Code Basics

• Animals
• Business License
• Dogs
• Driveway Construction Permit
• Firearms
• General Maintenance of Property
• Motor Vehicle Repair
• Noise
• Open Fires
• Parking Restrictions
• Peddling
• Permits Required
• Rental License
• Residential Parking Permits
• Residential Parking Zones
• Sales Permits
• Sanitation
• Snow and Ice Removal
• Temporary Sales Permits
• Trash Containers
• Traffic Control
• Return to Office of Code Enforcement

General Maintenance of Property

The owner/occupant is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of any property within the City.  It is the occupants responsibility to keep the grass mowed, the hedges trimmed away from the sidewalk so as not to obstruct passage, and the sidewalk, curb, and gutter free of dirt, debris, and other such litter.

Open Fires

It is unlawful to burn leaves, trash or other debris in the City or in Prince George's County.

Animals

All animals shall be confined at all times to the premises of their owners, except when under the immediate control of a responsible person.

Peddling and Soliciting

Any person soliciting donations, selling or offering to sell anything on any street in the City or going house to house must obtain a license from the City.

Removal of Snow and Ice

It is the responsibility of any property owner and/or occupant to remove and clear away or cause to be removed or cleared away from the public sidewalk in front of or abutting the property.

Health and Sanitation Regulations

It is unlawful to deposit or bury dead animals; discharge waste or refuse material upon streets, public places, or private property; accumulate waste or refuse material on any private property; deposit refuse from businesses or private dwelling in public trash containers; and spit in public places.

Removal of Trash Containers

It is unlawful to allow empty refuse cans to remain within 25 feet of a front property line past the hour of 12:00 midnight of the day which the contents of the said cans are picked up.

Firearms

It is unlawful for any person, except a duly authorized police officer, to discharge any cannon, gun, pistol or other firearm in the City

Noise

No person shall cause noise/sound levels measured above the minimum permissible levels as designated in the City Codes.  No person shall make, continue, or cause to be made or continued noises which are declared to be loud or unnecessary as designated in the City Code, i.e. horns, radios, yelling, shouting, singing. 

The Code establishes hours for the control of noise for the benefit of other residen

Motor Vehicle Repair

Motor vehicle repair is prohibited on residentially zoned property.  This includes removal or replacement of mechanical parts or assemblies, body or chassis dismantling or painting.  Minor maintenance is permitted.

Control of Dogs

All dogs must be licensed by Prince George's County.  At all times dogs must be confined and restricted from running at large. 

The owner must provide adequate care and have effective control so as to prevent the dog from becoming a nuisance. 

Excessive, continuous, or untimely barking, howling, or making of other noises; molesting passersby, chasing vehicles; habitually attacking other domestic animals; trespassing on school grounds or upon any other property in such a manner as to damage the property other than that of the owner shall be deemed a nuisance. 

When "walking" the dog must be on a leash not to exceed six feet in length. 

Any dog found at large without a license tag shall be impounded and taken to the animal control shelter.

Traffic Control

The speed limit on all streets in the City (unless posted otherwise) shall be 25 miles per hour.  Vehicle speed is checked by radar.

Residential Parking Zones

Specific areas in the City have been designated as residential parking zones. 

It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing any vehicle for more than two hours on the days and times posted without a permit.

Parking Restrictions

No person shall park any commercial vehicle on any street or highway in the City between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. each day of the week or at any time on Sundays or holidays.

This code does not apply to vehicles making deliveries or that do not park for more than a two-hour period. 

No person shall junk any vehicle or allow any junked vehicle to remain on the property which they are responsible for, unless it is within an enclosed garage. 

Inoperable vehicles, unlicensed vehicles, or vehicles with expired tags are presumed junked. 

A 48-hour notice is attached to such vehicles and if it is not removed or in compliance with the City Code in that period, the vehicle will be impounded.

Residential Parking Permits

Obtained from the Police Department for a fee of $2.00.

Temporary Sales Permits

This includes yard sales, flea markets, garage sales, Christmas tree sales, and fresh produce sales. 

The permit must be obtained from the City Offices at least seven days prior to the date of the sale. 

The permit fee is $5.00 for five consecutive days.

Driveway Construction Permit

A permit must be obtained from the City and authorized by the Director of the Department of Public Works prior to any excavation in any driveway or street.

Rental License

All rental units must have permits issued by the City. 

Application must be made to the Code Enforcement Office prior to tenant occupancy.

Business License

All businesses in the City are required to apply for and obtain a Business License.

Permits Required

Permits are required for:

excavation, laying drainage pipes, paving, construction across sidewalks, repairs to property, construction to buildings and solicitation.