Any land disturbance of 5,000+ sq ft requires an erosion and sediment control plan under MoCo Code Chapter 19. DPS is the MDE-delegated enforcement authority.
Montgomery County administers erosion and sediment control as a delegated authority under Maryland Environment Article Title 4, Subtitle 1. County Code Chapter 19, Article II governs erosion and sediment control requirements. Any earth disturbance of 5,000 square feet or more (including clearing, grading, excavation, and filling) requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan before work begins. Plans must conform to the 2011 Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control. Required best management practices (BMPs) include silt fences, sediment traps, sediment basins, stabilized construction entrances, temporary seed and mulch, and inlet protection. All disturbed areas must be stabilized within 14 calendar days of final grading or 7 days if within 100 feet of a waterway. The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) reviews and approves erosion and sediment control plans and conducts inspections during construction. Projects disturbing one acre or more also require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Construction Activity from MDE. Contractors must have a certified Responsible Personnel on-site during earth-disturbing activities. Montgomery County conducts frequent inspections, particularly during the wet season and near environmentally sensitive areas such as stream buffers and Special Protection Areas.
Stop-work orders for unapproved grading or failed sediment controls. Fines up to $10,000 per day under state law. MDE may take direct enforcement action for sediment discharges to waters of the state. Repeat violations may result in contractor debarment.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County Code §31-14 prohibits parking heavy commercial vehicles (over 10,000 lbs, 21+ ft, 8+ ft high) on public residential roadways. One light com...
Montgomery County, MD
Abandoned vehicles in Montgomery County are subject to state and county law. MD Transportation Code §25-201+ defines abandonment; county can tag and tow vehi...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence. Spite fence provision under MD RP Art. §14-120.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under Ch 59. HOAs commonly restrict chain-link fencing. Approve...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Rabies vaccination required statewide. MD Criminal Law §10-619 covers...
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