# Local Government (GLG)

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

### Subtitle 8. Waterways and Activities on Shores of Waterways

#### Section 13-801

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

(b) The governing body of a county may establish a public landing on any navigable waters.

(c)

  (1) This subsection does not apply in Queen Anne's County.

  (2) The proceedings on an application to establish a public landing are the same as the proceedings on an application to open a public road under Title 12, Subtitle 6 of this article.

#### Section 13-802

(a)

  (1) In this section, "floating home" means a vessel that:

    (i) is used or designated as a dwelling unit, place of business, or private or social club; and

    (ii) has a volume coefficient that is greater than 3,000 square feet, based on the ratio of the habitable space of the vessel measured in cubic feet and the draft depth of the vessel measured in feet of depth.

  (2) "Floating home" includes a structure that:

    (i) is constructed on a barge that is primarily immobile and not used for navigation; or

    (ii) functions primarily as a land structure while the vessel is moored or docked in the State.

(b) This section applies only to:

  (1) Calvert County;

  (2) Charles County; and

  (3) St. Mary's County.

(c) The governing body of a county may adopt:

  (1) laws to regulate mooring, docking, anchoring, and installing a floating home in the waters of the county; and

  (2) penalties for a violation of a law adopted under this subsection.

#### Section 13-803

The County Commissioners of Charles County may maintain a fund of not more than $40,000 to provide for: 

(1) the improvement of channels to make waters in the county navigable;

(2) the construction of breakwater and other waterway improvement projects; and

(3) mosquito control in waters in the county.

#### Section 13-804

(a) This section applies only to Dorchester County and Somerset County.

(b) This section does not apply to boats moored in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Natural Resources.

(c) The governing body of a county may regulate fishing from a county bridge.

(d) The governing body of a county may regulate the docking, mooring, and abandonment of vessels along or within waterways in the county.

#### Section 13-805

(a)

  (1) The governing body of Dorchester County may adopt regulations concerning maintaining and operating public docks, piers, wharves, and harbor facilities owned or leased by the county.

  (2) A regulation adopted under this subsection may include provisions related to:

    (i) permits;

    (ii) berths;

    (iii) mooring;

    (iv) swimming;

    (v) trash disposal and removal; and

    (vi) sunken vessels.

(b) The governing body of Dorchester County may adopt penalties for a violation of a regulation adopted under this section, including imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

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