New Prince George’s County Business Fees

Prince George’s County recently enacted CB-017-2026, a law establishing new use and occupancy permit fees for certain categories of businesses. As this law moves into implementation, affected business owners should understand how it may impact their operations and planning.

What Is a Use and Occupancy Permit?

A use and occupancy (U&O) permit is issued by the County to confirm that a business location complies with zoning, safety, and code requirements and is authorized to operate.

Most businesses already need this permit, particularly when opening a new business, changing tenants or ownership, and/or changing the use of a property. CB-017-2026 builds on that existing framework by adding new fees for certain types of businesses.

What Does CB-017-2026 Do?

The law establishes specific use and occupancy permit fees for certain business categories, such as annual or renewal fees tied to those permits. According to the Act, the purpose of this bill and renewal fees is to establish a non-lapsing “Quality of Life Improvement Fund.”

In practice, the legislation imposes a $5,000 annual fee on certain businesses, including:

• Liquor stores
• Tobacco shops
• Firearms dealers
• Self-storage facilities

If your business falls within one of these categories, you will need to budget for this recurring fee, and your current use and occupancy permit may include additional requirements or renewal conditions

Practical Implications for Business Owners

1. Increased Operating Costs

A $5,000 annual fee is a meaningful expense, particularly for small or independently owned businesses. Owners should take time to evaluate how this added cost affects their margins, pricing structure, and overall sustainability. Factoring this fee into long-term business planning is now essential, especially for businesses operating in already competitive markets.

2. Compliance Matters More Than Ever

Because this fee is tied to a regulatory permit, compliance becomes even more important. Business owners should ensure that their use and occupancy permit remains current and accurately reflects how the business is operating. Any changes in ownership, structure, or use of the property should be properly documented and reported to the County to avoid complications or potential enforcement issues.

3. Impact on Buying or Selling a Business

This change also has implications for transactions. If you are purchasing a business or buying into an existing operation, it is important to confirm whether the business is subject to the new fee and whether its use and occupancy permit is in good standing. Any outstanding compliance issues should be identified early. What may have previously been a routine regulatory check is now a meaningful part of due diligence that can affect the overall value and viability of the business.

Final Thoughts

CB-017-2026 is now part of the regulatory landscape in Prince George’s County. For affected businesses, the focus should be on understanding the requirements, maintaining compliance, and planning for the added cost.