Historic Districts in the City

The City has two types of Historic Districts: a locally designated district called the “Old Town College Park Historic District” and a National Registry district called “Calvert Hills.”

On June 1, 2006, the Prince George's County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) voted to designate Old Town College Park as a local historic district. The HPC has the authority to make decisions concerning applications for Historic Area Work Permits for building additions, modifications, and other work that alters buildings and environment settings within a county-designated historic district. The HPC also makes recommendations to the Planning Board on development applications affecting the historic district.

Old Town College Park Historic District

Calvert Hills National Registry

Locally designated districts, such as Old Town, regulate most changes that are made to the exterior of the house (including any changes to the property). For example, changing windows, replacing roofs, adding an addition, expanding a driveway, erecting a fence, removing trees and more all regulated by the locally designated district.

Click here to view the Old Town Historic District's Design Guidelines.

If you live in Old Town, please call the City’s Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development before doing any work that could impact the exterior of your home or lot. Not sure if you live in Old Town? Look it up here on the Old Town Historic District Map.

If you live in Calvert Hills, there is no additional review of the property besides the standard building permits. Living in a property listed in the National Register may mean that your home is eligible for tax credits for renovation work if you follow certain required standards.

Contact the Historic Preservation Commission for more information at 301.952.3520.

Unruly Social Gatherings & Noise ordinances

Unruly Social Gatherings Ordinance

The purpose of the Unruly Social Gatherings Ordinance is to improve the quality of life and safety for residents; it does not prohibit gatherings. The Ordinance makes it a Municipal Infraction (civil citation) when certain conditions exist at a gathering of eight or more people. For more information about the Unruly Social Gatherings Ordinance, including details of the Ordinance as well as fine and citation information can be found here.

City Noise Ordinace

The City’s Noise Ordinance is 24/7. The City and County have laws to protect the quiet atmosphere of our residential neighborhoods. The ighttime noise limit is 55 decibels from 7:00 a.m. (previously) to 8:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. For more information about the City’s Noise Ordinance as well as how to report a violation, please click here.

Be a Green Power Partner!

Why Use Green Power?
The answer is simple. It’s the Smart Choice! Green power:

Is easy to obtain.
Saves you money on your utility bills.
Provides a competitive advantage to participating businesses.
Creates positive health benefits by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.

The City of College Park, as well as the University of Maryland, local households, and businesses are already using green power. Join us!

Local Green Power Purchasers include:

College Park Bicycles, Inc.*
Gailes Violin Shop
My Organic Market*
REI
University of Maryland – College Park*
Wood’s Flowers and Gifts*

* also EPA Green Power Partners

Local Maryland Green Registry Participants:
The City of College Park, and the following local businesses and organizations, are members of the Maryland Green Registry. The Registry is a list of organizations working towards a sustainable Maryland.

University of Maryland – University College
University of Maryland – College Park
Marriott Inn and Conference Center

Help College Park Become a Green Power Community (GPC)!

Help the City gain and maintain eligibility for the Green Power Community Program with our collaboration with the University of Maryland. In order to ensure that College Park can obtain and maintain the GPC designation after the first year, the University and the City actively encourage resident and business participation in green power purchases. Maintaining the GPC designation after the first year requires our community to continue to meet and exceed the GPC’s renewable energy purchase requirements each year.

We All Benefit:
Every resident, business, and institution choosing green power helps to clean our air, supports renewable energy, and creates jobs in the new clean energy economy. Make the switch to clean energy by selecting a green power provider today! Non-residential customers are also encouraged to sign-up with the EPA Green Power Partnership to help us meet our goal.

Click here for more information about how to join the Green Power Partnership.

New Neighbor Homeownership Grants

Vacation Premise Check Request