Section 9-804 - Notice to occupant to remove combustible material. - Maryland Statutes

§ 9-804. Notice to occupant to remove combustible material.
 

(a)  In general.- A fire official shall give written notice to the occupant of premises where combustible material has accumulated to remove the combustible material from the premises within 48 hours after receipt of the notice, if after an inspection made under this subtitle, the fire official determines that the accumulation of combustible material increases the danger of fire to: 

(1) the premises where the combustible material has accumulated; or 

(2) adjacent property. 

(b)  Removal by fire official at occupant's expense.-  

(1) If the combustible material is not removed from the premises within 48 hours after receipt of a notice under subsection (a) of this section, the fire official may: 

(i) remove the combustible material from the premises; 

(ii) send a bill to the occupant of the premises for the cost of the removal; and 

(iii) certify the cost of the removal to the treasurer of the jurisdiction. 

(2) If the cost of the removal is not paid to the treasurer within 30 days after receipt of the bill, the jurisdiction may bring a civil action against the occupant to recover the cost. 

(c)  Refusal to comply with notice.-  

(1) A person may not refuse or neglect to remove combustible material within 48 hours after receipt of a notice under subsection (a) of this section. 

(2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $5 and not exceeding $50 for each violation. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 48, §§ 181(b), (c), 183; 2003, ch. 5, § 2.]