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Code Enforcement

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1. When do you cite property owners for failing to shovel their walks?

The code specifies that property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow stops. However, we also consider the overall conditions throughout the region.

Code Compliance inspectors first visit commercial properties adjacent to mass transit and other areas with heavy pedestrian traffic before turning our attention to residential streets.

We may issue warnings before citing property owners. Repeat offenders are cited. While we recognize that snow removal is a difficult and demanding task, we do expect property owners to comply with the code and keep our sidewalks passable and safe.

2. What type of inspections are performed by Hyattsville's Code Compliance Department?

Hyattsville inspectors are responsible for property maintenance, business license, single-family rental and multi-family rental inspections.

3. Are Hyattsville Code Compliance inspectors building inspectors?

No, building and construction inspections are the responsibility of the Prince George's Building Inspection Division.

4. Does Hyattsville issue any building or construction permits?

Yes, Hyattsville issues constuction permits for driveways, driveway curb cuts and aprons, walls, fences and security doors and grates. Link.

5. Does the City of Hyattsville issue business licenses?

Yes, all businesses located in Hyattsville are required to obtain a City license before opening for business. Download an application here

6. What happens after I submit my business license application?

After submission of your business lecense application and fee, an inspector will visit your business location and conduct an inspection to ensure the location meets the minimum standards of all applicable codes. The inspector will generate a notice of violation listing any and all violations that need to be corrected before a business license can be issued. After a re-inspection of the property confirms that all violations have been corrected, your business license will be sent to you in the mail.

7. Is Hyattsville's business license a one time deal?

No, Hyattsville's business licenses expire on June 30th of each calendar year, and must be renewed. A reminder letter and blank application will be sent to you 90 days before the license expiration date.

8. Are business licenses transferable?

No. If a business should have a change in ownership, the new owner must apply for a City business license.

9. Are apartment complexes required to have a license to operate?

Yes. Applications can be downloaded here.

10. Who licenses apartments in Hyattsville?

The Department of Code Compliance licenses and inspects each apartment complex in the City once every two years to ensure the complex is maintained to the minimum standards of all applicable codes.

11. How do I know if an apartment complex in Hyattsville is properly licensed?

The City's multi-family license should be prominently displayed in the apartment complex leasing office. If not, you may contact the Department of Code Compliance at 301-985-5014, Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm to inquire.

12. What should I do if I have a complaint about an apartment complex in Hyattsville?

The Department of Code Compliance investigates all complaints made against apartment complexes pertaining to Housing or Property Maintenance Code violations. If you have a complaint or concern, please contact the Department of Code Compliance at 301-985-5014, Monday thru Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm or contact our multi-family inspector, Sergio Velasco, via

13. Who do I contact if I have a dispute with my landlord about my rent?

Any dispute concerning your lease should be addressed through the County's Landlord Tenant Court which is located at 4990 Rhode Island Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781. The Landlord Tenant Court is not a part of the Hyattsville City Government.

14. Are rental homes required to have a license to operate?

Yes, both owner occupied rental homes and single family rental homes are required to have a rental license. Download an application here.

15. How many people can live in a single family rental home?

Five unrelated persons may reside in a single family rental property, provided there is adequate habitable square footage. If the property is rented to one family, all of whom are related, habitable square footage determines the number of allowable occupants.

16. How many people can live in an owner occupied rental home?

The owner of the home may rent to three (3) persons not related to him/her, provided there is adequate square footage.

17. Who do I call for a noise complaint?

Both the Department of Code Compliance and the City's Police Department handle noise complaints. If you need to make a noise complaint during normal business hours, 8:30am thru 5:00pm Monday thru Friday, please contact the Department of Code Compliance at 301-985-5014. At all other times, please contact the Police Department's non-emergency number at 301-985-5060.

18. What should I do if I have a complaint about a rental house in Hyattsville?

The Department of Code Compliance investigates all complaints made against rental homes pertaining to Housing or Property Maintenance Code violations. If you have a complaint or concern, please contact the Department of Code Compliance at 301-985-5014, Monday thru Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm or contact our single-family rental inspector, Christopher Giunta, via email

19. What should I do if I have a complaint about a business in Hyattsville?

The Department of Code Compliance investigates all complaints made against businesses pertaining to Housing or Property Maintenance Code violations. If you have a complaint or concern, please contact the Department of Code Compliance at 301-985-5014, Monday thru Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm or contact our business inspector, Joseph Brewer, via email

20. Is covering an unregistered or "junked" vehicle, (as defined by the Hyattsville City Code), with a commercial car cover acceptable?

No. A junked or unregistered vehicle must be either removed from the property, properly registered and in working order, or stored within an entirely enclosed structure.