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1. How do I contact a City Councilmember?

Each Councilmember has a City email address. Visit the Staff Directory to send an email. You can also contact Councilmembers via the City Clerk. She will relay any messages to them. Her telephone number is 301-809-3029.

2. What is the trash and recycling schedule for my neighborhood?

Go to our Schedule to see when your pickup days are.

3. How do I reach the Bowie Police Department?

For emergency calls for service, please dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls for service, call 240-544-5700. In both cases a Bowie Officer will be dispatched. If you have a question, a suggestion, or concern about police services in Bowie, you can also call 240-544-5700 to reach the Administrative Offices of the Bowie Police Department. Call takers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to take your calls. Non urgent inquiries can also be emailed to cops@cityofbowie.org.

4. How do I report water pollution or other problems with a local stream, pond, or storm drain?

Please call the Public Works Department at 301-809-2344 to report water pollution or other problems with a local stream, pond, or storm drain. Or you may use our Service Request System to report the problem

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1. What must I submit to the City to apply for a City building permit?

Here's what you need to apply for a City of Bowie Building Permit:

• a copy of the Prince George's County building permit
• the County-approved survey/site plan showing the proposed improvement
• all other documents approved by Prince George's County for the proposed work, and
• the cost of the construction

Please view the Prince George's County, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement website for additional information.

2. What documents must I provide to City Hall to apply for a City building permit?

Here's what you need to apply for a City of Bowie Building Permit:

• a copy of the Prince George's County building permit,
• a current stamped survey/site plan and 
• all other documents submitted to Prince George's County for the issuance of the County permit.

Please view the Prince George's County, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement website for additional information.

3. Why must I obtain a Prince George's County permit and a City of Bowie building permit?

The Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement has exclusive authority for the approval and inspection of construction codes and standards and issues relating to the Maryland Building Performance Standards. A City of Bowie permit is required to ensure compliance with the Bowie City Code, with covenants, and to ensure other permits were not issued in error.

4. When will the permit be issued?

The review process for a building permit normally takes from 2 to 5 business days. Incomplete documents will require a longer period of time.
Please note: the mere submission of a permit application does not permit the builder to begin work nor does it guarantee a City permit will be issued.

5. Can I apply for a building permit online or by email?

Building permit applications can be submitted online.

You will need the following information to complete the de it in the City of Bowie Online Building Permit Application

• Prince George's County permit
• ALL stamped approved plans/drawings
• approved variance (if needed)
• estimated cost of construction, and 
• contact person and information for the job/project 

Application fees accepted by credit card only for electronic submissions. Fees must be paid prior to application processing.

For more information, call 301-809-3008 or email buildingpermits@cityofbowie.org

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1. How do I report a possible code violation?

You may call the Code Compliance Office at 301-809-3008, send an email to codecompliance@cityofbowie.org or enter a Service Request from this website at the link below.

Enter a Service Request

2. What is the height limit for grass and weeds?

Eight inches (8") is the maximum height for grass and weeds.

3. Can I bring my company truck home?

The City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits the parking or storing of commercial vehicles on residential lots, unless it is parked in a garage. A commercial vehicle may not be parked on the lot if any of the following conditions applies: manufacturer's GVW exceeds 7,500 lbs., vehicle load space is over 300 cubic feet or the vehicle has advertising/lettering/symbols exceeding 4 inches in height. Other prohibited commercial vehicles include tow trucks, stake body trucks, and trucks with dual rear wheels.

4. Are door-to-door solicitors required to have a City license?

Yes, most door-to-door solicitors are required to obtain a County license as well as a City license. A license is required if they are selling, promoting, introducing, offering a free survey or anything else of value or of service. A license is issued to each person and not the company. Civic, religious, fraternal and charitable organizations approved by the City Manager are exempt from the license requirement.
Licensed solicitors may only operate between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

5. Inoperative vehicles are prohibited from being parked on residential property. What is an inoperative vehicle?

Generally, an inoperative vehicle is a vehicle that cannot be driven on a City street. An inoperative vehicle may have flat tire(s), dead battery, is not displaying valid registration plates, is dismantled or wrecked, cannot be driven under its own power, or has broken or missing parts, etc.

6. Is there a restriction on loud noises or on when I can mow my lawn?

Generally, the generation of loud noise should not occur before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on weekdays (Monday thru Friday) and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) there should be no generation of loud noise before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.

7. Can I park my trailer on a City street?

Trailers, boat trailers and campers are prohibited from being parked on the street unless they are in the immediate process of loading or unloading.

8. Can my neighbor park their cars on the street in front of my home?

Yes. The street is a public right-of-way intended for public use. We encourage residents to park on their side of the street. The City does have several parking regulations and restrictions. See Chapter 14 of the City Code. City Code

9. How long may I park my car on the street without moving it?

Vehicles parked on the street must be moved one full vehicle length within a 72 hour period.

10. How many vehicles can a resident have?

There is no limitation on the number of vehicles a resident may own. The vehicles must be operative, display valid tags, be parked on a paved surface or City street, and must comply with other parking regulations.

11. What is the most common violation?

Open storage is the most common code violation. The City prohibits the outdoor storage of appliances, fixtures, tires, automotive parts and supplies, furniture, buckets, containers, building materials and supplies, litter, trash and debris, and other items generally stored in one's home, shed or garage. Residential storage is prohibited in any carport or front porch.