FAQs: Most Common Code Violations

To Our Residents

The Town of Cheverly is committed to working with our residents to help preserve the quality of life in our neighborhood. Our code compliance staff has identified the top ten most common code violations in our community and has created an FAQ to help address these issues. If you are experiencing problems, please call us at 240-770-7647.

Most Common Code Violations FAQs

Miscellaneous Property Maintenance Violations

(Chapter 18 and Chapter 5)

Includes a variety of code sections regarding the maintenance of the interior and exterior of structures (e.g. doors, windows, walls, ceilings, roofing, peeling paint, etc.)

Storage of Abandoned and Inoperative Vehicles

(Lot Maintenance 18-4.2, Off-Street Parking and Storage 27-5.3)

The occupant or owner of a property may not park or store any motor vehicle that does not have valid license plates or cannot be legally driven upon the roads or highways of this state for any reason; or is in a state of disrepair that prevents it from being operated in compliance with Maryland Law. Placing a tarp or cover over the vehicle does not cure the violation.

Illegal Dumping

It is prohibited to dispose of waste at any location other than a permitted landfill or facility.

High Grass / Weeds

(Lot Maintenance 18-5 (a))

Grass or weeds more than 8 inches high is a violation of the Town Code. Failure to comply with the notice within 10 days will result in the Town hiring a contractor to cut the property; Repeat violation may also result in a court citation.

Overgrowth of Vegetation

(Sidewalk / Road / Rights-of-way / Lot Maintenance 18-5 (c))

The occupant or owner is responsible for keeping the street, alley, sidewalk, and public right-of-way clear of obstructions. This includes the trimming of trees, shrubbery, and vines which may obstruct a sidewalk or street or clear view of an intersection. Failure to comply with the notice within 10 days will result in the Town hiring a contractor to cut the property; Repeat violation may also result in a court citation.

Vacant, Unsecured Homes

Any vacant home must be maintained as if the home were being occupied (e.g. grass cut, shrubs trimmed, the exterior of the structure in good repair, and any doors and windows secured to prevent unauthorized entry into the dwelling.

Allow / Permit Dead or Storm Damage Trees or Limbs

(Lot Maintenance 18-5 (b))

The occupant or owner is responsible for removing any standing dead trees or tree limbs, that have been, or which may hereafter be allowed to accumulate or grow on any private property adjoining any of the streets, alleys, or lanes, and within two hundred (200) feet thereof, in the Town of Cheverly. Failure to comply with the notice within 10 days will result in the Town hiring a contractor to remove the hazard.

Trash Containers

(Chapter 10)

  • May not exceed thirty-two (32) gallon capacity
  • Shall be a suitable metal or plastic container
  • Shall be maintained intact and without holes
  • Shall have a tight-fitting intact lid
  • All containers and bins must be stored on the side/rear of the Home.
  • All containers and bins placed out for pick-up must be removed from the curb by 7 pm the day of pick-up.

Open / Unsightly Storage

(Chapter 5 / Chapter 10)

Debris. junk, furniture, tree branches, and other items are prohibited from being stored on the exterior of all residential properties.