Code Enforcement - Towson, Maryland

Veronica B.

Recently called to follow up on a complaint i called in about 2 months ago about mice and cockroach infestation in my apartment since my leasing department won’t help with transferring me to another unit. I thought calling here would help with my process and my concerns but it was the complete opposite. Lady who answered was absolutely rude stating that for them mice infestation is not an emergency. Inspector McCarthy made me waste my time saying he would show up 3 times in the afternoon. I left work early those 3 times and he never showed up and never answered to the number he provided for me which he stated was his work cell number!!!! Absolutely ridiculous!!!

Nik C.

Complacent government workers. You can dismantle a house, run a business in a residential area, you can do all construction without permits. You can complain. I guarantee you...they will not do their jobs in code enforcement.

Mary J.

I filed a complaint with my lawyer for my neighbor's 2 structures being too close to the property line & no permit for the 1 over 120sf. which restricted me in repairing my fence due to no room. At hearing where surveys, pictures, and measurements were submitted, the judge said the neighbor or I needed to goto court to determine property lines as my neighbor recently obtained a survey which was in conflict with my 2 surveys done 20 yrs ago. A year later, my neighbor never pursued court and didn't have $6,000 to initiate. I brought the case up as I was getting ready to sell trying to finish loose ends to the property. One inspector initiated a new citation for non compliance and Inspector 158 decided to terminate and dismiss the citation/case for reasons that "I moved and I didn't follow the admin judge's orders" KNOWING the Judge said the neighbor or I to file a case. Mr Whitlock ,the director, made excuses in email communication, would not answer my questions, and flat out lied about being in contact with the new owner of my property which I personally spoke to and updated them with the case. Mr. Whitlock wouldn't admit his inspector 158 was wrong and open a new case or even just use the newest survey to just get the structures moved over as all the surveys clearly showed the structures not being 2 1/2 ft from the property line. AND they now don't need to file for a permit for the over 120SF metal office trailer with no wheels sitting on Balt Co Residental property. Clearly against Code Guidelines. This office is corrupt in my opinion. Pulling favors for friends and lie. They pick and choose who they want to fine and harass. This property is clearly against County Code Guidelines and this office chooses to turn a blind eye. They should be ashamed of themselves for thinking they don't need to uphold County Guidelines while being paid by taxpayers. So if this case CC2208956 sets a new precedent for future cases of needing a permit or property line structure placement, all you need to claim is the complainant moved & there is a property line dispute. This office doesn't even deserve 1 star.

Robin F.

Code enforcement in Baltimore County does nothing. My neighborhood has had a rat problem for almost 2 years - they refuse to cite the homes that are helping the rats exist even after numerous complaints. They don’t communicate at all except through pre-written emails that you cannot respond to. I can’t begin to tell you how many complaints I filed on one house and not even 1 was addressed ; they stated “no violation found” or “closed”. My neighbors house is a haven for rats and their yard looks like a construction site- bricks, cinder blocks, wood, cement mixers, scaffolding, 1 shed FULL of cut pieces of a tree that they cut down, an addition that has been in progress for close to a year, a flatbed trailer - almost as long as the width of their year, parked in front of their house for weeks at a time - and it’s not hitched to any vehicle, etc. But there is no violation on this property. As far as the rats, I’ve been told if the rats are on my property it is my responsibility eradicate them, even though they are living and breeding on my neighbors property. It’s no wonder neighbors get in fights and disagreements because the people that are supposed to be assisting with the problems….don’t. The county could save a lot of money and just do away with Code Enforcement all together. They are useless anyway

Jameela P.

I filed a complaint with this office in June 2022 because birds were flying underneath the roof’s flashing on my apartment building and nesting in the attic space above my bedroom ceiling. Every morning, I was awakened to the sound of loud scratching and scampering. After constant complaining and multiple maintenance requests, my landlord (Maryland Management) hired an exterminator and contractor to
investigate my noise complaint. I was informed by the onsite community manager that openings in the roof had been sealed. I thought the problem was solved. However, I continued to hear the same noise. At this point, I had no idea what was running around above my ceiling. It could be rats/mice, or some
other rodent. I continued to report the noise and management did NOTHING else.

The inspector assigned my case recommended that I record the noise as evidence, which I did. On the compliance date, the inspector came back and listened to my recordings and took a picture of the timestamp on my phone. He stated that he would extend the compliance date. Not even a week later, I receive a call form the inspector informing me that he was closing my case because he had received a letter from Maryland Management’s attorney. Even though I was still hearing the noise, my case was closed. It’s a shame that all a slumlord has to do is have an attorney send an intimidating letter to their office and a case is closed, whether it is warranted or not. Nevertheless, I spoke with a supervisor (Mrs. Scott) from this office to appeal the closure of my case. First, she was rude and nasty. Second, she stated that unless I was a licensed exterminator and could prove in court that the noise I was hearing was coming from rats/mice, then there was nothing else they could do. Finally, after several calls, I was able to speak to the Chief of Code Enforcement, Adam Whitlock. Mr. Whitlock stated that without knowing the exact source of the noise, there was no code to attach to my complaint that they could enforce. He stated that I could refile if the situation continued to “evolve”, which I found funny. If a rat ran across the inspector’s foot, or if the inspector stepped on a pile of droppings during his visit, would that warrant enforcement? When it gets to that point, I’ll call again. Thanks!

C A.

Literally the most lazy people ever. Every negative review it's spot on. They need to be investigated!

Larry N.

Apparently the moronic county inspectors NEVER return a phone call. Are they trained not to respond? The most incompetent division I have ever experienced. If YOU don’t want to perform the job duties, then shut it down and use our county taxes in a more positive role. Totally ridiculous..

Duane C.

I had my first Virtual Hearing with Baltimore County for a minor code Enforcement citation. The virtually hearing went very smooth and I appreciate the courts setting this up. Even thou I had to pay a small fine, the amount of time I saved by not having to drive to Towson, look & pay for a parking space, pass security, try to social distance - it was worth it. I would have spent more time & money if I would have won but had to attend the hearing. I hope Baltimore County will be an example to the other counties & will continue to use the virtual hearing for at least minor citation hearings even after the pandemic.