Building Safety in Bowie, MD (2026)
4 verified building safety rules for Bowie, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Door Locking Hardware
City Code § 5-7 requires every rental dwelling unit in the City of Bowie to have a working entrance door lock. The entrance door to an individual rental unit must carry locking devices adequate to secure it against unauthorized entry, and every exterior door, hinge, latch and closing mechanism on any dwelling must be kept in good condition.
Bowie Rental Unit Door Lock Requirement
Some RestrictionsBowie City Code § 5-7
Door hardware. Every exterior door, door hinge, door latch and closing mechanism used with said door shall be maintained in good condition. ... Door locks. The entrance door to an individual rental dwelling unit shall be provided with locking devices so as to provide security against unauthorized entry.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Since January 1, 2013, City Code § 5-7 has required every Bowie dwelling with a fossil-fuel heater or appliance, a gas- or wood-burning fireplace, or an attached garage to have working carbon monoxide detectors. Alarms must sit within 10 feet of each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
Bowie Carbon Monoxide Detector Rule
Some RestrictionsBowie City Code § 5-7
Carbon monoxide detectors. As of January 1, 2013, all dwellings units with a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, a gas- or wood-burning fireplace, or an attached garage shall be equipped with operational carbon monoxide detectors with alarms located within 10 feet of each sleeping area and on each level of the home.
Building Permits
In the City of Bowie, a City building permit is required for construction beyond any Prince George's County permit whenever city standards are stricter, per City Code § 5-4. Permit fees are set annually in the City budget, plans and site surveys must accompany applications, and the City Manager can issue a stop-work order plus a $10 investigation fee for unpermitted work.
Bowie City Building Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsBowie City Code § 5-4
There is hereby established a City building permit requirement. The fee for any permit shall be prescribed by the Council in the annual City budget. ... A building permit must be obtained from the City for any construction for which a permit is required from Prince George's County and for any construction that is subject to a City standard that is stricter than that applied by the county, witho...
Building Inspections
City Code § 5-10 lets the City Manager or a designated representative inspect any dwelling, rooming unit, commercial building, or premises in the City of Bowie to check compliance with the Housing and Property Maintenance Code. Commercial inspections are limited to exterior property and structural conditions.
Bowie Building Inspection Authority
Some RestrictionsBowie City Code § 5-10
Inspections. ... The City Manager or his duly authorized representative is hereby authorized to inspect all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units commercial buildings, commercial units, and premises to determine if they are in violation of the provisions of the Housing and Property Maintenance Code. ... Entry. ... If any owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a structure subject to th...
Looking for Prince George's County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bowie city rules.
Building Safety in Prince George's County →