§ 20–306
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-306 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 3. Nuisance Control
§ 20–306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The health officer for each county:
(1)
May investigate any suspected nuisance; and
(2)
Shall investigate and report on the sanitary conditions of schools, places of business, and places of employment in the county.
(b)
(1)
If the health officer finds that a nuisance exists, the health officer shall serve a written notice to the person who is causing the nuisance, ordering the person to abate the nuisance within a time specified in the notice.
(2)
The notice shall be served:
(i)
On the person who is causing the nuisance; or
(ii)
If the person who is causing the nuisance cannot be found, on the owner or occupant of the property where the nuisance exists.
(c)
Failure to comply with the requirements of a notice served under this section is a violation of this subtitle.
(d)
If a question arises between health officers as to the jurisdiction or duties of a health officer in the abatement of a nuisance, the question shall be referred to the Secretary for resolution.
(e)
(1)
A health officer may file a complaint in the circuit court for the county where the nuisance exists if:
(i)
The person served with the notice under this section fails to comply with the requirements of the notice; or
(ii)
Although the person served with a notice under this section complies with the requirements of the notice, the nuisance is likely to recur on the same property.
(2)
A complaint filed under this subsection may seek a court order requiring the individual served with a notice under subsection (b) of this section to:
(i)
Comply with the requirements of the health officer’s abatement notice;
(ii)
Abate the nuisance within a specified time;
(iii)
Prevent the nuisance from recurring; or
(iv)
Pay a fine of not more than $1,000.