Prince George's County, MD Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Zoning Ord. Sec. 27-5203(b)(6)
- Max area
- 25% of dwelling or 5,000 sq ft
- Nonresident employees
- No more than two
- Operator
- Full-time resident of dwelling
- Retail sales
- Only goods incidental to service
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
The County Zoning Ordinance (Subtitle 27, effective April 1, 2022) treats a home occupation as an accessory use and sets binding standards in Section 27-5203(b)(6). The business must be within the dwelling unit, and all home occupations together may not exceed 25 percent of the floor area or 5,000 square feet, whichever is less. The principal operator must be a full-time resident, and there may be no more than two nonresident employees. The use may not change the dwelling's residential character, and no exterior evidence other than a permitted sign is allowed. There is no outdoor display; no retail sales except goods incidental to a service; and no unusual traffic. This is a real County rule enforced by DPIE.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside the Section 27-5203(b)(6) standards is a zoning violation enforced by DPIE, which can issue civil citations, require correction, and revoke the use and occupancy permit. Exceeding the floor-area, employee or traffic limits can bring escalating fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from my home here?
How many employees can a home business have?
Can I sell products from my home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
How Prince George's County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Prince George's County to another location·View the Maryland home business overview
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