# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally

### Subtitle 4. Property Acquisition and Transfer

#### Section 12-401

(a) This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.

(b) Except as provided in Sec.Sec. 12-404, 12-405, 12-406, 12-408, 12-409, 12-410, and 12-411 of this subtitle, the governing body of a county may:

  (1) acquire, by lease, purchase, gift, devise, bequest, condemnation, or any other method, an interest in any property that is needed for a public purpose;

  (2) construct buildings on the property for the benefit of the county;

  (3) sell surplus property at public sale, after advertising the sale for at least 20 days; or

  (4)

    (i) provide wholly or partly for the financing of housing or a housing project; and

    (ii) place a deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument on the financed property to ensure repayment of money used to purchase, construct, rehabilitate, or develop the housing or housing project.

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Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)