Business Licensing & Operations in Charles County, MD (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Charles County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Secondhand Dealers
Charles County does not issue a separate secondhand-dealer license, but Chapter 269 of the County Code regulates every junk dealer and scrap metal processor doing business in the county through mandatory transaction records, seller ID checks and a ban on buying from minors.
Charles County Junk & Scrap Metal Dealer Rules
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 269-2 (Access to records)
Each junk dealer or scrap metal processor who is a resident of Charles County or who does business as a junk dealer or scrap metal processor in Charles County shall keep a written record in English that: For each purchase of junk or scrap metal: Is made at the time of the purchase; and Includes: A description of the junk or scrap metal purchased; The seller shall provide a driver's license or o...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Charles County's zoning code expressly names automobile sales, repair, dismantling, storage, and body shops as unsuitable home occupations, meaning a home occupation (HO) permit will not be issued for a residential auto repair business under § 297-29B(18)(k).
Charles County Bars Home Auto Repair Business
Heavy RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-29B(18)(k)
The types of businesses considered unsuitable as home occupations include, but are not limited to: automobile sales, repair, dismantling, storage or body shops; engine or machine repair, lawn equipment repair, funeral homes, medical or dental offices, dance studios, and restaurants.
Towing Companies
Charles County requires every towing company to hold a Sheriff's Office permit, split into consensual (Level 1, $250) and nonconsensual (Level 2, $500) tiers, and operating without one is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine or up to two months in jail.
Charles County Towing Company Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsCharles County Code § 287-19, § 287-22, § 287-25
§ 287-22. Permit required; penalty. A. Except as provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to provide towing services in Charles County, Maryland, without a permit issued in accordance with this article. ... C. A person who provides a towing service in Charles County without a permit is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $500 or i...
All Charles County ordinances
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