Fines for building and land clearing violations increase significantly Annapolis (June 25, 2004) - County Executive Janet S. Owens today signed Council Bill 37-04 which passed at Monday night's meeting. Bill 37-04 changes the schedule of fines for violations of the building and grading laws in the County. Some of the more significant increases in the fines target construction of a pier or bulkhead without a permit, working over a stop work order, and unpermitted disturbance in the critical area. Fines now begin as high at $5,000 for unpermitted work in the critical area, for example, up from $500.00. A schedule of the changes is attached. The increased fines are intended to discourage people from working without a permit in the critical area, working over a stop work order and working without permits in general. The laws are enforced by the Department of Inspections and Permits. The public may report land-clearing activities and critical area work that may be in violation of the law by calling that agency at (410) 222-7777, the Environmental Hotline. The fines were last updated in 2000. This legislation becomes effective August 9, 2004. >> Civil Citations - Bill 37-04 | 
