2013 Maryland Code
HEALTH - GENERAL
§ 20-307 - Investigation by Secretary; notice to abate dangerous condition or nuisance; complaint to force compliance with notice or prevent recurrence of nuisance

§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.