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Maryland Municipal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: Does the operation of a family child care home in Maryland constitute residential use as opposed to commercial use?
Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Sep 28, 2024

These kinds of zoning questions are usually county specific. Additionally, even where a state or local law does not prohibit the operation of a home day care this does not mean that the home owners association does not have limitations in its bylaws or declarations. So you my want to check into... View More

Q: Mva said I can't renew my license without REAL ID. To me MD 16-122 says something different. Can you please clarify?

I have spoken with different people at MVA and no one can can give me a straight answer. I have told them repeatedly that 16-122 (ii) that states I am eligible for a Federally Non-Compliant drivers license. A contact told me RUDELY to look at case law Motor Vehicle Administration v. Geppert. That... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems there is some confusion and inconsistency in how the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) is interpreting and applying the Real ID Act and relevant Maryland statutes. Let me try to clarify a few key points:

1. The federal REAL ID Act...
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Q: Mva said I can't renew my license without REAL ID. To me MD 16-122 says something different. Can you please clarify?

I have spoken with different people at MVA and no one can can give me a straight answer. I have told them repeatedly that 16-122 (ii) that states I am eligible for a Federally Non-Compliant drivers license. A contact told me RUDELY to look at case law Motor Vehicle Administration v. Geppert. That... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Regarding REAL ID and driver's licenses in Maryland:

- The federal REAL ID Act requires states to meet certain security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards in order for them to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like boarding commercial aircraft....
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: In Saint Marys county , MD ! I was pondering filing a case for numerous unlawful arrest and on many other violations j

I was incredibly traumatized when during my time in the jail I had a heart attack and by nurse and ekg test was performed and confirmed by the nurse and reported to the doctor on call and told her to take me back to my cell and that they were unable to take me to the emergency room because of my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

Based on the situation you have described, it does sound like you may have grounds to file a legal case regarding your treatment while incarcerated in St. Mary's county. Here are a few key things to consider:

- Unlawful Arrest Claims: If you were arrested repeatedly without probable...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: My neighborhood was left out of the HOA somehow and the resident agent won't let us be apart of it

Hello.

So my neighborhood was built in the 80s. My grandmother is the homeowner. We've both been here since 1993. Recently, I decided to seek out help with establishing an HOA because the potholes are getting out of hand, amongst other issues. I found out that our neighborhood plat has... View More

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Dec 4, 2023

You describe an interesting issue- assuming the historical documents show an intention to include your mother's property in an HOA regime, but was omitted, can the HOA be compelled to admit her property. This will take any lawyer experienced in this area of title law several hours of research... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: Is it illegal to commercial spray round up with no license in pg County Maryland

I've been doing it for 5yrs

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 9, 2023

In Maryland, the law requires that anyone who applies pesticides commercially must be certified and licensed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. This includes the use of products like Roundup.

If you're applying pesticides as part of a business without the appropriate...
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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: Can I drive farm equipment on a private property (farm) without a license. Not going on the public roads.
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 20, 2023

In Maryland, you typically do not need a driver's license to operate farm equipment on private property, such as a farm, as long as you are not driving on public roads. Farm equipment is often exempt from certain licensing requirements when used solely on private agricultural property for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: What are the laws for parking my live in cargo van at my family’s, single family rental home?

My mom has a money hungry landlord that I’m pretty sure has been reporting us for parking in front of my family’s home even though we have her permission and her rent is up to date. My mom has health problems so I need to be around as her oldest to help out but there’s no room to actually... View More

Shaneka Johnson
Shaneka Johnson
answered on Jun 22, 2023

Parking rules and regulations are typically covered in your (or your parent's) lease agreement. Additionally, if the rental property is subject to a homeowner's association, they may have additional parking rules and regulations. Further, if your vehicle is parked on a public street there... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law, Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: I live in a private neighborhood and an individual who is not a resident stores his vehicles infront of my property 24/7

Minimum of 1 car but up to 3. They are left there from 1 week up to 4 months. The roads are owned by the county not the HOA. So far all I can do is have them tagged as abandoned at which time the owner is notified and moves the car for 1 day and then returns it. I have to believe this is illegal... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on May 29, 2023

You might need to hit the books better or retain someone who can. I recall reading something that limited parking on public roads to a time limit unless the road was adjacent to your home, but it might have been Montgomery County Code. The County and incorporated city codes are often unindexed and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Environmental, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: We have a issue with a contractor openly dumping the concrete from the east bound bridge into the Chester river any law

against this activity thaat may serve to stop such a poor idea

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 21, 2023

The Maryland State Department of Natural Resources has jurisdiction over the navigable rivers of Maryland, including police authority, and there are laws prohibiting dumping of trash, waste materials and other objects into rivers, punishable bu criminal and civil fines and penalties. Local county... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: I submitted a car registration renewal request online for Maryland and forgot to update the address? What should I do?

I also had switched insurance providers so, would that be a factor as well?

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Aug 21, 2022

Go to the MVA and ask them for the proper information to amend your address and the insurance company. I do not know if that can be done online.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: How long do I have to legally hold my exes belongings before I can get rid of the stuff?

I live in Hagerstown Maryland and my ex left some of his belongings in my apartment and he was not on the lease. It has been 50 days and I have asked him numerous times to get his belongings and he has not come to get it.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Aug 16, 2022

Assuming there is not some other written agreement or court order that specifically addresses the issue, you should send a final, written notice by any (or multiple) means likely to reach your ex, that he must make immediate arrangements with you to pick up his belongings at a mutuall agreeable... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law and Probate for Maryland on
Q: What type of deed is used in Maryland to transfer property from the treasurer to an individual? Is it a special warrant
Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Sep 20, 2021

There are three types of deeds in real property in Maryland: 1) General Warranty Deeds; 2) Special Warranty Deeds; and 3) Quitclaim Deeds. The first is rarely used in Maryland. It promises that the transferor's title was good from all claims before him. The second type merely warrants that the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law, Agricultural Law and Land Use & Zoning for Maryland on
Q: Is there a way to own a rooster if my county’s municipal code states that owning a rooster is prohibited?

I live in Frederick county Maryland and our municipal code states that only female chickens are permitted; no roosters. There is a rooster at my local animal shelter that I have grown quite found of. I was wondering if there are any ways to get around this rule prohibiting them. Could registering... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Sep 9, 2021

Kinda like asking if there’s a way around speed limits because, well, you are fond of driving fast and speed is emotionally calming to you. If there’s no exception in the law that prohibits roosters, which I have not looked up, then there’s no way around it. Areas are zoned as farmland and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: Had court date but pandemic came. Wasn’t given a court date and license for suspended

I got scheduled a court date for 39:3-40 back in March for my insurance I believe. Pandemic came and they scheduled it again for June but courts weren’t open. Just paid that ticket from the courts and it was $153 plus $33 court fees. Before me paying that ticket, I got pulled over again for my... View More

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Sep 6, 2020

Hi there,

That sounds frustrating. I doubt you will lose your license. In all likelihood, you will show up at the mandated hearing, explain what happened to the prosecutor and if you can show proof that everything is in good order (ie. license is back in good standing, registration is good,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: Can a municipality,a.k.a.,city be sued for PUBLIC NUISANCE?

When a city's agencies and officers repeatedly do things that not only contradicts the city's own codes but harm it's residents and citizens,can its citizens sue the city leadership on the grounds of being PUBLIC NUISANCE?

Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Apr 17, 2019

Hard to give an answer without more facts. Generally you can sue for just about anything - can you win? That's another issue. Consult local counsel for options.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: What crimes would be charged against a subject for self defense of their home or property?

More in depth if a person used a firearm in the defense of self or others what crimes are they being charged with?

Thomas J. Maronick Jr
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Thomas J. Maronick Jr
answered on Jan 18, 2018

Almost anything. Maryland generally DOES NOT allow use of deadly force to defend against property. The gray area is that Maryland does allow citizens to make an arrest when warranted and that the castle doctrine means you ARE allowed to defend yourself within your home using reasonable force and... View More

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