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Resident says mini-mart installed unpermitted exhaust; fire marshal found violation, town legal role unclear
Summary
A Boonsboro resident complained to county commissioners that a mini-mart installed a kitchen exhaust without local permits; the county fire marshal deemed it a hazard and the town says the county is handling enforcement.
Rachel (staff member for the Town of Boonsboro) told Washington County commissioners that residents Lee and Mrs. Dougherty reported a new exhaust fan at the mini-mart and diner next door to their home at 21 South Main Street.
Rachel said the mini-mart owner installed the kitchen exhaust without first obtaining a town zoning permit. She told commissioners the county fire marshal, Joe Goodrich, inspected the installation and "confirmed that it is a violation" and "would not sign off on it because it's a hazard." Rachel said the current business owner initially hired an unlicensed contractor, has since hired a licensed contractor, and has installed a deflector shield while pursuing permanent compliance.
Residents told the town they want enforcement that would require the owner to remove the exhaust. Rachel said the town’s understanding is that the county department is now working with the owner and that the town may have limited authority while the county is engaged. She said she will meet the town attorney the next morning at 9:00 a.m. to clarify legal authority and next steps.
Rachel and Greg Cartwright (public works superintendent) have been working with the owner to bring the installation into compliance with applicable codes; Rachel said the owner intends to meet requirements referenced in the meeting — the Maryland state fire code, NFPA 96, NFPA 90, and the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — but funding the corrective work is a concern for the small-business owner. The resident complaint covers fumes, grease and high noise levels as the main impacts.
No formal enforcement action was announced at the meeting; commissioners heard the update and did not vote on any directive. Rachel relayed the residents' concerns and said she would report back after consulting the town attorney.
