Legislation Details

Reference No. CB-124-2026    Draft No. 1
Type: Council Bill Status: Presentation and referral
Meeting Body County Council
Meeting Date 9/15/2026
Introduced Date Public Hearing Date
Effective date:    
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING FINE INCREASES for the purpose of increasing certain fines for violations of the Building Code and Zoning Ordinance.
Proposers/Sponsors: County Executive
Code sections: 04-116 - , 04-117 - , 28-111 -
Attachments: 1. B2026124, 2. CB-124-2026 Summary, 3. CB-124-2026 Transmittal
Contact: Lori S. Parris, Esq. Chief of Staff, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement

Title

AN ACT CONCERNING FINE INCREASES for the purpose of increasing certain fines for violations of the Building Code and Zoning Ordinance.

 

Background

The purpose of this Bill is to raise fines for building and zoning code violations in order to deter noncompliance. In 2025, the State of Maryland authorized an increase in these fines from $1,000 to $5,000. Previously, the low fines were often viewed by developers and builders as simply a cost of doing business. By increasing the penalty amount, DPIE aims to reduce illegal construction and violations of zoning regulations.