Prince George's County MD Basement Permit & Inspection Guide, July 2025

Whether you're in Bowie, Hyattsville, or Upper Marlboro, finishing your basement in Prince George's County means more than choosing flooring and paint colors. You'll need to secure the right permits and pass a series of inspections from multiple agencies to ensure your project is code-compliant and safe. This guide breaks down the process from start to final inspection, so you can avoid costly delays or tear-outs.

Permits Required for Basement Projects in Prince George's County

Permit Type	When It’s Required	Issuing Authority
Building Permit	Structural changes, framing, layout changes, drywall, or adding a bedroom	Prince George’s County DPIE
Electrical Permit	New wiring, circuits, outlets, or electrical panel upgrades	DPIE Electrical Section
Plumbing Permit	Any drain, water, or gas line changes	WSSC Water
Mechanical Permit	Installing or relocating HVAC or ductwork	DPIE Mechanical Section
Fire Protection Permit	If home has existing sprinklers	PG County Fire/EMS Department

Start your applications through DPIE Permits and WSSC ePermitting.

Licenses Required to Pull Permits in Prince George's County

Only licensed professionals may apply for permits on your behalf:

• MHIC License (Maryland Home Improvement Contractor) – for Building permits.
• Master Electrician License (State or County) – for Electrical
• Master HVAC Contractor License – for Mechanical
• WSSC-Registered Master Plumber – for all Plumbing
• Fire Protection Contractor License – for any sprinkler modifications

Basement Inspection Requirements in Prince George's County

Most basement remodeling projects in Prince George's County will require between 7–12 inspections. Here’s the required sequence:

Inspection Requirements in Prince George’s County.

Expect 7 – 12 separate inspections from rough-in to finals. Key sequencing rules:

Special Case: WSSC Plumbing Permits

For all Prince George’s county projects WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) handles plumbing permits instead of the county office. If this applies to your project:

• You must first pass WSSC close-in and final inspections.
• Only after WSSC sign-off can you schedule Prince George’s county  Electrical, Mechanical, Fire Protection, and Building close-in or final inspections.

General Inspection Sequence:

• WSSC Plumbing groundwork inspections must be completed before closing up the slab or subfloor. If the project calls for new drains or a bathroom rough-in, WSSC must inspect and pass the underground piping before the slab is poured or patched. Skipping this step forces you to jack-hammer the floor later.
  
  
• WSSC Plumbing close-in inspection must be passed before other trade inspections. 

• Close-in Inspections (Electrical, Mechanical, Fire Protection and Building)

Once each trade completes their part is, but before insulation, schedule the individual trade rough-in inspections. Prince George’s county allows you to group Electrical, Mechanical, Fire Protection and Building Close-in into a single “combo close-in” visit. 

• Insulation inspection is required before drywall can be installed. With framing approved, install insulation and book this quick check.
  
  
• WSSC Plumbing final inspection must be passed before other final trade inspections.

• Final Inspections (Electrical, Mechanical, Fire Protection and Building). Each trade inspection checks if fixtures, devices and equipment are operating safely. Prince George’s county lets you book a “combo final” for Electrical + Mechanical + Fire Protection + Building if all four trades are ready together, saving a trip. 

• Final Building inspection must be passed before occupancy or use. The DPS building inspector confirms handrails, emergency egress, smoke/CO alarms, door clearances and finish materials. All trade finals must be closed before this visit can be scheduled. Passed? Your permit is officially closed and the basement is legal living space.
  
  

Scheduling Tip: DPIE, WSSC, and Fire/EMS send different inspectors. Most inspections can be scheduled independently.

Why Trust BasementRemodeling.com With Your Prince George's County Basement?

We’ve pulled and passed more basement permits than anyone in Maryland. Here’s why we’re the go-to choice:

• We handle all permits and applications for you
• Coordinate combo inspections and pass them fast
• Work only with licensed trades (MHIC, Master Electricians, WSSC Plumbers, etc.)
• Deliver safe, stylish, code-compliant basements that raise your home’s value

Explore our portfolio or request a free quote to get started.

What Happens If You Remodel Without Permits?

Skipping permits in Prince George’s County can lead to:

• Stop-Work Orders that halt your project immediately
• Double permit fees or citations for unpermitted work
• Insurance claim denials if damage is tied to illegal construction
• Delays in selling your home due to unresolved violations

Permits aren’t red tape—they’re protection.

We Proudly Serve These Prince George's County Communities

Beltsville,  Bowie,  Brandywine,  College Park,  Croom,  Forestville,  Greenbelt,  Laurel,  Upper Marlboro

See more in our Maryland service area guide.

Ready to Finish Your Basement the Right Way?

From permits to final paint, we handle everything. See how it works or contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.