Harford County, MD Article VII Enforcement

§ 131-45 Compliance required.

A. No building, structure or development shall hereafter be located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, improved, repaired, extended, converted, enlarged or altered without full compliance with this chapter and all other applicable laws and regulations.

B. Failure to obtain a permit shall be a violation of these regulations and shall be subject to penalties in accordance with Section 131-47.

C. Permits issued on the basis of plans and applications approved by the Floodplain Administrator authorize only the specific activities set forth in such approved plans and applications or amendments thereto. Use, arrangement or construction of such specific activities that are contrary to that authorization shall be deemed a violation of these provisions.

§ 131-46 Notice of violation and stop work order.

If the Floodplain Administrator determines that there has been a violation of any provision of this chapter, the Floodplain Administrator shall give notice of such violation to the owner, the owner's authorized agent and the person responsible for such violation, and may issue a stop work order. The notice of violation or stop work order shall be in writing and shall:

A. Include a list of violations, referring to the section or sections of these regulations that have been violated;

B. Order remedial action which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of these regulations;

C. Specify a reasonable period of time to correct the violation;

D. Advise the recipients of the right to appeal; and

E. Be served in person; or

F. Be posted in a conspicuous place in or on the property and sent by registered or certified mail to the last known mailing address, residence or place of business of the recipients.

§ 131-47 Violations and penalties.

Violations of these provisions or failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter or any conditions attached to a permit or variance shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person responsible for a violation shall comply with the notice of violation or stop work order. Any person who fails to comply with these provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months per offense, or both, at the discretion of the court. Each day a violation continues shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained shall prevent Harford County from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. Harford County may institute injunctive or other appropriate action or proceedings at law or equity for the enforcement of this chapter. Any court of competent jurisdiction may issue restraining orders, temporary or permanent injunctions or other appropriate forms of remedy or relief to restrain or correct violations of this chapter.