Caroline County enacts property‑maintenance ordinance limiting outdoor rubbish and garbage storage

Caroline County commissioners enacted Legislative Bill 2026-044 on third reading June 9, creating a new Chapter 138 (Property Maintenance — Rubbish and Garbage) to regulate outdoor storage of refuse.

A staff presenter summarized changes to the draft ordinance and said the committee removed a section addressing burning. The ordinance now defines 'rubbish' and 'garbage', sets requirements for approved containers, provides a 10-day notice to correct a reported violation, permits civil citations if violations are not remedied, and treats repeat offenses within three years with increased fines and a shorter remediation period.

Commissioners described the measure as a modest step to protect neighbors from nuisances while minimizing impacts on residents who comply with storage requirements. After brief discussion, the board moved, seconded and enacted the bill by voice vote.

The ordinance authorizes the Department of Planning and Codes to serve orders to abate violations and includes civil penalties and judicial enforcement options; the transcript shows the county intends to follow normal enforcement and notice procedures under the new code chapter.