Unlicensed Business Enforcement Blitz

Prince George’s County is cracking down on illegal home-based businesses. Beginning March 1st, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) will have inspectors out in the community engaging with homeowners' associations (HOAs), community partners, and others to raise awareness for this initiative and begin enforcement. 

How Does It Work?

DPIE is distributing information and other resources to guide residents on the process of operating a business legally in Prince George’s County. During this time, DPIE will educate business owners on how to secure required permits and licenses and provide a 90-day window for businesses to respond before issuing fines.

Beat the Fine

An amnesty program will be offered until July 1, 2024, for businesses to bring their operation into compliance.

Businesses that can become compliant

Examples include:

• Unpermitted Residential Hair Salons/Barber Shops or Nail Salons
• Food Trucks Vending on the Side of Public Roads
• Tax Preparation Business in Your Home
• Unlicensed Room and Boarding House Rentals
• Unlicensed Daycare or Eldercare
• Operating a Store from Your Home  

Get the word out! Download the flyer | Spanish | Tagalog | Chinese | Arabic | Amharic | French

Businesses that cannot become compliant

Examples include:

• Running a Restaurant, Any Type of Eatery, or Selling Food from Your Home, Garage or Yard
• Operating a Home Car-Repair Business or Vehicle Paint Booth
• Selling Items from the Center of Intersections or from the Trunks of Vehicles
• Using Your Home to House Goods for Resale
• Operating Pay-to-Attend Parties or Selling Alcohol from Your Premises
• Converting a Single-Family Home into Multifamily Dwelling Unit
• Allowing Sheds to Be Used as Living Quarters

Get the word out! Download the flyer | Spanish | Tagalog | Chinese | Arabic | Amharic | French

For the month of March, DPIE will collaborate with community partners and utilize social media to raise awareness about the program. Inspectors will distribute informational materials, including multilingual door hangers and flyers in areas of the County where DPIE has had the highest number of illegal business complaints, including Adelphi, Hyattsville, Lewisdale, Langley Park, Lanham, Riverdale Park, Seabrook, and Upper Marlboro.  

Help Spread the Word! 

Download campaign flyers in your language and share them with a neighbor.

Get the word out! Download the flyer | Spanish | Tagalog | Chinese | Arabic | Amharic | French