Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement is responsible for investigating and enforcing, or referring to proper enforcement authority, all Town, County, or State code violations; and the coordination of activities of all assignments related to code enforcement and animal control ordinances. The department initiates inspections, based on a complaint or physical observation. The department also enforces all provisions of Town licensing and permit ordinances or directives and ensures that all businesses are properly licensed as required by law. Code Enforcement is charged with upholding the safety, health, and building codes of the Town, County, and State, which includes the issuing of building permits, sign permits, and general purpose permits. Code Enforcement also provides technical and educational assistance to town residents and businesses when it comes to codes and licensing matters.
Town Codes you should know:
Abandoned Vehicles
Unregistered vehicles (includes expired registration), inoperable, dismantled, or partially dismantled or substantially damaged or disabled vehicles may not remain on private property for 48-hours unless in a fully enclosed garage. Exceptions are made for car dealerships, auto repair shops, and towing company storage compounds. Abandoned vehicles located on public streets may be removed immediately.
Fences
A Town permit is required before a fence over 48” is installed. Additionally, the County requires a permit is obtained before a fence in excess of 48″ in height can be erected.
Retaining Walls
Walls over 24 inches require a permit from the county.
Graffiti
No property owner shall allow defacement (graffiti) to remain on their property.
Grass, Plants and Weeds
Grass may not exceed 12 inches in height. This includes the grass bordering the front or side of the property and grass between the sidewalk and the curb. Bushes or hedges bordering a sidewalk may not exceed 48 inches in height and may not inhibit full use of the sidewalk. However, on occupied residential properties, areas that are actively protected, maintained, or cultivated for a use other than a lawn, such as a wildflower garden, wildlife habitat, meadow, or vegetable or herb garden, shall not be considered a code violation unless they are a threat to health or public safety, a fire hazard, a substantial and unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of neighboring property, or an obstruction of public right of way
Dog, Cats and Other Animals
Dogs and cat licenses required; No person shall keep a dog or cat over the age of (4) months unless it has a current license issued by Prince Georges County Animal Control. Dog leashing required-Dogs are required to be on a leash while on any public property or public way. Nuisances by Dogs-Any animal which causes annoyance by loud or habitual barking, yelping or howling, annoying people or vehicles on public ways injuring or destroying the property of persons other that the owners. Dangerous and vicious animal are prohibited.
Sidewalks
All property owners or their tenants are required to clean the sidewalks, remove any plant growth from sidewalk cracks/joints, and and trim common grass adjacent to their property. Property owners or tenants are also responsible for the removal of snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 24 hours after the snow or ice storm has ended.
Signs
It is illegal to display signs of any kind on public utility poles, medians, and in public rights of way.
Trash & Debris
Refuse receptacles must have tight fitting lids and be free of leaks. Residents are encouraged to place receptacles near the curb no earlier than 5:00 pm the night prior to collection and trash receptacles must be moved from the curb line no later than midnight after trash pick-up is completed. Examples of prohibited trash include auto parts; construction debris such as wall board, concrete, rocks, and roofing materials; and hazardous materials such as acids, fuels, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, and medical waste. Such debris is also not allowed to accumulate on any property in the Town.
Enforcement Process
Code Enforcement staff are responsible for ensuring that properties within Colmar Manor are maintained in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with the Property Maintenance Code. These standards apply to all existing residential, commercial, institutional and accessory structures and premises as well as vacant land. These code provisions constitute minimum standards.
Inspections
An inspection can be triggered by a complaint, observed while on patrol or a referral from another agency, or included as part of an overall strategy to improve conditions in a neighborhood or business area. Inspections are also conducted during the licensing process. Code Enforcement staff conduct general property maintenance code inspections. Prince Georges County Department of Permit, Enforcement and Inspections conducts rental housing inspections.
Courtesy Notice
When the inspector has identified minor property maintenance code violations, a Courtesy Notice will be issued. The Courtesy Notice, a simple door hanger or flyer that is placed on the front entrance to the building, identifies the code violation(s) that have been observed by the inspector and encourages the owner to contact the inspector if they have any questions. The inspector will return to the site within five to 7 business days to re-inspect. If the violation(s) have been corrected, the case is closed. If one or more items remain unresolved, a Notice of Violation is issued.
Notice of Violation/Abatement Posting
If violations are observed when the property is re-inspected or when the code violation is more serious, the inspector prepares a Notice of Violation and the owner is given a specific deadline for the correction of the violation(s). Once the deadline has passed, the property will be re-inspected. If the owner has made the required repairs, the case is closed. If work to correct the violation is underway or the weather has prevented the owner from fully addressing the violation, the owner may request additional time to correct the outstanding violation(s). Requests for extensions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If the owner has not been responsive and the violations remain, the property will be abated by the town to resolve the issue at the property owners expense. The Town may also issue Municipal Infraction fines/citations to the property owner.
Animal Control
The Town of Colmar Manor does not have an Animal Control Division please contact http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/232/Field-Services
Pay a Code Enforcement Violation
To pay for a Code Enforcement Violation, you can pay the violation in person at the Town hall, 3701 Lawrence St Colmar Manor, MD 20722. Please bring a copy of the Citation and exact change.
Report Possible Code Violations
To report possible code violations contact our Code Enforcement Officer Fredy Rosales.
240-522-9070
frosales@colmarmanor.org