Frequently Asked Questions

The first step you should take when you believe a neighbor in Cheverly is in violation of an ordinance is to talk with your neighbor or the property owner about the situation. If you have done so, and the effort has failed, call Cheverly's Code Compliance at 240-770-7647 to register a complaint. Please give the exact address and description of the problem you feel is in violation. All complaints are confidential.

As citizens of the Town of Cheverly, we owe it to ourselves and to our neighbors to maintain our homes and businesses in a manner that has a positive effect on the overall appearance of our City.

The basis of the Code Compliance program rests upon each of us acting as good neighbors. We all have property rights that protect us; however, the term "property rights" also implies that a property owner has certain responsibilities. No property within the city may be used or maintained in a manner that downgrades the value, use, enjoyment, or safety of one's own or surrounding property.

The Office of Code Compliance is responsible for the compliance of City, County, and state codes relating to parking, signs, abandoned vehicles, weed abatement, health, and housing.

One of the main goals of the Code Compliance program is to bring to the attention of residential and business owners any existing code violation that could have a negative impact on their neighborhood. Many such code violations are referred to as "public nuisances." Through voluntary compliance, cooperation, and a spirit of personal responsibility for the well-being of our community, conditions that create code violations can be eliminated and the program will succeed in making the Town of Cheverly an even better place to live.

Code Compliance personnel are always available to attend neighborhood and organizational meetings to explain the program and assist citizens with improving their neighborhoods.

Problems are addressed in a confidential, friendly, and understanding way. On receiving a complaint, a code compliance officer will notify the property owner to explain the problem and suggest solutions. The property owner is then given time to take care of the violation, whether it be by moving an inoperable vehicle to the garage, trimming back weeds, repairing a fence, or relocating trash cans and debris.

While most property owners comply after the first notification, those who don't receive additional notices and/or fines. In addition, some violations may be abated by the town at the owner's expense.

We receive complaints from a number of sources including internal referrals, outside agencies, and the general public. Of those complaints received from the general public, we may offer to keep a complainant's name confidential for various reasons. A court order is required to find out the complainant's name if we agree to confidentiality. If a complainant is not concerned about confidentiality, their name is public record.

Contact the Town, we will be more than happy to explain any questions you might have or work with you on a solution. Please keep in mind that the Town of Cheverly Cannot recommend a contractor to do the work or a specific corrective method.

Contact the Town as soon as possible. Normally, the Town has no problem providing more time for the voluntary correction to code-related issues. Please keep in mind that violations that deal with the Health and Safety of the Community may require immediate attention and might not be subject to extension.

The best thing you can do is be concerned about the welfare and appearance of your street and neighborhood; then take action:

• Organize a block or alley clean-up.
• Return a stray shopping cart to the store.
• Report illegal dumping immediately.
• Remove temporary signs from utility poles.
• Make sure your property is free from code violations.
• Encourage neighbors and surrounding businesses to maintain their property.
• Arrange for Code Enforcement staff to speak at your neighborhood gathering.
• Volunteer to organize a clean-up at your neighborhood school.
• Call to report realtors who advertise properties in your neighborhood with code violations.
• Visit your neighborhood association.
• Encourage your children to care about a clean neighborhood.