Prince George's County, MD Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- County Code Subtitle 13, Div. 7
- Nuisance definition
- Section 13-231(6)
- Enforcement agency
- DPIE Code Enforcement
- Report to
- PGC311 / 3-1-1
- Remedy
- Abatement + tax lien
Summary
Prince George's County enforces exterior property-maintenance standards countywide under County Code Subtitle 13, Division 7. Property that is unclean, littered with rubbish or garbage, has uncontrolled weed growth, junked appliances, or abandoned vehicles is a public nuisance that DPIE Code Enforcement can order abated.
Public nuisance shall mean and include the following: … Any property which is unclean, unsanitary, or which is littered with rubbish or garbage or which has an uncontrolled growth of weeds.
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
Subtitle 13 (Housing and Property Standards), Division 7 sets minimum maintenance rules for all property in the unincorporated County. Section 13-231 defines a 'public nuisance' to include any property 'which is unclean, unsanitary, or which is littered with rubbish or garbage or which has an uncontrolled growth of weeds,' with rubbish covering junked appliances and abandoned vehicles. Section 13-233 requires exterior property to be maintained, Section 13-240 requires exterior surfaces and foundations to be sound, and Section 13-236 requires accessory structures such as garages and fences to be structurally sound. The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) investigates complaints via PGC311, issues a Notice of Violation, and can pursue abatement, fines, and tax liens under Section 13-246.
Violations & Fines
DPIE issues a Notice of Violation giving the owner time to correct blighted conditions. Continued violations bring fines under Section 13-246, County abatement, and recording of costs as a tax lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a property 'blighted' in Prince George's County?
Who handles blight complaints?
What happens if I ignore a violation notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
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