Code Enforcement Bureau
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does one lodge a complaint with code enforcement about rats and other concerns?
- What conditions must exist on owner occupied property before code enforcement will cite the property owners for livability code violations?
Q. What laws/regulations does code enforcement address?
A.
- building code
- zoning regulations
- livability code, including the Rat Program
- housing code
- maintenance investment property act
- electrical/plumbing code
Q. How does one lodge a complaint with code enforcement about rats and other concerns?
A. Visit the Department of Permits and Development Management at:
County Office Building, Room 207
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
Online:
Code Enforcement Complaint Form
Rat Complaint Form
Mail:
Timothy M Kotroco, Director
Department of Permits and Development Management
County Office Building, Room 105
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204
Phone:
410-887-3352 or 410-887-8099
Contact:
an elected official's office, your community association, or send an email to pdmenforce@baltimorecountymd.gov
Q. What are typical residential zoning violations?
A.
- storing unlicensed motor vehicles
- storing inoperative motor vehicles
- open dump conditions
- junk yard conditions
- service garage (automotive repair) activities
- commercial vehicle parking
- kennel operations
- use of property to store contractor's equipment
- rooming house operations
- recreational vehicle parking
- illegal accessory structures
Q. What are the most common commercial zoning violations?
A.
- parking lot illumination
- junk yard conditions
- open dump conditions
- inoperative motor vehicle storage
- flashing signs
- non-durable/dustless paving surface
Q. Are there laws that provide protection to the renter?
A. The livability code provides protection to the renter and covers:
- rodent/insect control
- defective roofs, windows, frames, stairs, porches, and handrails
- defective exterior paint, walls, or surfaces
- high grass/weeds
- no trash/garbage containers
- defective interior surfaces, i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, etc.
- plumbing facilities, i.e., bathtub or shower, kitchen sink, water closet, and lavatory
Q. What conditions must exist on owner occupied property before code enforcement will cite the property owners for livability code violations?
A.
- unsanitary or unsafe conditions
- rubbish/garbage not stored in trash receptacles
- unsound structural exterior
- defective roof, steps, chimney, windows, doors, and fences
Q. What are the penalties facing the general public for failure to comply with the law and do violators go to court?
A. A $200.00 a day fine per violation. Initially, the defendant/violator is scheduled for a hearing before a county hearing officer; however, failure to correct the violation(s) could result in the manner proceeding to district/circuit court.
Q. Must attorneys be hired to defend the violator and/or represent the complainant at a hearing? How long does it take to schedule a hearing date?
A. No, but an attorney could explain the charges on the citation, represent the defendant/ complainant at the hearing, and assist in obtaining a fair penalty if found guilty of the law. Hearings can be scheduled immediately at the site of the violation by the inspector if compliance with the original correction notice has not been obtained.
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Q. Who should I call about high grass/weeds?
A. Contact this bureau at 410-887-3352 or 410-887-8099.
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Q. Does the county ever hire someone to correct a violation(s) if the violator(s) fails to take care of the problem(s)?
A. In some instances, Baltimore County will hire a private contractor to make repairs and then place a lien on the property to recover the costs.
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Revised May 11, 2009
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