§ 20-306
301 words·~1 min read·
/md/health-general/20-306A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§20–306.
(a)The health officer for each county:
(1)May investigate any suspected nuisance; and
(2)Shall investigate and report on the sanitary conditions of schools, places of business, and places of employment in the county.
(1)If the health officer finds that a nuisance exists, the health officer shall serve a written notice to the person who is causing the nuisance, ordering the person to abate the nuisance within a time specified in the notice.
(2)The notice shall be served:
(i)On the person who is causing the nuisance; or
(ii)If the person who is causing the nuisance cannot be found, on the owner or occupant of the property where the nuisance exists.
(c)Failure to comply with the requirements of a notice served under this section is a violation of this subtitle.
(d)If a question arises between health officers as to the jurisdiction or duties of a health officer in the abatement of a nuisance, the question shall be referred to the Secretary for resolution.
(1)A health officer may file a complaint in the circuit court for the county where the nuisance exists if:
(i)The person served with the notice under this section fails to comply with the requirements of the notice; or
(ii)Although the person served with a notice under this section complies with the requirements of the notice, the nuisance is likely to recur on the same property.
(2)A complaint filed under this subsection may seek a court order requiring the individual served with a notice under subsection
(b)of this section to:
(i)Comply with the requirements of the health officer’s abatement notice;
(ii)Abate the nuisance within a specified time;
(iii)Prevent the nuisance from recurring; or
(iv)Pay a fine of not more than $1,000.