Help the City Enforce the Sanitation Code: A Step-by-Step Guide

If a nearby property is consistently violating City Code regarding trash, rats, or weeds, a correctly submitted 311request can lead to a citation. A property owner who doesn’t fix a violation after multiple citations can land in property court.

KNOW THE CODE

Before submitting a request to 311, make sure the issue violates City Code. See Section 305 and 306 of Baltimore City Property Maintenance Code for issues around trash, rats, weeds, and other sanitation concerns.

    1. Download the Baltimore City 311 app.

    2. Make sure the property address is the correct one! When selecting the property address, DO NOT use the cursor. Just type the property address into the search bar. Describe where the violation is in the “Confirm Address” box.

    3. Make sure to select “Trash & Unsightliness”  “Housing Inspection – Trash and/or Weeds.” This will dispatch a DHCD inspector within 10 days to determine if there is a city code violation.

    4. For rat issues, select “Housing, Buildings, and Structures”“Housing Inspection – Rodents.” The turnaround for inspections on rat issues is 15 days or less

    Provide plenty of information.

    1. Always upload at least one photo.

    2. Elaborate in the “Additional Information” section.

    3. Save your 311 Service Request number!

    1. …a citation is issued, wait 10 days. If the problem has not been resolved, you can submit the same request. [Note: if you don’t wait 10 days after a citation, your 311 request will be closed.]

    2. …no citation was issued, and you believe the inspector made a mistake, you can contact the DHCD’s inspector Central Office at (410) 396-4163.

    1. A citation comes with a fine. Some property owners will fix the issue to avoid future fines. Some will not. In the latter case, you’ll want to get enough citations for DHCD to bring the property owner to court, which will force them to fix the issue.

    2. Typically, DHCD’s attorneys look for 6 citations in fewer than 12 months. If a property receives 4 or 5 citations on at least a monthly basis, DHCD may be willing to take the case to the judge.

    3. Once DHCD takes the property owner to civil court, you can stay abreast of the case by contacting the Code Enforcement Legal Section at 410-396-4140 or emaDHCD.Legal@baltimorecity.gov. You can also check the status of outstanding violation notices and court scheduling on the DHCD website at https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/ce/code-enforcement-legal-section.

  • If you’re following this process but not making progress, your councilmember may be able to help! You can find your councilmember here.

PROPERTY OWNERS & MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

We encourage you post this guide in your building where tenants can access this information. Be sure to circle the days of the week your property has trash collection and recycling.

 TIPS:

SHARE PHOTOS

Take clear photos from various angles and add them to the request.

BE SPECIFIC

Enter detailed location notes. Specifics go a long way when describing a location.

KEEP A RECORD

Once you complete the submission, the system will generate a service request (SR#) confirmation number. Record this number as you will need this to follow up on a request.

COMMON PROBLEMS THAT 311 WILL ADDRESS

  • When to utilize: Repetitive dumping of large amounts of trash or building materials

    1. Select Trash and Unsightliness
    2. Select Illegal Dumping

  • When to utilize: Improper use / lack of use receptacles

    1. Select Trash and Unsightliness
    2. Select Housing Inspection - Trash and/or Weeds

  • When to utilize: Reporting high grass in tree well or on private property

    1. Select Trash and Unsightliness
    2. Select Housing Inspection - Trash and/or Weeds

  • When to utilize: For items that Midtown is excluded from collecting.

    1. Select Trash and Unsightliness
    2. Make selection based on item(s) being collected and day of service

    Selections include:

    • Bulk Trash (Saturday or Weekday option) - NO APPLIANCES

    • Bulk Trash (Saturday) - APPLIANCES ALLOWED

  • When to utilize: When Midtown is unable to collect due to equipment capacity or limitation of reach

    1. Select Animals, Parks & Trees
    2. Select City Street Tree Down

  • When to utilize: To request rat abatement

    1. Select Trash and Unsightliness
    2. Select Rat Rubout (occupied single family residence)