Business Requirements & Tips
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Each lease clearly outlines your responsibility to obtain the necessary documentation to launch, operate, and maintain your business legally. The landlord does not manage this process but is legally required to respond to county inquiries when prompted. This is particularly important for businesses operating in Prince George’s County, where laws are rapidly changing.
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A U&O permit is a document issued by Prince George’s County regulators that verifies a property is being used in a manner consistent with zoning laws and building codes. It is highly recommended for businesses conducting event-like activities or late night operations on the premises.
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Compliance: Ensures your business adheres to legal guidelines.
Safety: Confirms the property is safe for its intended use. We are collection of studios that foster security.
Avoiding Penalties: Prevents fines, legal notices, or disruptions to business operations.
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Our property has specific designations approved by DPIE and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) that define its permitted use:
USE TYPE: EDUCATIONAL SERVICE
EXITING USE: COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
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This facility operates as a private community center (similar to a VFW), not a public venue or afterhours hangout.
All business activities, including beauty shops, tattoo studios, creative studios, or event spaces, has RSVP requirements outlined in your lease agreement.
If you are hosting public events, please do not put other businesses at risk.
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No. All businesses are legally required to obtain their own U&O. Your landlord provides variable space for lease. The county requires approval from DPIE prior to opening doors for business. The process to obtain a U&O can be as little as 2 weeks or as long as 2 years. You must work with DPIE on your specific type of business and space requirements.
Each tenant is different and your Landlord will assist as much as possible without crossing over into your business decisions. Each business should be comfortable with basic business requirements for their business to successfuly complete any required processes pertaining to their business.
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Site Plan: Required for new development projects. If you’re moving into a preexisting unit, such as a garage or space that is already built out, “turn-key” or does not allow modifications, this may not be necessary. However, site plans are public records and can be purchased for $3 - $5 from the county registrar. Landlord-prepared site plans by surveyors range from $750–$3,000 depending on scale and are not provided to Tenants.
Construction Plan: Required if you plan to redesign or alter a leased unit. Always seek approval by submitting a construction plan BEFORE altering any space. Exceptions include painting, removable HVAC units, or props not attached to walls or floors.
NOTE: If you are not doing construction, please indicate it on your work order, which make the process faster.
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Ensure compliance with your lease by adhering to its permitted use; changes like hosting events require proper planning. For events, use of a booking system to manage RSVPs is highly encouraged.
Contact the property manager for temporary event spaces, often available at little to no cost for onboarding tenants need additional room for events.
START BY STARTING
Other FAQs
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Can I run a bar?
YES. Obtaining a U&O is required in order to apply for a liquor license. To learn more about how to obtain a license to sell and administer alcohol, visit the county’s liquor board website.
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Can I host public events?
YES. Obtaining a U&O is required for any business renting property in MD. In order to host public events as a tenant, you must first ensure you have the basics completed with the county to ensure your events are not interrupted by the county. Your landlord does not track or follow your status.
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Can I host adult entertainment?
NO. The property does not have a PG dance hall permit. The nature of a tenant’s business is solely the responsibility and decision of the tenant. All business activities must be RSVP-only private.
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Why can't we event past 1am?
PG County Law. Specific permitted locations are required to stop all events at 2am nighltly. We close at 1 am to ensure everyone has time to exit, clean and get home. PG County checks in routinely on clubs, restaurants, and community centers that provide late-night business services.
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I don't host events. I just have a small shop.
All businesses, by law, are required to understand their business compliance requirements. Please check with DPIE to understand what your requirements are if you think you do not need a U&O. In rare cases, this may be true… however, your Landlord is unaware of such exception.
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I'm a startup, I need help.
HI! We do our job to help all and point you in the direction to assist. However, due to the various types of business, it would only be impossible to support.
Please plan accordingly, and research your business requirements if you are seeking Maryland commercial rental space.
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I'm already a tenant, Can I get more space?
YES. Tenants who have good performance and are compliant may receive advance notices concerning upcoming available space, well before the public listing. Benefits of an additional unit include multi-space discounts, access to established government contracts and loaner equipment (if available).