Vacant property registration ordinance for non-residential structures established in Brunswick, MD

Brunswick, MD: The previous vacant non-residential structures ordinance has been repealed, amended, and reenacted to establish a new vacant property registration ordinance for nonresidential structures to manage public safety and welfare.

Per the ordinance, non-residential structures are deemed vacant if for 6 months or greater, 60 percent or greater of the useable square footage is not leased to tenants, used or occupied by the owner to conduct the customary operations of the tenants or owner as permitted in the zoning district; with some exceptions for ongoing construction and new occupancy permits.

If the property would be considered vacant, the owner must apply for a license for each such property when registering it. Information needed includes listing of useable square footage and leasable spaces, a certificate of property insurance in the amount greater than or equal to the assessed tax value of the structure, and current contact info for all owners; noting, current contact info for a designated person to contact for the property, should the owner be an entity rather than individual, is also required.

There will be an accompanying exterior and interior inspection of the property for any health and code violations, which will be conducted again at need or around annual renewals.

The vacant property registration ordinance fees are $250 for the initial application, $500 for the first annual application renewal, and each following year’s annual renewal $1,000; with the fee for the inspection of the property set at $75 per inspection.

Renewal applications are due at least 60 days prior to the anniversary of the license being issued. Violations of any part of the ordinance may be fined $300 for the first offense, and $600 for each continuing offense, not to exceed $1,000.


 

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