Code Enforcement Changes Will Primarily Affect Home-Based Businesses, Paved Yards

The county is calling it “Being Good Neighbors,” but it’s primarily about your own front yard.

Last fall, the County Council passed three bills, each dealing with residential code enforcement. They take effect on April 24, and the Executive’s Office is hosting information sessions at each service center to outline what’s changed and answer questions from residents.

What’s affected? Existing code enforcement laws that deal with home-based businesses have stricter limits, as well as new limits on residential driveway paving and commercial vehicles. See the full legislation, as well as FAQs here.

“Basically, everything is going to be more stringent,” said Natalie Cantor, director of the Mid-County Services Center.

The code enforcement is tougher as a result of the changes, but action will still be taken largely on complaints, not inspectors searching for violations.

The Mid-County Services Center will host a meeting on the new laws at 7 p.m. Tuesday. It will include presentations from the Department of Permitting Services, Housing and Community Affairs and the Montgomery County Police.