Maryland Health - General Section 20-307

      (a)      The Secretary may investigate any suspected nuisance.

      (b)      (1)      If the Secretary finds that a nuisance exists, the Secretary 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)      (1)      The Secretary may file a complaint in the circuit court for the county where the nuisance exists if:

                  (i)      The person served with the notice fails to comply with the requirements of the notice; or

                  (ii)      Although the person served 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 person served with the notice to:

                  (i)      Comply with the requirements of the Secretary's abatement notice;

                  (ii)      Abate the nuisance within a time specified in the order;

                  (iii)      Prevent the nuisance from recurring; or

                  (iv)      Pay a fine of not more than $1,000.