311 CITY SERVICES

---

To maintain safe and attractive neighborhoods throughout the city, the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)'s Code Enforcement Division enforces the city's housing, zoning, building and related codes.  Recently the division was reorganized and restructured to increase efficiency while making it more accessible to Baltimore residents.  

Working together, we are a powerful team, committed to maintaining the appearance and value of Baltimore's neighborhoods, particularly the Loch Raven neighborhood.  This web site was created to help homeowners and tenants understand the many codes and how residents can help keep neighborhoods strong by providing aggressive and equitable code enforcement.  Get answers to frequently asked questions and information on owner and tenant responsibliities. 

Report Potential Violations: To report potential housing and sanitation violations, please call 311 or use: (Baltimore's 311 Online Customer Service Request system)  

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Baltimore Housing's Office of Permits & Building Inspections enforces the Baltimore City Building Code, as well as state laws pertaining to construction and occupancy.  This office issues building permits and provides subsequent inspections for; construction, alteration, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work in both commercial and residential structures.   

File your completed application in person at: The One- Stop Shop, 417 E. Fayette St., Room 100.  Not sure if your project requires a permit? Call us at 443-984-1809.  

What type of work requires a Permit?A permit is required to:

• Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, rehabilitate, demolish (interior or exterior) or move any structure
• Erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system
• Change the use of any structure or land
• Perform any grading or excavating

As a general rule of thumb, minor repairs do not usually require permits, unless the item is being replaced altogether or significantly altered.  Renovations, modifications, and reconstructions always require a permit.    

How do I report Unpermitted Work?  To determine whether a permit has been obtained for work currently under construction or to determine that the scope of work has been properly permitted, an existing permit search may be accessed by the property address, permit number or neighborhood (you can search permits issued since 1/1/2005).  

You may then report the illegal work by calling 311,or use: (Baltimore's 311 Online Customer Service Request system)  

For complete information on permits, please visit: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/pi/permits 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

The Parking Enforcement Unit is comprised of parking control agents and supervisors who are responsible for increasing the safety and efficiency of the movement of traffic.  Duties and responsibilities include identifying vehicles that are impeding the flow of traffic, addressing restrictive parking in neighborhoods, and assisting with the removal of abandoned vehicles.  

There are approximately 50 tow truck operators, supervisors, cashiers and office personnel employed by the towing unit.  The towing unit is responsible for removing abandoned and illegally parked vehicles.   The unit also operates the city's impound lot and manages the storage and disposal of nearly 40,000 abandoned vehicles annually.   

Call 311 to report parking violations,or use: (Baltimore's 311 Online Customer Service Request system)

Parking Fines Listing   (Violation - Fine)

No Stop/Park Handicap - $502.00

Commercial vehicle parked in residential area under 20,000 lbs. - $502.00

Noncommercial over 20,000 lbs or Commercial under 20,000 Lbs - $252.00

Abandoned Vehicle - $302.00

No Stop/Park – Pimlico Area - $102.00

Obstructing or impeding the flow of traffic - $252.00

Snow Emergency Route - $77.00

Fire House - $77.00

Obstructing or Impeding movement or pedestrians - $77.00

Fire Lane - $52.00

Less than 15 feet from Fire Hydrant - $77.00

Residential Parking Permit Only - $52.00

Blocking Garage or Driveway - $32.00

All Parking Meter Violations - $32.00Exceeding 48 hours - $32.00

Passenger/Truck Loading Zone - $32.00

Expired Tags - $32.00

In Taxicab Stand - $32.00

Less than 30 feet from intersection - $32.00

All other parking violations - $32.00

Unlawful Dumping / Waste Hauler Without Licenses - $502.00

No Stop / Parking Stadium Event - Camden Yard Stadium Complex - $102.00

In Transit Zone / Stop - $77.00

No Stop / Nighttime Hours - $77.00

No Stop / Out of Parking Meters - $52.00

No Stop / Stand Tow-away Zone - $52.00

No Stop / Stand not Tow-Away Zone - $32.00 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects up to five bags (per week) of yard waste from residences that receive DPW trash collection services.   In most cases, trash collection occurs at the rear access point of each residence.  It is expected that all trash be placed in either metal cans, or approved plastic cans, with tight-fitting lids.  

Trash collection occurs on Wednesday of each week.  Should a holiday fall on the scheduled collection day, pick-up will be rescheduled to the following Saturday.    

Please note... Trash receptacles may not be placed in any alleyway collection zone before 6pm of the previous day, and trash receptacles must be removed from the alleyway collection zone by 6am of the following day.   Call 311 to report violations and/or cans left in the alley.   

BE ADVISED... This is a Code Enforcement mandate, and citations may be issued for non-compliance.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

Recycling helps to protect the environment by reducing trash, preventing pollution, decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases which affect our climate, and reduces the number of items that are dumped into our landfills or would need to be incinerated.   

Follow these easy steps for recycling:

1.  Use the City-issued container, or any container you want: paper bags, cardboard boxes, old laundry baskets – you can even use a trash can (just mark it “recycling”).  There is only one rule:  Do not place recycling in plastic bags!  

2.  Fill your container with any of the approved recycling materials: paper, cans, cardboard bottles, etc.   3.  Place your container at the same  pick-up location as your regular trash collection .    Recycling collection occurs EVERY OTHER FRIDAY.  Should a holiday fall on the scheduled collection day, pick-up will be rescheduled to the following Saturday.    

Call 311 to report violations and/or cans left in the alley.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Illegal dumping is an inexcusable crime that pollutes our land and violates the rights of others. This unhealthy and unsightly crime promotes the deterioration of neighborhoods and attracts criminal activity.  Areas used for illegal dumping may be easily accessible to people, especially children, who are vulnerable to sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, and many other health and safety hazards.  

Illegal dumping is everybody's problem.  Whether we pay directly or indirectly -- we all pay!  Make the clean and healthy choice by pitching in to keep the community clean.  Pitching in to keep our community clean means getting involved -- not standing by, but standing up!  

If you observe illegal dumping in progress, gather as much information as possible and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!  

Facts about illegal dumping:

• Poses Health Risks—provides ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents.
• Lowers property values—property values are lower in areas that have litter and dumping problems.
• Discourages investment—potential homeowners are less likely to invest in these areas.
• Attracts criminal activity—criminals tend to migrate in the areas that appear to be unkempt.
• Encourages additional dumping—most illegal dumpers and litterers prefer to dump in areas that already have dumped items.
• Costly to taxpayers—dumping costs the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
• Contaminates waterways and drinking water.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

General Information 

The Animal Control Program's mission is to enforce city and state codes, rules, and regulations and to investigate animal neglect and cruelty cases for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of Baltimore's human and animal residents.  

The Bureau operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It receives an average of 85 calls a day and approximately 31,000 complaints annually.  Animal Control receives the majority of its complaints and cases through the city's 311 call system.

Below are the categories for animal-related calls:  

1. Police/Fire/Sheriff/City Work Crew Standby 

2. Aggressive Animal 

3. Animal Bite Pickup 

4. Animal in Danger 

5. Animal Attack 

6. Animal at Risk 

7. Trapped In Vacant Building 

8. Running At Large 

9. Stray Held 

10. Healthy Unwanted 

11. Unsanitary Conditions 

12. Barking Dogs 

13. Trap Request  

To report or file an animal-related complaint or concern, call Animal Control at 311,or use:(Baltimore's 311 Online Customer Service Request system) 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 Article 19 Subtitle 45 of the Baltimore City Code makes posting signs on City owned or controlled property illegal and punishable by a $500 Environmental Control Citation.  City-owned or controlled property includes buildings; lots; parks; trees; signs; poles; traffic devices; medians; etc. Illegal signs, such as "We Buy Houses",  "Contractor for Hire", "Daycare Available", etc. have become a serious neighborhood nuisance and a community eyesore.  

To report Illegal signs in the LRIA community, please call 311,or use: (Baltimore's 311 Online Customer Service Request system) 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Graffiti, while arguably being considered an artform, is considered vandalism and defacement of property, which is a punishable crime.  Even though there are many variations of graffiti, most noteworthy in today's society is that which is used as gang symbols to mark territory or to serve as indicators for gang-related activity.    

Call 311 to report incidents of, and/or for the removal of graffiti, or use: (Baltimore's 311 Online Customer Service Request system) 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Rats and other rodents, whether dead or alive, spread disease.  They contaminate our food with urine and droppings; start fires by gnawing on electric wires; and destroy keepsakes and valuable possessions by gnawing.  

How to identify a rodent problemRodents are generally most active at night.  They leave telltale signs, including • Rub and gnaw marks; • Burrows and tracks; and • Droppings.  

How to get rid of ratsRats are like people.  They need a place to live and food to eat.  If you remove their shelter and food, rats CAN be eliminated. Here's how...  Remove their sources of food!

• Place bird food in a feeder, not on the ground.
• Clean up spillage daily!
• Use metal trash cans or approved plastic with tight-fitting lids.
• Keep trash cans covered!
• Clean up fallen fruits and nuts from the ground.
• Remove pet food dishes and leftovers promptly after feeding.
• Clean up animal waste immediately!  

Eliminate places for them to shelter!

• A dilapidated shed or automobile is an invitation to rats. Repair or remove them!
• Rats can jump up to three feet and climb wires and pipe very well. Be sure to seal any openings to the house, even above ground level. This includes the garage, openings in the foundations, and the basement floor drain. Keep doors and windows screened with half-inch mesh hardware cloth.
• Store lumber, firewood or other materials well off the ground.
• Repair any breaks in the sewer line that connects your home with the main sewer system.

Call 311 to report incidents of rat or rodent issues, or use: ( Baltimore's 311 Online Customer Service Request system ) 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Call 311 to report all other incidents not listed above.  Keep our neighborhood safe, clean, and strong.  MAKE THE CALL!!

 https://balt311.baltimorecity.gov/citizen/servicetypes 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________