Plain Text Law

Subtitle 3 – Nuisance Abatement — Dwellings

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

Balt., Md., Code § 5-301 (2026)

§ 5-301 Definitions.Copy Citation

(a)In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)Dwelling.
(1)
“Dwelling” has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|II">Building Code</cite>.
(2)
“Dwelling” includes any dwelling unit or rooming unit.
(c)Dwelling unit.
“Dwelling unit” has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|II">Building Code</cite>.
(d)Rooming unit.
“Rooming unit” has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|VII">Property Maintenance Code</cite>.
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Ord. 02-475
History: Ord. 07-552
History: Ord. 13-093
History: Ord. 15-426
History: Ord. 15-427
Balt., Md., Code § 5-302 (2026)

§ 5-302 Scope of subtitle.Copy Citation

This subtitle applies only to dwellings and does not in any way modify or affect the authority of the Commissioner of Health to enter and inspect any building, structure, or premises other than a dwelling.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 5-303 (2026)

§ 5-303 Enforcement of Maintenance Code.Copy Citation

The Commissioner may:
(1)
enforce all provisions of the Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|VII">Property Maintenance Code</cite>; and
(2)
issue violation notices and orders under that Code to:
(i)
abate, remove, or otherwise deal with nuisances and emergencies affecting the public health; and
(ii)
maintain and augment public health programs, such as rodent control, lead paint poisoning prevention, environmental sanitation, and housing hygiene.
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Ord. 02-475
History: Ord. 13-093
Balt., Md., Code § 5-304 (2026)

§ 5-304 Right of entry.Copy Citation

(a)In general.
Whenever the Commissioner has reason to believe that a nuisance exists in any dwelling, the Commissioner has the same authority to enter and inspect that dwelling as does the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development.
(b)Procedures.
The entry and inspection of a dwelling must comply with the requirements of <cite data-path="|health|§2-107">§ 2-107 {“Right of entry”} of this article</cite>.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 5-305 (2026)

§ 5-305 Inspector’s testimony.Copy Citation

(a)“Related law” defined.
In this section, “related law” has the meaning stated in § 104.6.2 {“Authority to seek warrant”} of the Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|II">Building Code</cite>.
(b)Limit on testimony.
No inspector who gains entrance to a dwelling for the purpose of investigating a nuisance may obtain or furnish evidence of, or testify to, any offense other than:
(1)
a violation of <cite data-path="|health">this article</cite> or of any related law;
(2)
a felony; or
(3)
a misdemeanor involving an act of violence that is committed in the inspector’s presence.
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Ord. 02-475
History: Ord. 13-093
Balt., Md., Code § 5-306 (2026)

§ 5-306Copy Citation

Reserved