COVID-19 Updates and Guidance

Does the childcare provider have to be in Baltimore County or any Maryland County?

Families receiving subsidies can use them at any licensed child care provider, regardless of jurisdiction.

How many weeks or months will the Subsidy cover?

Currently, there is funding to go through the end of the calendar year, which is when federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars must be spent. Extensions will depend on Congressional action related to CARES funding.

Is this in addition to the state subsidy for before and after care?

Yes, this is in addition to state subsidies for before and after care, since this is intended to support families to pay for daycare for school-age children who would normally be in school.

How and when do providers submit attendance sheets to be paid?

Providers will submit invoices monthly by the tenth of the month for the prior month. The invoice will have to include the total monthly charge, indicate each week in the month, and the days in each week that the child was in care.

Will this system be bombarded delaying payment like the state program for essential personnel did?

We understand there were frustrations with payments from the state’s program in the spring. This new County subsidy program is limited to prequalified individuals, and the County intends to remit payments on a timely basis.

When will providers receive payment?

Invoices should be submitted to the County by the tenth of the month for the prior month. Every effort will be made to pay invoices within 30 days of receipt.

How much notice will providers receive if money runs out?

The County Executive has dedicated up to $7 million for this program through the end of the calendar year, and the County will only provide subsidies to the number of children that this funding will cover. Additional information will be provided if additional funding is made available by the federal government.

What about students that have Child Care Scholarship (formerly Purchase of Care) vouchers but it doesn't cover the full cost of care for virtual learning? Will they get a discounted rate of assistance? If not who gets the extra money?

Yes, providers are expected to invoice the County for only the remaining amount not covered by the Child Care Scholarship voucher.

What happens if a family does not receive notice from the County, but believes they are eligible for the subsidy?

Families that are not currently enrolled in SNAP but believe they should be eligible should call 311 to be connected to the CASH Campaign of Maryland for a benefits eligibility screening or apply for SNAP directly online.

If a family believes they should have received a letter but has not, they can send an email to baltco.ccp@maryland.gov.

Are subsidies limited to families who qualify for SNAP?

Yes, in order to qualify for the subsidy, a family must qualify for SNAP.

As of Monday, May 4, the Office of Administrative Hearings will begin to reschedule previously postponed Code Enforcement, Zoning and Development cases. New cases will be scheduled in the order in which they are received.

All hearings will be live-streamed using Cisco WebEx available as a free downloadable application on any computer or smartphone. Any interested individual who wishes to provide testimony can do so by dialing into the hearing on the date and time it is scheduled. Testimony and exhibits can also by submitted by email to administrativehearings@baltimorecountymd.gov or by mail. All testimony and exhibits must be received 48 business hours in advance of the hearing. All hearings will be recorded.

For more information or questions, call 410-887-3868 or email administrativehearings@baltimorecountymd.gov.

• Adoptions, redemptions and owner surrenders are by appointment only.
• All spay and neuter surgical services are being done by appointment only.
• Rabies clinics are suspended.
• TNR services are by appointment only.
• If you find a lost pet, please call 410-887-7297.
• Field Services officers are working remotely with limited public contact.
• Number of volunteers and volunteer hours are reduced.

For additional information regarding the status of shelter services, visit the Animal Services website.

The Department of Economic and Workforce Development has compiled resources for businesses and workers regarding available assistance at the federal, state and local levels.

Fast-Tracking Outdoor Table Service

Baltimore County is expediting approvals to temporarily allow establishments to expand outdoor table service into areas not previously authorized, in a manner that ensures the safety of their customers and staff. Find more information.

Fast-Tracking Alcohol Delivery Requests

Baltimore County is expediting approvals to temporarily allow establishments to deliver alcoholic beverages to residents in Baltimore County. Find more information from the Liquor Board.

The executive order issued by County Executive Olszewski cancels or postpones all non-essential meetings of public boards, commissions or committees, and prohibits members of the public from attending those meetings deemed essential.

Members of the public will be provided a way to participate in or observe all essential meetings. Guidance will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Effective immediately, Baltimore County implemented additional public access restrictions at all Towson Complex County Office Buildings to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

While these buildings remain open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., members of the general public will not be allowed beyond the lobby of each building. Directional signage will be posted at each building. Additional information on individual departments is available:

Office of Budget and Finance

Members of the public can drop off payments in designated lockboxes for the Office of Budget and Finance at the lobby of the Historic Courthouse (400 Washington Avenue, 21204) on both the North and South sides of the building.

To pay property taxes, visit the online Tax Search.

To pay a prior parking, red light or speed camera violation, visit the Citation Payments page.

For bill payment questions, call 410-887-2777 or email payments@baltimorecountymd.gov.

To electronically record a document, such as a deed, visit www.simplifile.com or call 800-460-5657 to set up an account. For questions regarding e-filing documents, call 410-887-2416.

Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections

Members of the public can drop off permit and plan submissions in the lobby of the County Office Building (111 West Chesapeake Avenue, 21204). Staff will contact applicants via telephone or email to process the submission.

Permit fees can now be paid online. An online link will be provided once fees are determined by a staff member.

Same-day permitting is suspended at this time.

Permit questions can be answered by calling 410-887-3900. For all other questions related to approvals or inspections, call 410-887-3353.

Department of Public Works and Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Members of the public can drop off submissions for the Department of Public Works and Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability in the lobby of the County Office Building (111 West Chesapeake Avenue, 21204).

Questions for Environmental Protection and Sustainability can be answered by calling 410-887-3733. Questions for Department of Public Works can be answered by calling 410-887-3300.

Department of Planning

Members of the public can drop off documents for Planning matters in a lockbox in the lobby of the Jefferson Building (105 West Chesapeake Avenue, 21204).

All Planning inquiries can be answered by calling 410-887-3211.

Court Operations

The Circuit Court for Baltimore County has been generally closed to the public, with limited exceptions, since March 17 due to the COVID-19 emergency. Although the Court has continued to process many matters remotely, in-person appearances have been very limited.

As the public health landscape changes in Maryland, the courts have implemented a graduated plan to resume normal court operations. Based upon the Administrative Order issued by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera on May 22, Maryland Courts are entering Phase II of a five phased re-start program on Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. View all Administrative Orders.

The Circuit Court has adopted a five-phase restart plan to address the case backlog as the court restores normal operations. The phases are structured based upon consideration of a variety of factors. The phases are designed to assist in scheduling matters, both remotely and within the courthouse, to enable social distancing, and to protect the health and welfare of judicial employees, attorneys, parties and members of the public. Find more information.

Entry to Court Buildings

As the court enters Phase II, the courthouse remains generally closed to the public, with limited exceptions. Courthouse entry is limited to employees, and to parties, counsel, witnesses, and credentialed members of the press appearing for a matter scheduled on the docket.

All persons who enter the building are subject to health screening questions and thermal temperature checks. Entry will be denied if a person exhibits signs or symptoms of illness or has been exposed to COVID-19 within the past seven days. All persons will be required to wear face masks when entering the courthouse. Social distancing measures will be enforced, and signage will be posted to note capacity limits in courtrooms and waiting areas.

Jury Duty

Jury trials remain suspended until October 5, 2020. Projected dates for movement between Phases will be reevaluated based upon public health data and advice.

Revised Criminal Case Postponement Policy

The Circuit Court has adopted a new written postponement policy to assist in rescheduling criminal matters when the Court resumes regular operation. A criminal postponement form has also been adopted to simplify the process.

• Policy Concerning Postponement Requests in Criminal Cases (PDF)
• Criminal Case Postponement Request Form (PDF)

Drop Box for Paper Filing

A drop box will be available at the entrance to the Circuit Court that is accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accept any paper filing that is not required to be made electronically through MDEC.

All legislative sessions, work sessions and required public hearings of the County Council are presently being held as scheduled. However, until further notice, these sessions will be held remotely via web conferencing. For more information, please visit the Council's virtual meetings page or call 410-887-3196.

Although the Council’s meetings are being held remotely, the public are encouraged to provide written testimony or comment via email at countycouncil@baltimorecountymd.gov or traditional mail.

All in-person meetings between Councilmembers and the public are cancelled for the time being. All meetings are being restricted to phone conferences rather than in-person.

For employee resources, visit the COVID-19 Baltimore County Employee Guide.

• All County government-related travel is suspended.
• New protocols have been implemented at our 911 call center to screen for COVID-19 risk in order to protect and prepare our first responders.
• Emergency procurements were issued for soap, hand sanitizer and other necessary cleaning materials, with a particular emphasis on jails, courts and other areas with large traffic flows and concentrations of vulnerable populations.

Essential Duty Pay Program

All first responders and essential public-facing employees are eligible for additional pay under the new essential pay program. For these employees, essential pay will be $200 per two-week pay period for the duration of the County Executive’s Declaration of Emergency, or up to five pay periods and $1,000.

First responders and essential public-facing employees will include, but are not limited to, police, fire, corrections, 911 center employees, and certain workers in Health and Human Services, Public Works, Aging, and Recreation and Parks.

Some other employees performing mission-critical functions who are unable to telework will be eligible for essential pay of $100 per pay-period for the duration of the County Executive’s Declaration of Emergency, or up to five pay periods and $500.

Board of Elections Office Building

The Board of Elections Office in Hunt Valley is closed to the public until further notice.

Judge and Closer Training

If you have been assigned to work the 2020 Presidential General Election, find information about how to register for judge and closer training.

Upcoming Elections

Find information about the Presidential General Election on November 3, 2020.

For the latest updates about upcoming elections, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website.

Rental Assistance

Baltimore County is accepting applications for the second phase of its COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Program, providing rental assistance to County residents who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of losing their housing. Find more information.

Check this site regularly for new initiatives including additional eviction prevention funding as it becomes available.

Temporary Halt on Residential Evictions

Governor Hogan’s April 3, 2020 Executive Order (PDF) states that for the duration of Maryland’s declared state of emergency, “No court shall give any judgment for possession or repossession, or warrant for restitution of possession or repossession of residential, commercial, or industrial real property, if the tenant can demonstrate to the court, through documentation or other objectively verifiable means, that the tenant suffered a Substantial Loss of Income.” The court has stated that if this language is raised, “this will be treated as an affirmative defense in both failure to pay rent cases and breach of lease actions until the governor’s State of Emergency is lifted, or the Executive Order is amended.”

To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order to temporarily halt residential evictions for failure to pay rent, subject to certain requirements, including the execution of a sworn declaration. The Order is effective from September 4, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

For information on housing cases and how they will be handled by the courts, please visit the Maryland Judiciary website. Guidance from the District Court on how eviction cases will be handled may be read online.

Utility Shutoffs Halted

County Executive Olszewski and Mayor Young announced that neither municipality (City or County) will turn off water service for failure to pay.

In addition, on August 31, 2020, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) took emergency action (PDF) prohibiting termination of PSC-regulated residential utility services (electric and gas), charging of late fees, and provided for a transition period that allows residential customers time to apply for assistance programs or make payment arrangements with their utility. Termination is prohibited through November 15, 2020. Utilities may not begin sending termination notices until October 1, 2020—45 days in advance of a termination.

Find information about food resources in Baltimore County, including:

• Food distribution sites map
• Baltimore County Public Schools grab-and-go meals for students
• Meal distribution for older adults
• Saturday food distribution
• Pet food assistance

If you have questions or need assistance with food access, email food@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

You may qualify for monthly benefits to help purchase food. Learn more and apply here.

All locations of the Baltimore County Public Library are closed until further notice. Outdoor bookdrops are open for returns. Regular branch services, programs and spaces remain closed, but virtual programs and resources are always available. Mobile services and on-site programs are suspended until further notice.

Curbside Pickup Service Available

Library branches are still closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but 17 branch locations are offering curbside pickup. Customers who have reserved books—and have been notified that their holds are available for pickup—can head toward their branch of choice.

Curbside pickup hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. and cardholders can either drive or utilize our walk-up service. For Arbutus and Perry Hall customers who choose to drive, the drive-through window will be open for your convenience.

Learn more about curbside pickup and other available services.

Digital Resources

All residents, and particularly those who have children who are out of school, are encouraged to visit www.bcpl.info for more information and to explore the Library’s digital resources.

County Executive Olszewski issued an executive order providing an extension of all County licenses, permits, registrations and other authorizations until 30 days following the end of the local state of emergency. The order also authorizes the head of each government agency to suspend the effect of any legal or procedural deadline, due date, time of default, time expiration, period of time or other statute, rule or regulation that it administers. This applies to suspensions concerning payments of late fees owed to Baltimore County.

Status of Departmental Services

Find the status of services and changes in process for the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections.

Liquor License Temporary Delivery Allowance

The Liquor Board is temporarily allowing Class A, B and D license holders to deliver alcoholic beverages to citizens in Baltimore County only. Be advised you must adhere to Rule 9—Delivery Outside of the Licensed Premises of the Board’s Rules and Regulations (PDF). If you desire to take advantage of this delivery privilege, you must send your request in writing to the Board for approval. You may send a formal request by email to liquorboard@baltimorecountymd.gov. Any establishment that has been penalized for service to minors in the past three years will not be considered.

For questions, contact the Liquor Board at 410-887-3191.

Pay Submission Fees Online

The County Office Building is closed to the public, with the exception of the lobby, until further notice. The Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (PAI) will continue to accept and process permits, reviews and licenses. Online payments and checks are now accepted forms of payment for designated services.

Once you have successfully submitted your application and received a reference number and fee amount from PAI, you can submit an online payment for the following transactions:

• Building Permits
• Electrical Permits
• Plumbing Permits
• Water Meter Permits
• Development Review
• Zoning Review
• Electrical License Renewal

Find more information about how to pay your submission fee online.

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS)

BCPS will operate through virtual learning from September 8, 2020 to January 29, 2021. Visit the BCPS website for details.

Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

CCBC has implemented a phased plan for returning to campus. Visit the CCBC website.

All Department of Recreation and Parks buildings are closed to the public until further notice.

Open to the Public:

• Basketball courts
• Beaches
  Note: Rocky Point Beach and Park is open for lifeguarded swimming. Standard park access rates are in effect. Park capacity is still limited. Groups should be 10 or less, and everyone should practice social distancing. Masks are required for bathroom use with limited occupancy. Showers are still closed at this time.
• Boating
• Comfort stations
• Community gardens
  Note: Some community gardens may not have water or be prepped at this time.
• County parks
• Dog parks
  Note: In an effort to keep members and their pets safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19, all are requested to practice social distancing. Pet owners and their dogs should stay six feet apart from one another and no more than 10 members are recommended within the dog park at one time.
• Fields and diamonds
• Golf courses
• Horseshoe pits
• Open space
• Pavilions
• Pickleball courts
• Picnic areas
• Playgrounds
• RC/model plane areas
• Recreational fishing
• Restrooms
  Note: Outdoor accessible restroom facilities will be opened in conjunction with scheduled permitted activities and as regular need demands.
• Skate parks
  Note: We ask that skaters wear masks, practice social distancing, and that there are less than ten skaters at a time in the skate park.
• Tennis courts (indoor and outdoor)
• Trails
• Turf fields

Closed to the Public:

• Buildings
• Portable toilets
• Stages
• Water fountains

Out of an abundance of caution, activities at Baltimore County Senior Centers will be suspended immediately. Based on state guidance, all Baltimore County senior centers are closed to the public until further notice.

County officials encourage individuals to coordinate with senior center staff to ensure they are prepared for the closure, and we encourage those individuals to call the Maryland Access Point (MAP) hotline at 410-887-2594.

Virtual Senior Center Programs

Baltimore County senior centers are offering online classes for older adults over Zoom. Classes range from preexisting class options, including Tai Chi, Foreign Language, Strength Training and Cooking, to more individual programming, such as group Happy Hours. To find the full list of Senior Center Online Classes, please visit the Department of Aging's website.

Residential Drop-off Centers Open

The County’s Residential Drop-Off Centers are open to the public with normal operating hours (including the usual holiday schedule). Visitors and employees are required to wear masks onsite and adhere to all social distancing guidelines. These requirements will be strictly enforced. Driver's licenses will still be scanned to confirm residency. The following sites are open:

• Eastern Sanitary Landfill—6259 Days Cove Road, 21162
• Central Acceptance Facility—201 West Warren Road, 21030
• Western Acceptance Facility—3310 Transway Road, 21227

Yard Waste Collection Continues

Yard waste materials will be collected from Baltimore County residents with “Y” days on their schedule. These separate yard material collections will occur through as late as December 2020.

While residents may set out an unlimited number of bags of yard materials, the collector may not collect all of the bags on the same day. Collectors must make trash collection their first priority, and must take into account all of the residents on their route. Residents are asked to leave their yard materials out until collection occurs. Find information about collection requirements.

Trash Pickup Continues

During the current pandemic, the County’s trash and recycling pickup will continue to operate. Crews and truck drivers would appreciate residents carefully bagging trash and garbage to prevent the spread of disease. Find your collection schedule.