Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Maryland enacted Tracey’s Law in 2014, overturning the Tracey v. Solesky court decision that had imposed strict liability on pit bull owners. All dog breeds are now treated equally under a negligence standard. Dangerous dog designations under MD Criminal Law §10-619 are behavior-based, not breed-based. While no statewide preemption of breed-specific legislation exists, Tracey’s Law effectively removed the legal basis for breed-based strict liability. HOAs may have breed restrictions in CC&Rs.
Dangerous dog violations: fines $500 to $2,500. Containment failure: additional fines. Serious attack: criminal charges.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Health Code Title 9 sets a 55 dB(A) residential property-line limit, reduced 10 dB at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays; midnight-7 a.m. weekends), wi...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Property maintenance under Article 13 requires yard upkeep but does not a...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. Hea...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants and...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through DHCD e...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no specific smoker ordinance, but the Health Code Title 9 noise limits and air quality standards may apply. Maryland Department of the Environm...
See how Baltimore's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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