A measure granting Howard officials the ability to impose fines for zoning violations will move to the General Assembly after being approved by the Howard delegation.
“My feeling personally is you want to get these done as soon as possible,” Del. Guy Guzzone, D-District 13, said, referring to settling zoning violations. The measure is intended to expedite resolution by allowing the county to bypass the courts and impose a fine.
The violations tend to be “fairly clear-cut,” Guzzone said.
County zoning inspectors can cite violations, but must go through the courts to impose the fines for violations such as unregistered vehicles on property, contractors working at odd hours or certain home-based businesses.
The vote was split down party lines, with the eight Democrats of the 11 delegation members approving the measure, which was proposed by County Executive Ken Ulman.
“I am so pleased the County Executive was interested in pursing this,” Del. Liz Bobo, D-District 12B, said.
Del. Warren Miller, R-District 9A, took issue with a phrase in the measure that would allow the county to create liens on property until the violation is resolved. Miller proposed an amendment to remove that clause, but the move failed.
“I am concerned about the powers we are giving the county,” Miller said. “It?s not a court.”
Del. Gail Bates, R-District 9A, who had raised concerns the government would be perceived as “overly aggressive,” said the lien authority was “a bit much.” She said the county should be given the ability to impose fines, but if it needs more authority in the ability to create liens, the measure can be changed later.
However, Guzzone said he was confident the county won?t be overzealous with the powers, and the measureaddresses the concerns of residents who have complained about violations but seen no enforcement.
