5 rules for unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Prince George's County allows home occupations as an accessory use under Zoning Ordinance Section 27-5203(b)(6). The business must stay within the dwelling, use no more than 25 percent of the floor area or 5,000 square feet, have no more than two nonresident employees, and not change the home's residential character.
Prince George's County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 27-5203(b)(6)(B), (C)
The business use shall be located within the dwelling unit, and the cumulative total of all home occupation that may be permitted shall not exceed 25 percent of the total floor area of the dwelling unit, or 5,000 square feet, whichever is less ... there shall be no more than two employees who do not reside in the dwelling.
A home occupation in Prince George's County may show no exterior evidence of the business other than a single permitted sign, under Zoning Ordinance Section 27-5203(b)(6)(D). The dwelling must keep its residential character, so large, illuminated or freestanding commercial signs are not allowed.
Prince George's County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 27-5203(b)(6)(D)
The business use shall not change the residential character or external appearance of the dwelling unit ... nor shall there be any exterior evidence, other than a permitted sign, to indicate that the dwelling unit is used for other than residential purposes.
Selling homemade food from a Prince George's County home follows Maryland's cottage food law (COMAR 10.15.03), overseen by the Maryland Department of Health. A cottage food business makes non-hazardous foods at home, may earn up to $50,000 a year, needs no license, but must label products and follow County zoning.
COMAR 10.15.03.02B(17-1) (Maryland Department of Health)
“Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland’s food safety regulations” ... a cottage food business ... “produces or packages cottage food products in a residential kitchen in Maryland; and ... has annual revenues from the sale of cottage food products in an amount not exceeding $50,000.”
Family child care in a Prince George's County home is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care under COMAR 13A.15. A provider must hold a certificate of registration and may care for no more than eight children, no more than four under age 2.
COMAR 13A.15.04.03 (Maryland Family Child Care)
The maximum total capacity of a family child care home may not exceed eight children, of whom not more than four may be younger than 2 years old.
All home occupations in Prince George's County require a use and occupancy permit from DPIE under Zoning Ordinance Section 27-5203(b)(6)(A). The permit confirms the home business meets the accessory-use standards - indoor operation, the 25 percent floor-area limit, and the two-nonresident-employee cap - before it may operate.
Prince George's County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 27-5203(b)(6)(A)
All home occupations shall require the issuance of a use and occupancy permit (see Section 27-3608, Use and Occupancy Permit).
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