The Board is responsible for processing applications for and renewals of licenses to sell beer, wine, and liquor. It collects license fees and fines, and, for violations of alcoholic beverage laws, suspends or revokes licenses, or fines licensees. Those businesses licensed to sell beer, wine, or liquor periodically are inspected. In addition, the Board issues licenses for special venues, such as casinos, convention centers, or stadiums; and issues permits to sell alcoholic drinks at special events, such as concerts or dances.
In Prince George's County, the Board's five members formerly were appointed by the Governor to three-year terms. Since May 2017, however, the County Executive has been authorized to appoint the Board's members. The Board appoints the Director (Chapter 812, Acts of 2017; Code Alcoholic Beverages Article, secs. 26-101 through 26-208).
Licenses and permits issued and enforced by the Department include building construction and renovation; driveways; commercial hauling; street construction; property rental; logging; signs; and utility work. The Department also conducts inspections for stormwater management and property accessibility. Building inspections related to fire and health code are conducted in tandem with the County Health Department, and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
The Department maintains the CountyClick311 website, allowing residents to report code and license violations, and landlord grievances. Moreover, the Department provides residents and businesses with streamlined access to license and inspection applications, as well as to services outside the Department, such as animal licenses, and requesting court and county records.
Work of the Department is organized under two main groups: Administrative Services, Inspections and Enforcement; and Permitting and Plan Review.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, INSPECTIONS & ENFORCEMENT GROUP
Regulating building and construction, the Group oversees such projects in the County, with the exception of the City of Laurel, which is overseen by the City's Department of Community Planning and Business Services.
Enforcing State and County construction codes, the Group conducts the Third Party Inspection Program, where commercial construction projects are inspected by a licensed inspector upon completion. In addition, it conducts inspections following reports of zoning violations, such as properties with debris, wrecked or unlicensed vehicles, or abandoned buildings. Reports are filed through CountyClick311.
PERMITTING & PLAN REVIEW GROUP
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The Administrative Services, Inspections and Enforcement Group originated as Inspections and Enforcement in July 2013 within the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. It reformed under its present name in 2016.
Licenses and permits for building and construction are issued through the Permitting and Plan Review Group. Licensed contractors may apply for permits, schedule or cancel inspections, check an existing permit status, or obtain information regarding past permits through the Department's website. Licenses for contactors, businesses, or special events may be applied for online, or obtained through the Licensing Center.
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