Rules of Civility

 

At the age of 16, George Washington set down his “110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation”. His first rule was: 'Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present'.

 

In wake of a growing number of petty property crimes and violations of civil ordinances, we wanted to remind Kensington Heights residents of “Quality of Life" initiatives designed to instill a sense of civility in the community. 

 

Please review the following Montgomery County ordinances.  If you have any complaints or concerns regarding a violation, please call the appropriate contact listed below.

 

Noise
Montgomery County Code, Chapter 31-B

It is unlawful to create a noise disturbance anywhere during quiet hours. Quiet Hours Are: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. weekends and federal holidays. A noise disturbance, as defined by the ordinance, is any sound that is unpleasant, annoying, or loud; abnormal for the time or location; and prejudicial to health, comfort, property, or the conduct of business. Under the ordinance, it is unlawful to create a noise disturbance anywhere during "quiet hours," including multi-family buildings and townhouses. Be sure to:

Upon conviction, violators of the Noise Control Ordinance are subject to a civil penalty of up to $500. Repeat offenders are subject to a fine of $750, or criminal sanctions.

Excess noise complaints can be referred to the Department of Environmental Protection at 240-777-7770 or the Police Department’s non-emergency number; 301-279-8000.

Housing Maintenance Standards    

Homeowners are responsible for all exterior components of their house. Foundation, walls, stairs, windows, doors, and the roof must be kept in good repair.  Homeowners are also responsible for maintenance of trees and shrubbery. It is a code violation if grass has grown higher than 12 inches.

No motor vehicles are to be stored on residential property unless they are operable and display valid tags. Montgomery County Code requires that all vehicles on private property must be in operable condition and have current registration.

Complaints may be called in to the Code Enforcement Section’s Intake Desk at 240-777-3785. Additional important numbers include:

Single-Family Rental Properties
All single-family rental properties must be licensed as rental facilities. Inspections of these properties are made in response to complaints or if they are located within a neighborhood that has been targeted for intensive code enforcement.

Public Urination
Yes, believe it or not, there have been numerous cases of one KH residence having parties and their guests urinating on the street and on neighbor’s property.

Montgomery County prohibits public urination for individuals over 7 years of age.  The penalty for public urination can be either civil or criminal.  The civil violation is a Class A violation with a $500 fine for the first offense, and $750 for the second offense.    The penalty for the criminal offense is up to $1,000 and up to 6 months imprisonment.  Contact Montgomery County Police at their non-emergency number: 301-279-8000

Littering and Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping involves the disposal of solid waste in any area other than an approved facility. It is illegal to leave trash along roadways or in fields, wooded areas, stream valleys, parklands, or any other location or container not owned by you. If you observe an act of illegal dumping, you can help by recording the tag number of the vehicle, a description of the vehicle and person(s) involved, the date and time of the incident, and the dumping location. In Montgomery County, call the Illegal Dumping Hotline at 240-777-DUMP (3867). Illegal dumpers are subject to a minimum $1,000 civil fine and possible criminal prosecution.

Accumulation of Solid Waste

According to Montgomery County Code, Chapter 48, it is illegal to accumulate solid waste on one’s property. Examples of solid waste are: garbage, debris from building construction, dead animals, dead or felled trees, uprooted tree stumps, tree limbs, leaves, grass, garden trimmings, abandoned vehicles, machinery, bottles, cans, boxes, containers, tires, appliances, or furniture. To report any of these conditions, cal1 (240) 777-3785.

 

 

Storing of Inoperable and Unlicensed Vehicles on Residential Property

It is unlawful to store dysfunctional motor vehicles for more than 30 days or unregistered vehicles for more than 90 days on private property. Nonfunctional motor vehicles are considered solid waste and must be removed or repaired within 30 days. Unregistered vehicles are functional vehicles that are not registered in any state or jurisdiction. Vehicle owners have 90 days to register or remove the vehicle. To report a non- functional, abandoned vehicle or unregistered vehicle on private property contact DHCA at (240) 777-3785. To report a non- functional, abandoned vehicle on a public road or right-of-way, contact the Police Department's Abandoned Auto Unit at 301-840-2454.

Animal Control
According to Montgomery County Code, an owner must not:
Allow a dog or unaltered cat to be at large.
Allow an animal to damage or defecate on property outside the owner's property.  An animal may defecate on public property or the common area of property in which the owner shares an interest if the owner immediately removes and disposes of the feces by a sanitary method approved by the Division.

Allow an animal to cause noise that is loud and persistent enough to disturb another person's quiet enjoyment.

For further information, or to report an animal bite or a violation of animal control laws, call the Animal Services Division at 240-773-5960 or 240-773-5925. For after-hours emergencies, call 240-773-5900.