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Dorchester Council introduces code changes that would make building and zoning violations county infractions
Summary
The council introduced several code amendments Feb. 17 — including making violations of multiple building- and zoning-related chapters county infractions with fines up to $5,000 — and set public hearings; a resident urged the council not to raise the fine cap.
Dorchester County Council members on Feb. 17 introduced a package of code amendments that would make violations of several county code chapters subject to county infraction fines of up to $5,000 and set the proposed changes for public hearing.
Planning & Zoning Director Susan Webb presented the proposed legislation, which would amend: Chapters 65 (Building Code), 82 (Electrical Standards), 102 (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration), 110 (Minimum Livability Code), 119 (Plumbing), and 134 (Stormwater Management), to classify violations as county infractions with fines not to exceed $5,000. The council voted 4–0 to publish a public hearing on the measure.
Ms. Webb also introduced a separate ordinance to repeal and reenact Chapter 121 to adopt the current International Property Maintenance Code (with county amendments), and an amendment to Chapter 155 (Zoning) to make zoning violations county infractions with the same fine cap; both items were granted publication for public hearing by unanimous vote.
Another introduced amendment to Chapter 150 would authorize the county to remove obstructions from public wharves, docks, marinas, piers and harbor facilities via an authorized private towing contractor; the council likewise agreed to publish that public hearing.
During the public comment period, David Beverley, a Dorchester County resident, urged the council not to raise the fine cap, saying higher maximum fines could be counterproductive and requesting the council maintain current fees or consider a tiered fee system. The council did not take final action on fines at the meeting; the public hearings will provide opportunity for further testimony and potential revisions.
Why it matters: The introduced changes would alter the county’s enforcement toolbox and maximum penalty exposure for property owners, contractors and others; public hearings will determine whether the fines or code language are modified before any final vote.
What happens next: The council directed publication of public hearings; staff will schedule hearings and collect public comment before the council considers final adoption.
