Montgomery County promotes native Chesapeake Bay watershed plants through the RainScapes program and conservation landscaping rebates. No ordinance requires native plants, but the county offers financial incentives and technical assistance for native plantings. Maryland HOA law protects homeowners who install native plant gardens.
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) actively promotes native plant landscaping through multiple programs. The RainScapes Rebates Program provides up to $2,500 for conservation landscaping using native Chesapeake Bay watershed species. The county maintains a recommended native plant list emphasizing species that support pollinators and reduce stormwater runoff. Maryland HB 322 (signed 2021) prohibits HOAs from banning native plant gardens that are part of a managed landscape plan. The county Forest Conservation Law (Ch 22A) requires native species for tree replacement plantings. The DEP provides free technical design assistance for homeowners converting turf to native gardens. Native meadow plantings that might otherwise trigger grass-height violations are protected if registered through RainScapes. The Montgomery County Master Gardener program offers free native plant consultations. Invasive species removal is encouraged, particularly for English ivy, porcelain berry, and mile-a-minute vine. The county Native Plant Sale occurs annually with discounted specimens.
No penalties for planting natives. HOA interference with native gardens: violates MD HB 322 if part of a managed plan. Unregistered meadow gardens may trigger Ch 58 grass-height violations.
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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