Prince George's County, MD Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Investigating unit
- DPIE Enforcement Division
- Weed limit (≤1 acre)
- 12 inches (Section 13-264)
- Litter duty
- Section 13-263 / 13-265
- Compliance window
- 10 calendar days
- Unpaid cost remedy
- Tax-bill lien
Summary
Prince George's County requires vacant and unimproved lots to be kept free of litter, debris, and overgrown weeds. DPIE's Enforcement Division investigates unimproved lots (no structure) and can clean them at the owner's expense, recording the cost as a tax lien.
It is a violation of this Division for any person to deposit or place litter on any land lying within the County, including any public lands or rights of way.
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
Owners of vacant land in the unincorporated County must comply with the Antilitter and Weed Ordinance (Subtitle 13, Division 9) and property-standards nuisance rules. Section 13-263 makes it every owner's duty to prevent litter, garbage, and refuse from accumulating on the land, and Section 13-265 makes it a violation to deposit litter on any land, including vacant parcels. Weeds on lots of one acre or less must be kept under 12 inches (Section 13-264). The County states a vacant, unimproved lot with no structure is investigated by DPIE's Enforcement Division; note the absence of a structure when reporting. After written notice under Section 13-266, an owner has 10 calendar days to clear litter or weeds before the County acts.
Violations & Fines
If a vacant lot is not cleared within 10 calendar days of notice, County crews or a contractor may remove the litter and weeds and bill the owner. Costs plus fees become a tax-bill lien (Sections 13-267 to 13-269).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who cleans up a debris-filled vacant lot?
How tall can weeds be on a vacant lot?
Who pays if the County clears the lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
Compare Prince George's County to another location·View the Maryland property maintenance overview
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