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Building Permits & Inspections
The Town's Code states that the erection, construction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure or the excavation therefor (except as provided below), or of any wall or fence, or of any artificial pond, pool, or lake; or install or replace gutters, leaders and downspouts, drainage lines, private sidewalks, driveways, awnings or canopies, outdoor electronic broadcasting and receiving equipment, satellite dishes, carports, slabs, outside handrails, outside storage sheds, concrete or asphalt or brick (or combinations thereof) patios or paved areas of more than one hundred fifty (150) square feet, or undertake any other construction, alteration, repair, DEMOLITION, installation or replacement work requiring a Prince George's County building permit* unless such person shall first make application to and obtain a permit for such work from the town.
Please note: The Town of Cheverly requires a town building permit for all fences or barriers regardless of height, even if the county does not issue one.)
A copy of Town Building Permit Applications may be downloaded here:
- Building Permit Application
- Driveway/Apron Permit Application
- Right-of-Way Permit - Utility Companies (These permits are handled by the Department of Public Works - 301-773-2666)
Please note that Prince George's County's Department of Permits, Inspection, and Enforcement is responsible for inspections for all work that requires county Building, Electrical, and Mechanical projects as well as Grading Permits. Plumbing and Gasfitting permits are issued by the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission.
First, you should contact DPIE to see if a permit is required. You can also review Prince George's County - Residential Building page
Once you have obtained your permit or been advised that no county permit is required, you can email Code Compliance with your town permit application, plans, and or permits for review. Code Compliance will verify the information and ensure no conflicts with the Town Code (Chapter 8). Once the project is approved, you will be informed of the permit fee payable to the Town of Cheverly via check, money order, or online payment.
Payments can be dropped off or mailed to:
Town of Cheverly
6401 Forest Road
Cheverly MD 20785
Please note: After hours, there is a mailbox marked Permits on the left wall of the main entrance of Town Hall. Please Email Code Compliance after you drop it off.
The price of the permit is $10 for the first $1000 and $3 per $1000 of the total project cost. (See Fee Schedule).
Once payment is received, you will receive your Town of Cheverly Permit electronically. You will need to display the permit in a prominent location so it can be easily viewed. To expedite the process, you may drop off your payment at Town Hall in the box labeled PERMITS. Please contact Code Compliance to advise us that you have dropped off the paperwork/payment. Work can only begin after you have received your permit from the town.
Please feel free to contact Code Compliance at 240-770-7647 with any questions.
Learn more about what you will need a permit for.
| Type of Permit | Yes / No for a Permit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sheds | Yes | Town and County - For any shed or accessory structure over 150 square feet both |
| Driveways Gravel/Stone is not Permitted for paving. Existing Driveways registered with the town are permitted if they are continually maintained | Yes | Town Permit - Paving of over 150 Sq. feet Town and County - Paving over 500 Sq. feet requires both |
| Driveway Aprons | Yes | Requires inspection of the site by the Town DPW prior to pouring. |
| Fences Front Yard Fences are not permitted. | Yes | Town - All Fences County - All Fences 4-foot to 6-foot high |
| Pools | Yes | Town and County |
| Retaining Walls | Yes | Town and County |
| Roof | No - Replace roof shingles (no structural repair involved) Yes - Replace roof sheathing | No Town and County |
| Replace windows and/or doors | No | Exact window and/or door replacement (no structural alteration) |
| Foundation Waterproofing | Yes | Town and County |
| Patio - (on-grade) | Yes | Town - Paving of over 150 square feet Town and County - More than 500 square feet. (No steps; cannot be used to park vehicles) |
| Patio - (above-grade) | Yes | Town and County |
| Patio Covers | Yes | Town and County |
| Car Ports | Yes | Town and County |
| Deck | Yes | Town and County |
| Solar Panels | Yes | Town and County |
| Satellite Dish | No | Yes if: Erect freestanding radio or TV antenna or satellite dish 18 inches or more in diameter |
| Repair/Replacement of existing Fence | No | If the Repair uses the same material and location/dimensions. Changing the size, height or materials will require permits. |
| Repair/Replacement of existing walls/retaining wall | Yes | Homeowners should consult with PG County to ensure permit requirements for the work being done. If a county permit is required, you will need to apply for a town permit. |
| Exterior Painting or Siding Installation | No | N/A |
As a rule: If you need a county permit, you need a town permit. (All Walls/Fences need a Town Permit)
- Fences:
- Can I install a fence in front of my house? - No, the code prohibits any fence or barrier in the Front Yard area of a home, unless it is required as a safety railing.
- How tall can I have my fence? - Typically, the maximum height of a fence in a residential area is limited to 6 feet. A special exception from the Mayor and Council and a Variance from the Prince George's County Board of Appeals would be required for any fence over 6 feet tall.
- Can I build my fence on the property line? - Yes. However, any fence, wall, hedge (or other plantings) can be held as joint property and you may have to seek the neighbor's permission to remove or alter it. It is advisable to seek legal advice before building on the property line or get a survey and set the fence on your side of the property line.
- Property Lines, Plats and Boundaries:
- Can the Town provide me with a copy of my plat? - Number The Town of Cheverly does not maintain these types of records. Land records are maintained by the Land Records Department of the Circuit Court of Prince George's County.
- Can the Town come out and mark the property line? - Number The Town of Cheverly does not maintain a record of property line boundaries. To locate and mark your property line, you will need to hire a private surveyor.
- Are there restrictions to where on my property I can build? - Yes. The County, through the Zoning and Building code, establishes these setback lines for the R-55 Zone and RSF-65 Zone, by plat, or by covenant or agreement, whichever is applicable, beyond which no part of a main building or other structure may extend. Typically, this is the area within 25 feet of the street curb line.