Q. What laws/regulations does code enforcement address?
A. Back to top 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 Back to top
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
Back to top Q. What are the most common commercial zoning violations?
A.
Back to top Q. Are there laws that provide protection to the renter?
A. The livability code provides protection to the renter and covers: 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
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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
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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. Back to top
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. Back to top
Q. Who should I call about high grass/weeds?
A. Contact this bureau at 410-887-3352 or 410-887-8099. Back to top
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.
Back to top Main FAQ Revised May 11, 2009 |
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