Do you need a permit for a fence in Prince George's County, MD?
It depends on size and placement.
Fences over 4 ft need a permit.
On a corner lot every fence needs a permit, whatever its height.
Nothing over 3 ft in the sight triangle 25 ft back from a corner.
Rules last checked by a person on October 20, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Prince George's County before you build.
Check your exact lot
Setbacks depend on your zoning district, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.
Permits a fence can need in Prince George's County
| Permit | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Fence permit | Prince George's requires a permit for fences over 4 ft, and for any fence on a corner lot. |
| Floodplain development permit | If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, all development there needs a permit. |
Limits that apply citywide
| Permit threshold | Over 4 ft (any height on a corner lot) |
|---|---|
| Corner sight triangle | 3 ft max within 25 ft of the intersection |
Local details
- Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
- HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.
- Prince George's renamed its zones in 2022. If a plat or listing says R-55 or R-80, the lot is now RSF-65 or RSF-95.
How to apply
Questions people ask
- When does a fence need a building permit in Prince George's County?
- Prince George's requires a permit for fences over 4 ft, and for any fence on a corner lot. Fences 4 ft or lower on an interior lot need no permit.
- Where do I apply for a fence permit in Prince George's County?
- Apply through DPIE Momentum permitting portal, or call (301) 636-2050.
Sources
- Prince George's County DPIE, Residential fence permits. Checked 2026-10-20.
Fences taller than four (4) feet require a permit... all properties located on a corner lot, must possess a permit to install a fence, regardless of height... NO VISUAL OBSTRUCTION MORE THAN THREE (3) FEET HIGH (above the curb level) [within the sight trian…
- Prince George's County DPIE, What work is exempt from obtaining a permit?. Checked 2026-10-20.
A one-story detached accessory structure on one- and two-family dwelling properties with less than 150 square feet of floor space not designed or intended for occupation or habitation and limited to 1 accessory structure only per property... A retaining wal…
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...