SUMMARY OF CIVIL LEGAL REMEDIES for COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN BALTIMORE CITY

SUMMARY OF CIVIL LEGAL REMEDIES for COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN BALTIMORE CITY

LAW - Common Law Nuisance
Seeking a court order for abatement of a nuisance

Plaintiff
Person or entity negatively affected and with a property interest

Defendant
Property owner & possibly the one causing the nuisance

Requirements

Common law, common sense notice to defendant and attempts to remedy without litigation
A plan for abating the nuisance and monitoring the property for compliance

LAW - Self Help Nuisance Abatement ->Click Here For Details<-
A common law nuisance abatement used to secure vacant properties and lots

Plaintiff
Neighboring property owner or community association

Defendant
Property Owner

Requirements

Plaintiff's property must be adversely affected by the nuisance
Reasonable, at least two weeks, notice to owner by regular and certified mail
If the owner does not abate, the affected person may abate with out further damage to property.
Records and receipts

LAW - Drug Nuisance Abatement ->Click Here For Details<-
Any drug related nuisance at any type of property The remedy can be very broad. Md. Ann. Code, RP §14-120.
Plaintiff
Community association, local prosecutor or civil attorney for the political subdivision
Defendant
Property owner,
tenants or occupants causing the nuisance Defendants may be limited to drug dealers
Requirements

Police evidence or detailed observation logs by neighbors
Statutory prior notice to defendants
Plan for abating nuisance and monitoring property for compliance
Witnesses - police and/or community residents

LAW - Vacant House Receivership Case ->Click Here For Details<-
Code Enforcement to rehab property with outstanding vacant building violation notice. Baltimore City Building Code, 1994 edition, §123.6 et seq.
Plaintiff
Community association or the City of Baltimore
Defendant
Property Owner,
Tax Sale Certificate Holder, any other parties with property interest
Requirements

City Dept of Housing and Community Development has 'designated' community organization to stand in its shoes
Developer with financing and commitment to renovate the property
Receiver - almost always, Save A Neighborhood
Ten day notice to owner of intent to file a Show Cause Order for appointment of a receiver, if the owner does not abate the violation notice

LAW - Community Bill of Rights ->Click Here For Details<-
Abatement of a nuisance on private property that is a violation of a city code. Md. Ann. Code, RP §14-123.
Plaintiff
Incorporated, tax exempt community association
Defendant
Property owner & possibly one causing the nuisance
Requirements

Community association with geographic boundaries and at least 40 households, composed of at least 25% of the adult residents who pay dues, and which has been in existence for two years
60 day notice of the nuisance to owner and appropriate city agency
Community residents must build the case

Observation Logs ->Click Here For Sample Observation Log<-

Information Courtesy of Community Law Center, Inc.- 2500 Maryland Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21218 - 410/ 366 - 0922 | fax 366 - 7763

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