Prince George's County, MD Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Deciding body
- 9-member Historic Preservation Commission
- Cultural criteria
- Sec. 29-104(a)(1), heritage/event/person/community ties
- Permit required
- Historic Area Work Permit for exterior changes (Sec. 29-107)
- Unpermitted work penalty
- Up to $500 per day (Sec. 29-121)
- Seller disclosure
- Required before sale contract (Sec. 29-124)
Summary
Prince George's County's Historic Preservation Commission can classify a property as a Historic Site or Historic District when it carries cultural significance, such as a tie to a person who influenced society or a heritage tied to the County's communities. Once classified, exterior work needs a Historic Area Work Permit or the owner faces a $500-a-day fine.
Sec. 29-104. - Historic Sites and Historic Districts criteria. (a)In considering unclassified historic resources for classification as Historic Sites or Historic Districts, the following criteria are applicable:(1)Historical and Cultural Significance.(A)The historic resource:(i)Has significant character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the County, State, or Nation;(ii)Is the site of a significant historic event;(iii)Is identified with a person or a group of persons who influenced society; or(iv)Exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political, or historic heritage of the County and its communities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2026 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 29-104(a)(1) lists "Historical and Cultural Significance" as one of two criteria the Commission applies when reviewing a resource for classification, alongside architectural and design significance in subsection (a)(2). A resource qualifies on cultural grounds if it has significant character as part of the County, State, or Nation's heritage, sits at the site of a significant historic event, is identified with an influential person or group, or exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political, or historic heritage of the County and its communities. The nine-member Historic Preservation Commission, created under Section 29-105 and appointed by the County Executive with Council confirmation, researches candidate resources and recommends classification to the Planning Board and District Council under Section 29-106.
01. Once a resource is a classified Historic Site or lies in a Historic District, Section 29-107 requires a Historic Area Work Permit before constructing, demolishing, or otherwise altering exterior features, the appurtenances or environmental setting, or erecting a sign; ordinary maintenance and customary farming operations are exempt. Sellers of such property must disclose the designation to buyers before signing a sales contract under Section 29-124, and Section 29-125 bars anyone from advertising a property as historic, or as located within a historic district, unless it is actually so designated on the Plan or listed in the National Register.
Violations & Fines
Section 29-121 makes willfully working without a required Historic Area Work Permit, ignoring permit conditions, or disobeying a Commission decision punishable by a civil fine of up to $500 for each violation, with each day of continued violation counting as a separate offense; the County can also seek removal or abatement in equity. Falsely marketing a property as historic under Section 29-125 is a separate civil violation for each publication of the false claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Prince George's County property a "cultural" historic resource?
Do I need a permit to renovate a designated historic property in the County?
What happens if I advertise my house as a historic property when it isn't?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
Compare Prince George's County to another location·View the Maryland historic preservation overview
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