Baltimore strictly enforces vacant lot maintenance requirements, mandating regular mowing, debris removal, and prohibition of dumping, with the city authorized to clean lots and charge owners through property liens.
Owners of vacant lots must keep vegetation below 12 inches, remove all trash and debris, and prevent illegal dumping. The Department of Housing and Community Development and Department of Public Works conduct inspections and issue violations. Baltimore's Community Lot program allows community organizations to adopt and maintain vacant lots for green space. The city may mow overgrown lots and bill the property owner. Repeated failures to maintain vacant lots may result in liens placed on the property. Baltimore has over 15,000 vacant lots, making enforcement a major priority.
First violations typically receive a warning notice with a compliance deadline. Subsequent violations result in fines starting at $500. The city may clean the lot and place a lien on the property for the cost of cleanup. Persistent violations may lead to condemnation proceedings.
Baltimore, MD
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See how Baltimore's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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