Capitol Heights, Maryland is a small town located in Prince George's County, just outside of Washington D. C. With a population of around 4,400 people, it may seem like a quiet and peaceful place to live. However, like any other town or city, Capitol Heights has its fair share of abandoned or derelict properties. Abandoned properties can be a major issue for any community.
They not only bring down property values and create an eyesore, but they can also attract crime and pose safety hazards. That's why there are laws in place to address abandoned properties in Capitol Heights, MD.
The Definition of an Abandoned Property
Before we dive into the laws surrounding abandoned properties in Capitol Heights, it's important to understand what exactly constitutes an abandoned property. According to the Prince George's County Code, an abandoned property is defined as any property that has been left unoccupied for at least 90 days and shows signs of neglect or disrepair. These signs can include overgrown vegetation, broken windows or doors, and general deterioration of the property. It's important to note that a property can still be considered abandoned even if the owner still technically owns it.If the owner is not actively maintaining the property or living in it, it can still be classified as abandoned.
The Responsibility of Property Owners
In Capitol Heights, as well as the rest of Prince George's County, property owners have a responsibility to maintain their properties. This includes keeping the exterior of the property in good condition and addressing any safety hazards that may arise. If a property owner fails to maintain their property and it becomes abandoned or derelict, they can face fines and penalties. The county can also take legal action to force the owner to address the issues with the property. This is to ensure that abandoned properties do not become a burden on the community.The Abandoned Property Registration Program
In an effort to address abandoned properties more efficiently, Prince George's County has implemented an Abandoned Property Registration Program.This program requires owners of abandoned properties to register their property with the county and pay a registration fee. The purpose of this program is to create a database of abandoned properties in the county and hold owners accountable for maintaining their properties. The registration fee also goes towards funding the county's efforts to address abandoned properties and keep the community safe.
The Process for Addressing Abandoned Properties
If a property is deemed abandoned, the county will take steps to address the issue. This can include issuing citations and fines to the property owner, as well as taking legal action to force them to address the issues with the property. In some cases, the county may also take possession of the property through a process called receivership. This allows the county to take control of the property and make necessary repairs or renovations in order to bring it up to code.The cost of these repairs will then be placed as a lien on the property, which must be paid by the owner before they can regain control of the property.
The Importance of Reporting Abandoned Properties
If you live in Capitol Heights and notice an abandoned or derelict property in your neighborhood, it's important to report it to the county. You can do so by contacting the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) or by using their online reporting system. Reporting abandoned properties not only helps keep your community safe and clean, but it also ensures that property owners are held accountable for maintaining their properties. The more abandoned properties that are reported, the more resources the county can allocate towards addressing the issue.Conclusion
Abandoned properties can be a major issue for any community, and Capitol Heights is no exception. However, with the laws and programs in place to address these properties, the town is taking steps towards creating a safer and more attractive community for its residents. If you come across an abandoned property in Capitol Heights, don't hesitate to report it.By doing so, you are not only helping your community, but you are also ensuring that property owners are held accountable for maintaining their properties.
