Common Things Residents Need To Know
April 2022
The Baltimore County Police Department's Community Outreach Team has submitted a list of items that neighbors need to be aware of. The list was compiled with consideration to the numerous community complaints the police department receives from residents. Here are just a few laws that residents may, or may not know.
Abandoned Vehicles
An abandoned vehicle is defined as a vehicle parked on a public roadway or private property that:
• Is visibly inoperable or;
• Is not displaying current, valid registration or;
• Is illegally parked for more than 48 hrs.
You could receive a parking citation, and have your vehicle towed at your expense
Basketball Hoops
It is illegal to place a portable basketball hoop on the sidewalk or public road where it or the users obstruct traffic. This could result in a fine of $100.
Parking in the Wrong Direction
§ 21-1004. Parking rules and restrictions
Parking on two-way roadway
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a vehicle that is stopped or parked on a two-way roadway shall be stopped or parked parallel to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, with its right hand wheels within 12 inches of that curb or edge of the roadway.
Parking on one-way roadway
(b) Except as otherwise provided by local ordinance, a vehicle that is stopped or parked on a one-way roadway shall be stopped or parked parallel to the curb or edge of the roadway, in the direction of authorized traffic movement, with:
(1) Its right hand wheels within 12 inches of the right hand curb or edge of the roadway; or
(2) Its left hand wheels within 12 inches of the left hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Grass clippings
§ 18-3-109. - DEPOSITING CERTAIN MATERIAL IN THE STREET.
(a) Prohibited. A person may not place, deposit, cast, or throw on, or into any road, street, sidewalk, lane, alley, bridge, or drain in the county:
(1)Any metal, wood, glass, nails, grass clippings, leaves, or other object or article; or
(2)Any dead animal, offal, garbage, ashes, fruit, dirt, filth, rubbish, noxious fluid or substance, or refuse of any kind.
(b) Penalty. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both.
Domestic Noise
§ 17-3-103. - PROHIBITED.
A person may not create domestic noise or allow domestic noise to be created that unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants.
§ 17-3-104. - ENFORCEMENT.
A police officer shall:
(1) Investigate complaints of alleged domestic noise violations occurring in the county; and
(2) File a written report if the investigation concludes that a violation of § 17-3-103 of this title has occurred.
§ 17-3-105. - PENALTY.
(a)Criminal. A person who violates § 17-3-103 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1) A fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both for a first offense; and
(2) A fine of not less than $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both for any subsequent offense.
(b)Civil.
(1) (i) As an alternative to a criminal action, the police may issue a civil citation to a person who violates § 17-3-103 of this title. (ii)The amount of the civil penalty may not exceed $500.
(2) The police may request that the county seek an injunction to prohibit the person from creating or allowing the creation of domestic noise.
§ 17-3-106. - RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNER OR LANDLORD.
(a)Civil citation to owner or landlord.
(1)A police officer may issue a civil citation to the owner or landlord of the building or premises from which domestic noise in violation of § 17-3-103 of this title emanates if more than three written reports have been filed under § 17-3-104 of this title, at one address, within a 60-day period.
(2)The police may issue additional civil citations for each subsequent report filed within 6 months after the initial report.
(b)Notice. Before issuing a citation, the Chief of Police or a designee shall send by certified mail or deliver written notice to the owner or landlord that three written reports have been filed under § 17-3-104 of this title within a 60 day period.
(c)Penalty. The amount of the civil penalty may not exceed:
(1)$500 for the first citation; and
(2)$750 for each additional citation issued within 6 months after the initial written report filed under § 17-3-104 of this title.
Pets
§ 12-3-106. - ANIMAL WASTE.
The owner of an animal shall remove excreta deposited by the animal on public byways, recreational areas, or private property.
Non-motorized Vehicles
§ 18-2-208. - PARKING NONMOTORIZED VEHICLES.
(a) Prohibition. Except during a 48-hour period while loading or unloading, a person may not park a nonmotorized vehicle of any length on a street in the county, including on private property used by the public in general, whether the nonmotorized vehicle is attached to a motorized vehicle or not.
Commercial Vehicles
SECTION 431 - Parking of Commercial Vehicles on Residential Property
§ 431.1. - Parking time limited; exception.
A. A commercial vehicle exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight may not be parked on a residential lot for a period exceeding the time essential to the immediate use of the vehicle.
B. One commercial vehicle per dwelling unit may be parked on a residential lot for a period exceeding the time essential to the immediate use of the vehicle subject to the following conditions:
The gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight shall not exceed 10,000 pounds.
The owner or operator of the vehicle shall reside on the lot.
The vehicle shall be parked within a fully enclosed structure or, alternatively, if not within a fully enclosed structure:
a. No materials, products, freight or equipment shall be visible.
b. The vehicle shall display no advertising other than lettering, figures or designs located on the driver's door or front seat passenger's door.
c. The vehicle shall be parked in a side or rear yard.
Please share this with friends, family, and neighbors. Being aware of these laws could save you money, and also make it a more pleasant environment for all neighbors.
