Cecil County, MD Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 157-8, added in 2009, defines an unsafe structure as one where all or part is dangerous to life, health or safety of occupants or the public, or so damaged, decayed, dilapidated or structurally unstable that it is likely to partially or completely collapse, and defines an unfit structure to include one that is unsanitary, vermin- or rat-infested, or hazardous because of its location. When the Code Official determines a structure or equipment meets that definition, the Official may condemn it and must serve the owner with a compliance order specifying repairs and a deadline of not less than 20 nor more than 45 days.

A condemned residential structure cannot be used for habitation without the Code Official's approval, and a vacant unfit structure not in danger of collapse must be secured by the owner or, on the owner's failure, by the county at the owner's expense, with the cost becoming a lien on the real estate. The Code Official may also placard a condemned or dangerous structure, and anyone who occupies a placarded premises, lets it be occupied, or removes the placard without approval faces the section's penalties. If an owner does not comply, the Code Official may enter the property, have it repaired or demolished, and recover the cost through a tax lien if not repaid within 90 days of written demand.

A violation is punishable by a civil penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $5,000, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense, and the County's legal representative may bring civil action to force compliance. An owner aggrieved by a Code Official decision may request a hearing and, within 10 days of the notice, appeal to the Building Board of Appeals of the County, with further appeal to the Circuit Court of Maryland.