[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the City of Seat Pleasant 5-14-2018 by Ord. No. O-18-14. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
The purpose of the design standards and guidelines is to promote high-quality urban and architectural design for the planned area. The design standards and guidelines define a design review process that ensures the redevelopment concept through the review, to approve the implementation.
A. 
Metal bars and solid metal rolling gates shall not be permitted on windows or doors. Existing solid gates shall be phased out over time.
B. 
Storefronts shall provide clear views of interior spaces lit from within at night.
C. 
For interim security needs, perforated rolling gates may be used as a security device.
D. 
Chain-link fences and barbed wire shall not be allowed as a security measure.
E. 
The owner of the prospective business has 120 days from the date of notification from the City of Seat Pleasant to modify the security gates in accordance to the requirements above.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. O-19-13]
F. 
During hours of operation and occupancy of any City business and buildings, all egress and secondary egress methods must be clear and free of obstruction. All forms of egress (doors, windows, walkways, intervening room spaces, hallways, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies, escalators, horizontal exits, courts, yards, etc.) must be accessible in the event of an unforeseen emergency. Commercial security gates must be opened and remain out of sight and obstruction while the business is operating and/or is occupied.
[Added 11-1-2021 by Ord. No. O-22-03]
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. O-19-13; 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
Facades with storefronts shall have a minimum of 50% windows with clear glass at the ground floor.
B. 
Storefront windows shall extend to at least eight feet above the sidewalk. The window base shall not exceed 30 inches in height.
C. 
Mirrored, dark, or heavily tinted glass shall not be permitted.
D. 
Storefront windows shall not be bricked or paneled.
E. 
Existing bars and grills on windows shall be phased out over time.
F. 
Whenever possible, storefront restoration should return the facade to its original character and reopen windows and transoms.
G. 
Replacement display windows should be large single- or multi-paned openings allowing views into the window display area.
H. 
Creative and colorful display of merchandise should be encouraged.
I. 
The owner of the prospective business or shopping center shall comply with the above regulations and within 120 days from date of notification from the City of Seat Pleasant.
J. 
Facade maintenance requirements.
(1) 
All exterior walls shall remain clean and free of cracks, peeling paint, rust, or loose materials.
(2) 
All visible brick, stucco, metal panels, trim and other exterior materials shall be repaired when damaged.
(3) 
All storefront windows shall remain unobstructed and free of non-decorative coverings.
(4) 
Broken or damaged windows, doors and exterior fixtures shall be repaired within 30 days of written notice from the City.
(5) 
Visible utility lines shall be concealed using approved screening materials.
(6) 
Unused sign brackets, damaged awnings and outdated attachments shall be removed.
K. 
Storefront appearance requirements.
(1) 
New tenants shall refresh the storefront within 60 days of occupancy.
(2) 
Display windows shall remain clean and free of clutter.
(3) 
Interior window displays facing public streets shall remain orderly and visible.
(4) 
Street-facing doors shall remain clean, operational and in good condition.
L. 
Awnings and architectural features.
(1) 
Awnings shall remain clean, free of sagging and securely fastened.
(2) 
Faded or torn awnings shall be replaced within 30 days of written notice.
(3) 
Decorative elements, including trim, columns and cornices, shall be maintained in good condition.
M. 
Landscaping and beautification.
(1) 
Each commercial property shall maintain shrubs, planters, or approved greenery at building entrances.
(2) 
All landscaping shall remain trimmed, free of weeds and free of dead plants.
(3) 
Parking lot islands shall contain groundcover or mulch and remain clean.
(4) 
Sidewalk edges shall remain free of weeds and debris.
(5) 
Rear and side areas visible from public streets shall be screened or landscaped.
N. 
Pedestrian zone maintenance.
(1) 
Sidewalks shall remain free of stains, trash and obstructions.
(2) 
Entrances shall remain clean and presentable at all times.
(3) 
Decorative elements provided by the property owner shall be maintained.
O. 
Cleaning graffiti. Graffitti is classified as a public nuisance that must be removed as soon as notice is received.
[Amended 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
Colors shall enhance the original character of the buildings. Buildings shall use a limited palette of paint colors (no more than three: one base color and one or two colors for trim or accents).
B. 
Walls with artwork and murals shall be exempt from color standards.
C. 
Repainting shall use a coordinated color palette approved by the City.
D. 
New facade materials shall match or improve the existing building appearance.
[Amended 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
Businesses are subject to the Prince George's County Ordinance regarding exterior lighting types. Prohibited light types include low-pressure sodium and mercury vapor lights. Color-correct sources like halogen, led, or metal halide are required. Non-essential exterior lighting must be turned off 1/2 hour after the close of business.
B. 
All new low-level lighting (such as intersection, underpass, and sign lighting) must use light emitting diode (LED) fixtures. For street lights, plans showing the location, size, spacing, and type of light must be submitted and approved by the City Manager or duly authorized representative. All exterior lighting must adhere to general environmental noise and nuisance standards.
C. 
Business owners are prohibited from having fixtures that cause excessive glare or light spillage onto adjacent properties.
[Added 2-11-2020 by Ord. No. O-20-10; amended 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
Inspections. The city manager or his/her duly authorized representative is hereby authorized to inspect all commercial buildings, commercial units, and premises to determine if they are in violation of the provisions of the Housing and Property Maintenance Code.
B. 
Entry. If any owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a structure subject to the provisions of this chapter prevents entry and free access to any part of the structure or premises, the City Manager, or his/her duly authorized representative, upon the basis of an exterior inspection from the property line, shall make a determination as to whether there is reason to believe that a serious clear and present danger to the health and safety of the occupants or community exists.
(1) 
Serious violations. If such a clear and present danger exists, the City Manager may initiate any appropriate action or proceedings and seek any appropriate order necessary to enforce the City's right of entry.
(2) 
Less serious violations. In the absence of such a clear and present danger, the City Manager or his/her duly authorized representative is authorized to conduct an exterior inspection from the property line. The owner shall be notified of exterior violations and prosecuted in the manner provided elsewhere in this code.
C. 
In the case of commercial buildings and commercial units, the inspection provided for in Subsection A of this section shall be limited to the exterior property area conditions and exterior structural conditions.
(1) 
The City may conduct semi-annual inspections of all commercial properties within the Commercial Business District.
(2) 
Additional inspections may occur when violations are reported, observed or suspected.
(3) 
Property owners shall allow access for inspection upon reasonable notice.
[Added 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
All parking lots on commercial properties shall remain in good repair and free of hazards.
B. 
Potholes, cracks, broken pavement and uneven surfaces shall be repaired within 30 to 60 days of written notice.
C. 
Parking space lines, directional arrows, and ada markings shall be clearly visible and repainted as needed to maintain visibility.
D. 
All parking lots shall remain free of trash, debris, oil stains and abandoned items.
E. 
Lighting within parking areas shall comply with § 68-8 and Prince George's County Code.
F. 
Curbs, wheel stops and pedestrian walkways shall be maintained in good condition.
G. 
Drainage structures shall remain clear and operational to prevent standing water.
H. 
Parking lots shall contain groundcover, mulch or approved landscaping within all islands or designated landscaped areas.
I. 
Dumpsters and service areas located within or adjacent to parking lots shall be screened from public view and remain clean.
J. 
Commercial vehicles or abandoned vehicles shall not be stored in customer parking areas.
K. 
Access points to public streets shall remain free of obstructions and maintained for safe vehicle entry and exit.
L. 
Any commercial property that authorizes towing from private parking areas shall post towing signs that meet Maryland Transportation Article requirements. Towing signs shall be placed at every entrance to the parking lot and shall be clearly visible at all times.
Each sign shall include the following information:
(1) 
The name of the towing company.
(2) 
The address where the vehicle will be stored.
(3) 
The telephone number to retrieve the vehicle.
(4) 
The fees charged for towing and storage.
(5) 
The hours during which the vehicle may be retrieved.
M. 
Signs shall be installed at a height and location that allows clear visibility from a vehicle entering the property.
N. 
All towing signs shall remain clean, legible and free of damage or fading.
O. 
A property owner shall update towing signs within 10 days if towing contractor information changes.
P. 
No towing from private property may occur unless all required signage is in place and compliant.
Q. 
Any commercial property designating the seat pleasant police department as an agent of the owner for enforcement purposes shall post signage approved by the City.
R. 
Signs shall be placed at every primary entrance to the property and in any area where trespassing or unauthorized activity is prohibited.
[Added 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
Any commercial property vacant for more than 60 days shall be registered with the city pursuant to Chapter 148, Vacant Property, of the City Code.
B. 
Upon registration, the owner shall maintain the exterior of the building in the same condition required of occupied properties under this chapter.
C. 
Windows shall remain clear, secured and free of obstructions.
D. 
Landscaping shall be maintained in accordance with § 68-3M of this chapter.
E. 
Any screening or facade elements shall remain intact.
[Added 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
It shall be the duty of the owner and occupant, jointly, of every parcel of real estate adjoining a public sidewalk to keep such sidewalk adjoining such property free from snow and ice and for the full paved width of such sidewalk.
B. 
The time to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk shall be in accordance with Article III, Snow Removal, §§ 137-34 through 137-39.
[Added 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to construct, erect or alter any commercial buildings or structure within the corporate limits of the City of Seat Pleasant without first having obtained a permit from Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), and the City of Seat Pleasant.
B. 
The permit fee and charges will be in accordance with Chapter 63, Building construction, and Prince Georges County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement.
[Added 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
Businesses must adhere to Chapter 101, Health and Sanitation, of the City Code and the county and state regulations for proper storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials. accumulation of trash, refuse, and stagnant liquids are prohibited.
B. 
The improper storage or disposal of hazardous waster, accumulating trash, debris, or stagnant liquids, which creates an unsanitary conditions or health hazard in accordance with Chapter 101, Health and Sanitation, of the City Code.
[Added 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
When the City identifies a violation of this chapter, written notice shall be provided to the property owner.
B. 
The owner shall correct the violation within seven days to come into compliance or request for extension from NCC.
[Added 4-13-2026 by Ord. No. O-26-12]
A. 
A first violation of this chapter shall be subject to a civil fine of $500.
B. 
A second violation within 12 months shall be subject to a civil fine of $1,000.
C. 
A third or subsequent violation within 12 months shall be subject to a civil fine of $3,000.
D. 
Each day a violation continues after the compliance deadline shall constitute a separate offense.
E. 
The city may recover all costs associated with abatement if the owner fails to comply within the required timeframe.
F. 
Unpaid fines or abatement costs may be collected as a municipal lien in accordance with City Code and state law.