Caroline County hears public concerns over draft property-maintenance ordinance, directs staff to narrow burning language

Caroline County commissioners closed the public hearing on a proposed property-maintenance ordinance after extended discussion about whether the law should target accumulated household trash, open-air burning, or both. The ordinance, introduced as legislative bill 2026-004, would prohibit accumulation of rubbish on exterior property and authorize the Department of Planning and Codes to enforce violations with civil penalties and judicial remedies.

Crystal, a planning-and-codes official, outlined how enforcement would work under the draft: "They would have 10 calendar days to remove the garbage or place it in proper containers. If they fail to do so, then we can proceed with a civil citation. If they bring the violation back within 3 calendar years, it will be considered a repeat violation," and repeat offenses would require correction within 72 hours. She said the draft sets a first-offense fine of $500 and a second-offense fine of $1,000, and that code officers may grant a written extension of up to 10 additional days for extenuating circumstances.

Several commissioners and members of the public said the draft’s language around burning risked sweeping in customary, contained burn barrels used by rural residents. Commissioner comments repeatedly distinguished controlled, tended burns from the county’s targeted problem: "What we're trying to address here is situations where people accumulate household trash in their backyard ... and then decide one Sunday morning to go out there and throw a match," President J. Travis Breeding said, explaining the health and nuisance intent.

Reverend Buddy Dunn, who also spoke during public comment, described household practices and raised concerns about neighborhood smoke and pests. Resident Stacy Gardner asked whether a voluntary "good neighbor" agreement could resolve disputes; the board replied such private agreements are not enforceable countywide and noted the ordinance would apply only to unincorporated areas, not inside town limits.

After discussion, commissioners agreed to close the hearing and directed staff to rework the draft to remove or narrow the burn-related provisions and return with amended language and another advertised hearing. No final vote was taken on the ordinance at the April 21 session; the board emphasized the goal is preventing infested, uncontained accumulations that threaten neighbors’ health and property rather than restricting routine rural burning.