# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 27. Drainage Districts

### Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions

#### Section 27-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Board of drainage commissioners" means the board of drainage commissioners of a drainage district.

(c) "Board of viewers" means the board of viewers of a drainage district established under this title.

(d) "Designated officer" means:

  (1) the clerk of the county commissioners for a code county or commission county if there is a clerk for the county; or

  (2) an employee or official of a county who is designated by the county commissioners or county council to perform the responsibilities of the designated officer under this title.

(e) "Drainage district" means a drainage district established under this title.

(f) "Landowner" means a person who owns land located in a drainage district or proposed drainage district.

#### Section 27-102

This title does not apply to Baltimore City.

#### Section 27-103

This title shall be liberally construed to promote the ditching, draining, leveeing, and reclaiming of wet and overflowed land that can be made available for agriculture.

#### Section 27-104

In response to a petition filed under Sec. 27-201 of this title, the county commissioners or a county council of a county may establish a drainage district to:

(1) locate and establish a levee, drain, or canal;

(2) construct, straighten, widen, or deepen a ditch, drain, or watercourse; and

(3) construct levees, embankments, tidewater gates, and pumping plants to drain and reclaim wet, swamp, or overflowed land.

#### Section 27-105

The drainage of swamps, the drainage of the surface water from agricultural land, and the reclamation of tidal marshes benefit the public and promote public health, safety, and welfare.

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