What are the Fines for Permit Violations in Baltimore City

Permit Penalties:

In general, the penalty is as much as $500 per day for working without a permit plus $1,000 or 50% of the permit fee, whichever cost more.

General Enforcement:

If a violation is not rectified within 14 days of receiving a violation notice, or if the notice or order is not adhered to within the same timeframe, the Building Official has the authority to initiate legal actions. In cases of urgent matters, as determined by the Building Official, the 14-day abatement or compliance period may be waived, allowing the Building Official to proceed with legal actions as necessary.

A Violation Is considered a Misdemeanor.

Every day that passes constitutes a new violation. In case a violation persists beyond 14 days from the initial notice, each subsequent day will be considered a separate offense. The presence of a violation on any day following the notice serves as evidence that the violation has persisted without interruption.

The penalty for each offense is a fine of not more than $500.

Penalty Surcharge:

A surcharge is imposed on any permit that is issued for work begun or completed:

1.       without a permit,

2.       beyond the scope of a permit or in a manner inconsistent with plans or drawings approved as part of a permit application, or

3.       during the suspension or after the revocation of a permit for that work.

In general, the amount of the surcharge is either $1,000 or 50% of the permit fee, whichever cost more.

The charge for a violation report, whether obtained from the Department or from the Bureau of Liens, is $30, in addition to the charge for a lien certificate.

The charge for each unsuccessful attempt to collect a payment is $50.

If you do not pay the surcharge or fee, a lien will be placed on your property.

Demolition Work Violations:

A surcharge of 50¢ per cubic foot of the building before demolition will be applied for unauthorized demolition or non-compliance with permit conditions.

The Building Official has the authority to decrease the surcharge amount imposed

1. on written application and justifiable cause demonstrated, and

2. in accordance with applicable standards and criteria contained in the rules and regulations adopted under this Code.