# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory

### Subtitle 2. Tourism and Entertainment

#### Section 13-201

(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.

#### Section 13-202

(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.

#### Section 13-203

(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 Sec.Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

#### Section 13-204

(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 Sec.Sec. 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.

#### Section 13-205

(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.

---

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