Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory — Subtitle 5. Junkyards
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-501 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–501LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “junkyard” means a public or private dump, automobile junkyard, automotive dismantler or recycler facility, scrap metal processing facility, outdoor place where old motor vehicles are stored in quantity or dismantled, or lot on which refuse, trash, or junk is deposited.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-502 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–502LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, this subtitle applies to all counties, including Baltimore City.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-503 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–503LinkCopy Citation
The governing body of a county may adopt rules and regulations for the licensing, maintenance, and operation of junkyards in the county to:
(1)
protect county residents from unpleasant and unwholesome conditions and neighborhoods;
(2)
preserve the beauty and esthetic value of rural or residential areas;
(3)
safeguard the public health and welfare;
(4)
promote good civic design; and
(5)
promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and prosperity of the community.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-504 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–504LinkCopy Citation
The rules and regulations adopted by the governing body of a county may:
(1)
require that a person who maintains or operates a junkyard in the county obtain a license from the county; and
(2)
specify a reasonable fee for the license.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-505 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Before adopting rules and regulations under § 13–503 of this subtitle, the governing body of a county shall hold a public hearing.
(2)
The rules or regulations are not valid unless a public hearing is held as advertised.
(b)
The governing body of the county shall publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for not less than 4 successive weeks.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-506 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–506LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under § 13–503 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $25.
(2)
Each day on which a violation continues is a separate offense.
(b)
(1)
This subsection applies only to a code county in the Western Maryland class.
(2)
The county commissioners may:
(i)
provide that a violation of a rule or regulation adopted under § 13–503 of this subtitle is a civil infraction under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of this article; or
(ii)
abate, or contract for the abatement of, a violation at the expense of the owner of the real property on which the violation occurred.
(3)
(i)
An unpaid charge imposed on an owner of real property under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection is a lien against the real property on which the violation occurred.
(ii)
The lien shall be recorded in the office of the clerk for the county where the violation occurred.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-507 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–507LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In Calvert County, a person who maintains or operates a junkyard within 100 feet of an interstate or a State or county road shall screen or fence the junkyard so that the junkyard is not visible from the road.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-508 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 5. Junkyards
§ 13–508LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In Charles County, a person who maintains or operates a junkyard within 200 feet of an interstate or a State or county road shall screen or fence the junkyard so that the junkyard is not visible from the road.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.