Building Permits

Building & Sign Permits


Residential and commercial property owners are required to obtain permits from both Prince George's County and the City of Bowie for most improvements or alterations. Permits must be issued prior to construction.  

Projects requiring County and City permits include, but are not limited to: 
  • Additions
  • Decks and porches
  • Driveway, driveway widening or constructing a vehicle parking pad.
  • Sheds larger than 150 sq. ft. or installing a second storage shed of any size. Size restrictions may apply.
  • Solar panels
  • Fences greater than 4 feet in height (corner lot restrictions may apply)
  • Garage conversions
  • New homes
  • Signs
  • Basement remodeling

County Permits


Applicants should contact the Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) at 301-636-2050 to determine if a project requires a building permit and if it does, what documents are necessary to apply. 

The County requires applicants to apply online. Additional information on County building permits is available on their website.

City Permits


City permits are required for any work that requires a County permit except for plumbing, electrical, HVAC or fire inspection permits.  To apply for a City permit, the County permit and approved plans may be brought to the Community Services window at Bowie City Hall. There is no City application to complete. 

We also accept building permits electronically. Payments by credit card over the phone are preferred, but we will accept checks through USPS mail.  

Submissions must include electronic PDF versions of the County permit and any approved and stamped plans.  These files should be emailed to buildingpermits@cityofbowie.org.  Phone payments are accepted at 301-809-3008.

For more information about City permit requirements, please call 301-809-3008 or email.

Monthly reports of building permits issued by the City of Bowie
Annual reports of building permits issued by the City of Bowie