The purpose of this chapter is to establish
a system for the assignment of road names and the numbering of properties
in Talbot County. The County Council deems it in the best interest
of the health, safety and welfare of the County that a procedure be
adopted to designate the location of properties and buildings in the
County for the convenience of emergency vehicles, the delivery of
mail, and other private and public purposes.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
have the meanings indicated:
PLANNING OFFICER
The person referred to in Section 403(a) of the County Charter,
and designated by the County Council of Talbot County to administer
the provisions of this chapter.
ROAD
A public or private way for vehicular traffic including rights-of-way,
streets, avenues, drives, circles, highways, and other similar terms.
TAX ASSESSMENT MAPS
Maps prepared by the Maryland Department of Assessments and
Taxation which show properties and roads in Talbot County.
[Amended 7-24-2001 by Bill No. 837]
A. A violation of any provision of this chapter or failure
to comply with any requirement thereof, shall constitute a civil infraction.
Each day on which a violation of this chapter continues shall constitute
a separate offense. Any person found by a court of competent jurisdiction
to have violated any section or provision of this chapter shall pay
a fine of $100 for the first violation. The fine for each subsequent
violation shall be $100.
B. Civil citation. The Planning Officer or enforcement
official may deliver a civil citation to the person(s) believed to
be committing an infraction. A citation may be sent by certified mail
or by personal service to the persons(s) responsible for such violations
or noncompliance. If service of the order is not reasonable or is
unsuccessful, then service by posting of the order on the building
or land, with a copy mailed via first class mail to the last known
address of the property owner or alleged violator, as the case may
be, shall suffice. The citation shall serve as notification that a
civil violation has been committed and a monetary fine has been assessed
that is due and payable to the County within 10 calendar days from
the date of its issuance. A copy of the citation shall be retained
by the Planning Officer and shall bear certification attesting to
the truth of the matter set forth. The citation shall contain:
(1) The name and address of the person charged;
(2) The nature of the violation;
(3) The location where and date the violation occurred;
(4) The amount of the fine assessed;
(5) The manner, location, and time in which the fine may
be paid; and
(6) The person's right to elect to stand trial for the
violation.
C. Proceedings. In a proceeding before the District Court,
the violation shall be prosecuted in the same manner and to the same
extent as set forth in municipal infractions in Md. Code Ann., Local
Government Art., § 6-108 through § 6-115, as amended
from time to time, and which is incorporated by reference herein.
The County Attorney is authorized to prosecute a violation of this
chapter, enter a nolle prosequi or place such cases on the stet docket.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
D. The County may enforce this chapter by civil action
for declaratory judgment and/or injunction, in addition to, or instead
of citing the violator for a civil infraction. In the case of a civil
action for declaratory judgment and/or injunction, the County may
recover its legal fees and costs from the violator.
E. The owner and/or tenant of any building, structure,
premise, or part thereof, or any other person who causes, commits,
participates in, assists in, or maintains a violation of this chapter
shall be guilty of a separate offense, and subject to all the penalties
set forth herein.