When does a detached garage need a building permit in Prince George's County?

Garages are larger than the 150 sq ft exemption, so they need a building permit. Only one detached structure under 150 sq ft is exempt. Few garages are that small.

Where do I apply for a detached garage permit in Prince George's County?

Apply through DPIE Momentum permitting portal, or call (301) 636-2050.

Do you need a permit for a detached garage in Prince George's County, MD?

It depends on size and placement.

Building permit: Garages are larger than the 150 sq ft exemption, so they need a building permit.

Floodplain development permit: If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, all development there needs a permit.

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 detached garage can need in Prince George's County

Permit	When it applies
Building permit	Garages are larger than the 150 sq ft exemption, so they need a building permit.
Floodplain development permit	If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, all development there needs a permit.
Electrical permit	Wiring needs its own permit.Confidence: medium

RSF-65 Residential, Single-Family-65

Garage standards in RSF-65 Residential, Single-Family-65
Height	15 ft max for accessory structures
Lot coverage	35% of net lot area, counting buildings and off-street parking

All rules for RSF-65 Residential, Single-Family-65

RSF-95 Residential, Single-Family-95

Garage standards in RSF-95 Residential, Single-Family-95
Height	15 ft max for accessory structures
Lot coverage	30% of net lot area

All rules for RSF-95 Residential, Single-Family-95

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 detached garage need a building permit in Prince George's County?: Garages are larger than the 150 sq ft exemption, so they need a building permit. Only one detached structure under 150 sq ft is exempt. Few garages are that small.
Where do I apply for a detached garage permit in Prince George's County?: Apply through DPIE Momentum permitting portal, or call (301) 636-2050.

Sources

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...
2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…