Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory — Subtitle 2. Tourism and Entertainment
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-201 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 2. Tourism and Entertainment
§ 13–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only in:
(1)
Caroline County;
(2)
Carroll County;
(3)
Cecil County;
(4)
Charles County;
(5)
Frederick County;
(6)
Howard County;
(7)
Somerset County;
(8)
Talbot County;
(9)
Wicomico County; and
(10)
Worcester County.
(b)
The governing body of a county may:
(1)
issue permits for the establishment, operation, or maintenance of a public dance hall, a boxing or wrestling arena, an amusement park, or a tourist camp with cabins for rent;
(2)
adopt rules and regulations for the issuance of permits under this section; and
(3)
revoke permits issued under this section for cause and after notice and a hearing.
(c)
A person shall obtain a permit from the governing body of a county before the person may establish, maintain, or operate a public dance hall, a boxing or wrestling arena, an amusement park, or a tourist camp with cabins for rent.
(d)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the County Commissioners of Charles County shall charge a permit fee of:
(i)
$50 for issuing the initial permit; and
(ii)
$50 annually for renewal of the permit.
(2)
A permit holder is exempt from the fee if:
(i)
the facility is established, maintained, or operated for purposes of a religious, educational, or fraternal organization; and
(ii)
no other person shares the profits and gains from events held in the facility.
(e)
In Worcester County, this section also applies to a tourist cabin, a motel, an apartment house, a rooming house, or any other structure or building to be rented to four or more persons at one time.
(f)
(1)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $100 and not exceeding $500 for each offense.
(2)
The establishment or place in violation of this section is subject to abatement as a nuisance.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-202 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 2. Tourism and Entertainment
§ 13–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except Baltimore City.
(b)
The governing body of a county may, by resolution, regulate the construction or establishment of trailer camps.
(c)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates a regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
(2)
In Calvert County, a person who violates a regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-203 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 2. Tourism and Entertainment
§ 13–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Anne Arundel County;
(2)
Baltimore City;
(3)
Baltimore County;
(4)
Cecil County;
(5)
Howard County;
(6)
Prince George’s County;
(7)
Queen Anne’s County; and
(8)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
In addition to the authority granted under § 13–202 of this subtitle, the governing body of a county may license and regulate the location, construction, and operation of trailers and tourist camps.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-204 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 2. Tourism and Entertainment
§ 13–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Anne Arundel County;
(2)
Baltimore City;
(3)
Baltimore County;
(4)
Cecil County;
(5)
Howard County;
(6)
Prince George’s County;
(7)
Queen Anne’s County; and
(8)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
Subject to any restriction or prohibition imposed by other public general law, the governing body of a county may license and regulate public amusements in the interest of public welfare.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-205 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 2. Tourism and Entertainment
§ 13–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Notwithstanding any provision of the Business Regulation Article, in Calvert County, a palm reader, fortune–teller, soothsayer, or similar individual shall:
(i)
apply to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Calvert County for a license to do business; and
(ii)
pay a license fee of $1,000 to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Calvert County.
(2)
Before an applicant may be issued a license under this section, the applicant shall:
(i)
be fingerprinted and photographed by the Department of State Police; and
(ii)
obtain a certificate from the Department of State Police that indicates that the applicant has never been convicted of a crime, other than a motor vehicle violation.
(3)
The term of the license is 3 months.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine of not less than $100 and not exceeding $500 or both.