailed evaluation of a proposed project.
(61)
Stabilization. The prevention of soil movement by any of various vegetative and/or structural means.
(62)
Stormwater. Water that originates from a precipitation event.
(63)
Stormwater Management (SWM). Using ESD for the collection, conveyance, storage, treatment and disposal of stormwater runoff in a manner to prevent accelerated channel erosion, increased flood damage and/or degradation of water quality.
(64)
Stormwater Management Design Plan. The set of drawings and other documents that comprise all of the information and specifications for the systems, structures, concepts, and techniques that will be used to control stormwater as required by the approved concept plan and the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual.
(65)
Stormwater Management System. Natural areas, ESD practices, stormwater management measures, and any other structure through which stormwater flows, infiltrates or discharges from a site.
(66)
Stormwater Variance. The modification of the minimum stormwater management requirements for specific circumstances such that strict adherence to the requirements would result in unnecessary hardship and not fulfill the intent of this Division.
(67)
Stream Restoration. Restoration and reconstruction of existing waterways to maintain the ecological features of the stream, to mitigate stream bed incision and stream wall erosion, to preserve the capacity and to enhance the water quality of the stream. Stream restoration shall address the following including, but not limited to, intervention and installation of measures to repair damages to the stream corridors, hydrology, hydraulics, sediment transport, geomorphology, aquatic ecology, fisheries and riparian ecology.
(68)
Stripping. Any activity that removes the vegetation surface cover including tree removal, clearing, grubbing and storage or removal of topsoil.
(69)
Subdivision. The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, plots, sites, parcels or other divisions by plat or deed.
(70)
Watercourse. Any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully, ravine or wash, in and including any adjacent area that is subject to inundation from overflow or flood water.
(71)
Water Quality Volume (WQv). The volume needed to capture and treat 90 percent of the average annual rainfall at a development site. (Methods for calculating the water quality volume are specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual.)
(72)
Watershed. The total drainage area contributing runoff to a single point.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-172 (2026)
Sec. 32-172. Watershed Management PlanningLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The County Executive shall submit for approval by resolution of the County Council, a plan for the control of water quantity, the restoration and maintenance of water quality, and protection of aquatic living resources of each major watershed in the County. The County Executive also shall provide for the periodic updating of the plans, projects or studies. Such plans, projects and studies shall be known as the major watershed management plans.
(b)
If a major watershed management plan is amended by the County Council, the County Executive shall be given an opportunity to provide comments on such amendments for the County Council's consideration before the major watershed management plan becomes final.
(c)
Each watershed plan shall contain stormwater management policies and recommendations for the implementation of these policies and shall be approved by the Administration.
(d)
Where the watershed is located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone, the watershed plan shall comply with the requirements of Subtitle 5B.
(e)
A watershed management plan developed for the purpose of implementing different stormwater management policies for waivers and redevelopment shall:
(1)
Include detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to determine hydrograph timing;
(2)
Evaluate both quantity and quality management and opportunities for ESD implementation;
(3)
Include a cumulative impact assessment of current and proposed watershed development;
(4)
Identify existing flooding and receiving stream channel conditions;
(5)
Be conducted at a reasonable scale;
(6)
Specify where on-site or off-site quantitative and qualitative stormwater management practices are to be implemented;
(7)
Be consistent with the General Performance Standards for Stormwater Management in Maryland as found in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual; and
(8)
Be approved by the Administration.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-173 (2026)
Sec. 32-173. Scope of OrdinanceLinkCopy Citation
No person shall develop or redevelop any land without having met the provisions of this Division by providing appropriate stormwater management measures that control or manage runoff, except as provided within Section 32-174 of this Division.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-174 (2026)
Sec. 32-174. Exemptions from RequirementsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in Subsection (b), the following development activities are exempt from the provisions of this Division and the requirements of providing stormwater management:
(1)
Agricultural land management practices;
(2)
Additions or modifications to existing detached one-family dwellings provided that they comply with item (3) of this Subsection; and the subject site does not exceed the maximum allowable lot coverage allowed in Subtitle 27 of this Code.
(3)
Any developments that do not disturb more than five thousand (5,000) square feet of land area;
(4)
Developments within the City of Bowie where the city has approved stormwater management design plans for a development either on or off the development site, which otherwise meet or exceed the provisions of this Division;
(5)
Land development activities which the Administration determines will be regulated under specific state laws that provide for managing stormwater runoff.
(b)
Where the property is located within a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone, the development activities in Subsection (a), above, except for agricultural land management activities, shall comply with the stormwater management requirements of this Division and conform with the requirements of Subtitle 5B, and a Conservation Plan shall be required relating to the stormwater management activities. In all cases, the development activities located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone, and are required to comply with stormwater management requirements, shall meet the requirements of this Division and conform to the requirements of Subtitle 5B.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-175 (2026)
Sec. 32-175. RedevelopmentLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Stormwater management plans are required by the Department for all redevelopment, unless otherwise specified by watershed management plans developed according to this Division. Stormwater management measures must be consistent with the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual).
(b)
All redevelopment designs shall:
(1)
Reduce impervious area within the limit of disturbance (LOD) by at least 50 percent according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual;
(2)
Implement ESD to the MEP to provide water quality treatment for at least 50 percent of the existing impervious area within the LOD; or
(3)
Use a combination of subsections (b)(1) and (2) for at least 50 percent of the existing site impervious area within the LOD; and
(4)
Infiltrate into the ground 100 percent of the annual average predevelopment groundwater recharge volume if soil's infiltration is 1.02 inches per hour or greater.
(c)
All redevelopment designs approved after May 4, 2016, shall:
(1)
Reduce impervious area within the LOD by 75 percent in accordance with the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual;
(2)
Implement ESD to the MEP to provide water quality treatment for 75 percent of the existing impervious area within the LOD; or
(3)
Use a combination of subsections (c)(1) and (2) to meet 75 percent of existing site impervious area within the LOD; and
(4)
Infiltrate into the ground 100 percent of the annual average predevelopment groundwater recharge volume if soil's infiltration is 1.02 inches per hour or greater.
(d)
All redevelopment designs approved after May 4, 2019, shall:
(1)
Reduce impervious area within the LOD by 100 percent in accordance with the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual;
(2)
Implement ESD to the MEP to provide water quality treatment for 100 percent of the existing impervious area within the LOD; or
(3)
Use a combination of subsection (d)(1) and (2) to meet 100 percent of existing site impervious area within the LOD.
The Director may consider a variance under Section 32-176 of this Division.
(e)
To offset the cost and design impacts of achieving the requirements of subsection (b) and (c) of this section, redevelopment designs that exceed the County requirements by twenty-five (25) percent and that are approved after May 4, 2011, are eligible to receive, subject to Subtitle 27 of the County Code:
(1)
Increased density through the public benefit credits, density increment factors or additional floor area ratios (FAR);
(2)
Reduction in the number of spaces and design of on-site and off-site parking to accommodate ESD techniques up to a maximum reduction of fifteen (15) percent of the required parking under Subtitle 27 of this Code, subject to the approval of a minor departure;
(3)
Priority consideration during the County's development review and permitting processes;
(4)
Eligibility for residential revitalization tax credit under Subtitle 10 and Subdivision 5B of the County Code without Council approval;
(f)
MEP shall be determined by the Director.
(g)
All redevelopment projects shall reduce existing site stormwater runoff volume by implementing distributed ESD to the MEP. Where conditions prevent the implementation of ESD techniques to reduce runoff, the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual criteria shall be implemented.
(h)
Alternative stormwater management measures may be used to meet the requirements in subsections (a), (b), (c) and (l) if the owner/applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the Department that impervious area reduction has been maximized and ESD has been implemented on-site to the MEP. Off-site ESD in the impacted watershed shall be the preferred alternative stormwater measure. Alternative stormwater management measures include, but are not limited to:
(1)
An on-site structural BMP;
(2)
An off-site structural BMP to provide water quality treatment for an area equal to or greater than 50 percent of the existing impervious area; or
(3)
A combination of impervious area reduction, ESD implementation, and on-site or off-site structural BMP for an area equal to or greater than 50 percent of the existing site impervious area within the LOD;
(4)
Participation in a stream restoration project;
(5)
Pollution trading with another entity;
(6)
Design criteria based on watershed management plans developed according to this Division;
(7)
Fees paid that are dedicated exclusively to provide stormwater management; and
(8)
Other appropriate practices.
(i)
The Department shall develop policies for providing stormwater management for redevelopment projects if the requirements of subsections (a), (b), (c) and (l) are not met after all opportunities for using onsite and offsite ESD have been exhausted during the planning process. After being reviewed and approved by the Administration, these proposed policies will be provided to the County Council for its approval.
(j)
The Department may consider factors, including, but not be limited to:
(1)
Whether the project is in an area targeted for development incentives such as a Priority Funding Area, a designated Transit Oriented Development area, or a designated Base Realignment and Closure Revitalization and Incentive Zone;
(2)
Whether the project is necessary to accommodate growth consistent with comprehensive plans; or
(3)
Whether bonding and financing have already been secured based on an approved development plan.
(4)
In considering these factors in (1), (2) and (3) above in this subsection (j), the Department shall also consider the existing water quality, erosion, flooding and expected needs for County investment in stream restoration, erosion control and flood control in the areas affected by redevelopment.
(k)
Stormwater management shall be addressed for the portion of the site within the limit of disturbance according to the new development requirements in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual for any net increase in impervious area.
(l)
If the Department determines that existing flooding and/or erosion exist downstream of the proposed development, the Department:
(1)
should require the applicant to manage the channel protection volume using ESD to the MEP; and
(2)
has authority to require the applicant to attenuate the 2-year and 10-year storm runoff for downstream erosion for residual volume not addressed by ESD; and
(3)
has authority to require the applicant to attenuate the 100-year frequency storm event for downstream flooding in accordance with the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-176 (2026)
Sec. 32-176. Stormwater Management VarianceLinkCopy Citation
The Department may grant a written variance from any requirement of this Division if there are exceptional circumstances applicable to the site such that strict adherence will result in unnecessary hardship and not fulfill the intent of the Division. A written request for a variance shall be provided to the Director stating the specific variance sought and appropriate justification. The Department shall not grant a variance unless and until sufficient justification is provided by the permittee developing land that the implementation of ESD to MEP has been investigated thoroughly and the Department has provided notice to the Council. The justification shall include an explanation of why the requirement of the Division cannot be met and the reasons why the alternative practices cannot be provided.