Gaithersburg requires owners of vacant lots to keep them free of trash, debris, and overgrown vegetation. Grass and weeds must not exceed 12 inches in height. The city may abate violations and charge the cost to the property owner. Vacant properties in HOA communities like Kentlands and Lakelands face additional covenants enforced by the HOA.
The Gaithersburg Code of Ordinances Chapter 15 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and Chapter 18 (Environment) require property owners to maintain vacant lots in a clean and safe condition. Grass and weeds on vacant lots must not exceed 12 inches. Owners must remove accumulated trash, construction debris, abandoned vehicles, and any materials that create harborage for rodents or pose a fire hazard. The city issues a notice of violation giving the property owner a specified number of days to correct the condition. If the owner fails to act, the city may enter the property, abate the violation, and bill the owner for the cost of abatement. Unpaid abatement charges become a lien on the property. Montgomery County Code Chapter 58 (Weeds) also applies, allowing the county to mow and charge the owner. Properties within HOA-governed communities such as Kentlands, Lakelands, and Washingtonian Center are subject to additional architectural and maintenance standards under Maryland Real Property Title 11B (Maryland Homeowners Association Act). HOA enforcement runs parallel to city code enforcement. Contact Gaithersburg Code Enforcement at 301-258-6330 for complaints.
Failure to maintain a vacant lot can result in fines of $100-$1,000 per violation per day. The city may abate the condition and place a lien on the property for the cost. Montgomery County may also issue weed and vegetation citations under County Code Chapter 58. Repeated violations may trigger enhanced penalties.
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