Code Enforcement Definitions

Baltimore County

 The following definitions are for informational purposes only and not intended for official use. Contact appropriate agency with questions and/or for additional information.

Animal Waste - The owner of every animal shall be responsible for the removal of his animal’s excreta deposited on public or private property. (BCC 22-46)

Banners/Signs - Temporary - Must have special permit. The sign or banner cannot be displayed for more than 30 continuous days, nor more than 60 days in one calendar year.

Boarding or Rooming House - A building (a) which is the primary residence of the owner and in which rooms are provided for compensation to three or more adult persons not related to the owner by blood, marriage, or adoption; (b) which is not the owner’s residence and which is occupied in its entirety by three or more adult persons not related to each other by blood, marriage, or adoption. (B.C.Z.R. 101) Must have use permit.

Commercial Vehicle Parking on Public Street in Residential Zone - Any vehicle over three-quarters of a ton manufacturer’s rating capacity used for commercial purposes parked on any public road, street, or way within any residential zone in the county, unless such parking or standing is essential to the immediate use then being made of any such commercial vehicle.

Commercial Vehicle Parking on Residential Property - Any vehicle on private property over 10,000 pounds, or any vehicle, regardless of weight, which is (1) used for commercial purposes; (2) used "for hire"; or (3) has advertising on it. One commercial vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds may be stored in a garage if the owner or operator of the vehicle resides on the residential lot. If not stored in a garage, the commercial vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds (1) shall be parked in a side or rear yard; (2) may not have any materials, products, fright or equipment visible; and (3) shall not display any advertising other than lettering, figures or designs located on the drivers’ door or front seat passenger’s door. (B.C.Z.R. 402)

Conversion of Single-Family Dwelling to Two-Family Dwelling - A lot must have a minimum of 10,000 square feet for dwelling to be converted. Separate cooking facilities and a separate bathroom shall be provided for each family unit. (B.C.Z.R. 402)

Fowl and Livestock - No person shall house or maintain fowl, small livestock, such as pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese or similar livestock within any residential area in the county less than one acre in size. (BCC 22-48)

High Grass and Weeds - Must be over 12" to be a violation.

Inoperative Motor Vehicle - Any motor vehicle on a residential lot, not within a garage, that cannot be operated in its existing condition because the parts necessary for operation, including but not limited to tires, windshield, engine, drive train, driver’s seat, steering wheel or column, or gas or brake pedals, are removed, destroyed, damaged or deteriorated. (B.C.Z.R. 101)

Kennel Operation - Any building, other structure or land, or any portion thereof, which is used for housing more than three dogs. (B.C.Z.R. 101)

Maintenance of House - A property owner shall maintain the premises in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. If the exterior of a house is so poorly maintained that it poses a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the rest of the community, it is in violation. (B.C.C. Sec 18-26)

Noise - "Domestic Noise" includes noises produced vocally, or with any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or any other device intended for the production or reproduction of sound. Individuals may be charged via a criminal or civil citation with violating Section 20-47 of the Baltimore County Code. An individual charged with a subsequent offense will be charged on a criminal citation. No time restrictions.

Open Dump - Any land publicly or privately owned on which there is a deposit and accumulation of refuse, including but not limited to waste materials, waste products, waste paper, garbage empty cans, broken glass and rags. (B.C.Z.R. 101)

Recreation Vehicle/Boat on Residential Lot - Only one motorized recreational vehicle or boat is permitted to be parked on a residential lot with detached or semi-detached homes. Such vehicle shall have a current license, may not be lived in, or otherwise occupied and shall be mechanically ready to be moved at any time. If parked on a lot with a detached or semi-detached home, it must be parked 1-1/2 feet from rear or side property line, 8 feet to rear of the front of house. If parked on a lot with a townhouse, it must be parked in rear only, 2-1/2 feet from the side or rear lot lines. A recreational boat, whether mounted on a trailer or stored on land with or without the use of supports, is subject to the same provisions. (B.C.Z.R. 415A) The following shall be considered recreational vehicles: motorhome; travel trailer; fifth-wheel trailer; truck camper; camping trailer; boat. (B.C.Z.R. 101)

Unlicensed Motor Vehicle - Any motor vehicle on a residential lot, not within a garage, which does not have a current and valid registration plate or plates and validation tab or tabs attached to and displayed on the vehicle for the then current registration period. (B.C.Z.R. 101)

Yard and Garage Sales - A private homeowner/resident may have one private garage or lawn sale per year as an accessory use to the dwelling in residential zones provided: (a) that the sale would not be longer than two consecutive weekends; and (2) that there are no other exhibitors of sale items on the property other than the owner/resident; and (3) that there is no traffic congestion caused by the sale. (Z.C.P.M. 4-1.3)