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Prince George's County, MD Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Buffer distance
300 feet minimum
Protected zones
RE, RR, RSF-95, RSF-65, R-PD
Protected uses
M-NCPPC land, schools, childcare
AG Zone setback
100 feet from street/property line
Accessory use
Not permitted
Governing section
Zoning Ordinance § 27-5102(b)(1)(B)

Summary

Prince George's County's Zoning Ordinance keeps outdoor cannabis grower operations 300 feet from residential zones, M-NCPPC parkland, and pre-existing schools or licensed childcare. Growers must operate inside a fully enclosed building everywhere except the AG Zone, where State-licensed outdoor cultivation still needs a 100-foot setback from streets and property lines plus fencing and a planted buffer.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Prince George's County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Cannabis Grower. The boundaries of property used for an outdoor cannabis grower use shall be located a minimum of 300 feet from: Any of the following Zones: RE, RR, RSF-95, RSF-65, and R-PD; Any land owned by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; and Any pre-existing primary or secondary school in the State, a pre-existing licensed childcare center, or registered pre-existing family childcare home under the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. Except for outdoor cultivation in the AG Zone pursuant to State licensing regulations, all aspects of the use shall be conducted within a fully enclosed building... In the AG Zone, outdoor cultivation areas shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any street or property line and shall be fenced in accordance with applicable State licensing regulations. A planted bufferyard between the fence line and cultivation area shall be installed... Cannabis grower is not permitted as an accessory use.

Full Breakdown

Section 27-5102(b)(1)(B) of Subtitle 27, the Zoning Ordinance, sets the buffer for an outdoor cannabis grower use. The property boundary must sit at least 300 feet from the RE, RR, RSF-95, RSF-65, and R-PD Zones, from any land owned by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (the agency that manages the County's parks), and from any pre-existing primary or secondary school, licensed childcare center, or registered family childcare home under the Education Article of the Maryland Code. The 300-foot rule applies to outdoor cultivation footprints; the same distance and protected-use list apply separately to Cannabis Micro-Grower operations under Section 27-5102(b)(1)(C).

Outside the AG Zone, all cultivation, processing, and storage tied to a cannabis grower use must occur inside a fully enclosed building, so most growers in commercial or industrial zones never trigger the outdoor buffer at all. In the AG Zone, State-licensed outdoor cultivation is allowed, but the cultivation area itself must be set back at least 100 feet from any street or property line, fenced to State licensing standards, and separated from the fence line by a planted bufferyard. Signage is limited to building-mounted signs, and the Ordinance flatly bars any advertisement for cannabis or cannabis products on the property.

A cannabis grower can never be established as an accessory use to another business or residence; it is permitted only as a standalone principal use reviewed against these standards through DPIE's building permit process.

Violations & Fines

Operating an outdoor cannabis grower inside the 300-foot buffer, growing outdoors outside the AG Zone, or running the use as an accessory operation violates Subtitle 27. Under Section 27-8206, Penalties, the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement can pursue a civil fine under Subtitle 28 or prosecute a misdemeanor carrying up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation counted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cannabis grower operate 300 feet from a school in Prince George's County?
No. Section 27-5102(b)(1)(B) requires the property boundary of an outdoor cannabis grower use to sit at least 300 feet from any pre-existing primary or secondary school, licensed childcare center, or registered family childcare home in Maryland, measured from the property line.
Does the 300-foot buffer apply to indoor cannabis growing?
No. Except for AG Zone cultivation under State license, the Ordinance requires the entire cannabis grower operation to be conducted inside a fully enclosed building, and the buffer specifically governs outdoor cultivation footprints near the listed residential zones and protected uses.
Can I add a cannabis grow operation to my home as an accessory use?
No. Section 27-5102(b)(1)(B) states cannabis grower is not permitted as an accessory use, so it must be established and permitted as its own principal use.
What happens if a grower plants outdoors closer than the 100-foot AG Zone setback?
DPIE can issue a violation notice, and under Section 27-8206 a continuing violation can bring a misdemeanor fine of up to $500 or 90 days in jail, with each additional day treated as a separate violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Prince George's County

All Prince George's County rules

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