The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on Aug. 18 approved an amendment to Town Code Chapter 50 to allow the town to recover costs and expenses incurred while enforcing development regulations, abating nuisances or collecting sums owed if the town prevails in litigation.
Town legal staff explained the change is intended to remedy inconsistencies in the existing code and provide a single statutory basis for recoupment of litigation costs and abatement expenses. Ms. Thompson, a town staff member who addressed the board, said a review of the code “reveals inconsistencies as well as a lack of consistent statutory basis for the recoupment of sums expended by the town to protect its rights and maintain and or remediate or abate the abatement of zoning violations or public nuisance.”
Why it matters: Staff said the amendment clarifies the town’s authority to seek reimbursement for expenses when it must act to correct property conditions or pursue collection and then prevail in court. The change was recommended to protect town rights and fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.
The board received the ordinance for public hearing and then approved it during unfinished business. No members of the public spoke at the hearing. Mr. Krantz recorded the roll call: Commissioner Rutledge, Commissioner Chismar, Commissioner Taylor and Chair Eddington voted “Aye” and the ordinance passed.
Staff noted the amendment follows Maryland law permitting recovery of litigation expenses through legislative enactment; the ordinance updates Section 50‑3‑3 to provide a uniform procedure for the town to recoup costs when successful in court.
Board members offered no additional substantive changes during the vote; the ordinance will provide the town a clearer administrative and statutory path for charging property owners for remediation and legal expenses when applicable.