Baltimore County, MD Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- County Code § 13-7-112
- Civil penalty
- Up to $1,000 (§ 13-7-116)
- Enforcement agency
- PAI Code Enforcement
- Solid-waste accumulation
- Barred (§ 13-4-201(b))
- Remedy
- County abatement + costs
Summary
In Baltimore County, an owner may not create or allow a nuisance on their property that is detrimental to public health, safety, welfare, or the environment. County Code Section 13-7-112 governs; Code Enforcement can order abatement and impose a civil penalty up to $1,000 plus removal costs.
An owner may not create or allow to exist on the owner's property a nuisance determined by the County Health Department or the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability to be detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare, or the environment.
(1988 Code, § 22-1) (Bill No. 173, 1989, § 2, 1-26-1990; Bill No. 43-94, § 1, 4-4-1994; Bill No. 105-00, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 122-10, § 6, 1-16-2011)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29 | Zoning Regulations: Supplement 10).
Full Breakdown
Baltimore County Code, Article 13, Title 7 (Nuisances) sets the countywide blight standard. Section 13-7-112 states that an owner may not create or allow a nuisance the County Health Department or the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability determines to be detrimental to public health, safety, welfare, or the environment. Solid-waste accumulation is separately barred: Section 13-4-201(b) requires a person to keep their premises free from accumulations of improperly stored solid waste. Code Enforcement (Department of Permits, Approvals, and Inspections) investigates complaints, issues a correction notice, and may abate the nuisance. Related weed, junk, and dumping conditions are enforced under Titles 4 and 7 of the same article.
Violations & Fines
After reasonable notice, an owner who fails to abate a nuisance is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000, plus the County's costs of removal (Section 13-7-116). The County may abate the nuisance itself under Section 13-7-115.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a nuisance property in Baltimore County?
How much can I be fined for blight?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
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