The Department of the Fire Marshal and Permit Services (FMPS) coordinates and manages all building, electrical, fire and mechanical inspections as required by the issuance of City of Laurel permits. Inspections are normally conducted Monday to Friday with the exception of City holidays and special events.
To schedule an inspection, call 301-725-5300 ext. 2238 at least 72 hours prior to the desired inspection date. Please have the permit number, property address, and a contact name and number available when calling. Inspections cannot be scheduled for a specific time; however you may request a morning (A.M.) or afternoon (P.M.) inspection based on availablity. While every request cannot be guaranteed, every attempt will be made to accommodate requests.
Permit application fees allow for an initial inspection. If this initial inspection fails and a re-inspection is required, a re-inspection fee will be assessed, when determined appropriate by the FMPS supervisor. The re-inspection fee is $150.00 for residential re-inspections and $250.00 for commercial re-inspections. This fee must be paid before the re-inspection is scheduled.
Construction/Fire and Life Safety/ Sprinkler/Fire Alarm Electrical/Mechanical/Trade Permit Inspections
To request an inspection, please do the following:
- Call 301-725-5300 Ext. 2238 at least 72 hours prior to the desired inspection date. Inspection requests are accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Please have the permit number, property address, and a contact name and number available when calling.
- Inspections cannot be scheduled for a specific time; however morning (A.M.) or afternoon (P.M.) inspection windows may be requested and will be scheduled based on availability. While every request cannot be guaranteed, every attempt will be made to accommodate requests.
- Permit application fees allow for an initial inspection. If this initial inspection fails and a re-inspection is required, a re-inspection fee will be assessed, when determined appropriate by the FMPS supervisor. The re-inspection fee is $150.00 for residential re-inspections and $250.00 for commercial re-inspections. This fee must be paid before the re-inspection is scheduled.
Plumbing/Gas/Water Inspections
The City of Laurel does not issue plumbing permits. All permits, plan reviews, and inspections for plumbing work shall be obtained from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). Please Call: 301-206-WSSC (9772) or www.wsscwater.com
Health Department Inspections
The City of Laurel does not issue permits or conduct inspections for health code requirements. Plan review, permits, and inspections for health code compliance shall be obtained by contacting the Prince George’s County Health Department- Environmental Health Division at 301-883-7605 or https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2236/Portal
Use and Occupancy Permit Inspections
Upon receipt of a completed Use and Occupancy Permit Application and an initial review by the Department of Economic and Community Development for zoning compliance, the applicant will be contacted by staff to schedule the appropriate inspection.
Residential Rental License Inspections
Inspections for a new license are typically scheduled upon receipt of a completed application either in the office or if the application is sent by mail, staff from the Department of the Fire Marshal and Permit Services will contact the owner to schedule an inspection.
Rental Licenses are renewed on an annual basis. However, after the initial inspection of a unit is approved, another inspection will not be required for another three (3) years unless a complaint is received regarding potential code violations or a court-ordered inspection is required.
Day Care and Family Day Care Home
New Day Care:
The City’s Unified Land Development Code allows for a residence to serve as a family day care for up to eight (8) unrelated minors, provided that the care providers are the owners and/or full-time residents of the home hosting the family day care and have met any and all federal, state, and local licensing requirements; in particular, subtitle 5 of the Family Law article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Any residence providing care to more than eight (8) unrelated minors must obtain a special exception from the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals.
If you meet the criteria above and are providing care for no more than eight (8) children, apply may for a use and occupancy permit to establish a family day care with the FMPS. If the applicant is not the owner of the property hosting the family day care, written permission from the property owner must be included with the application. The fee for a family day care permit is $300.
Once a completed application is submitted, planning and zoning staff will review the document for zoning approval. After the application is printed and signed, the Permit Coordinator from FMPS will contact you to schedule an inspection with the FMPS Inspector. Inspection times will be scheduled for the morning or the afternoon. An exact time cannot be provided. The inspection may be scheduled up to two weeks away.
If the zoning is not approved for your family day care, you will be contacted by a City Planner to discuss the reasons and possible remedies to the situation.
Once FMPS conducts the required inspection, the use and occupancy permit will be issued to you and the results of the inspection will be forwarded to the State of Maryland Child Care Administration Office.
Please note that a list of day care facilities needing a FMPS inspection is received from the State of Maryland Child Care Administration on a monthly basis.
Existing Day Care or Family Day Care Home:
If have already received a use and occupancy from the City of Laurel, you will be billed $75.00 (0-10 persons) or $160 (>10 persons) on an annual basis for the cost of the required yearly inspection. Once payment is received, FMPS Inspectors will conduct an unannounced inspection during normal business hours. If you’d prefer to schedule an inspection, please contact FMPS at 301-725-5300 Ext. 2238. If payment is not received in a timely manner, and an inspection is not conducted, it could result in your license being revoked for suspended by the State of Maryland Child Care Administration.
All inspectors will be in uniform. You can request identification before letting them into your house or place of business.