Overview

The Environmental Inspection Program originated in 1987 when Carroll County requested delegation from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for inspection responsibilities of individual residential building permits. MDE approved delegation of the program to the County and the program then evolved into what it is today. The Environmental Inspection Division, within the Bureau of Resource Management, implements this program.

The Division which consists of a Chief Environmental Inspector and four inspectors assigned to different areas throughout the County is responsible for the following: review and approval of site and subdivision plans for the County and municipalities relating to requirements of Chapter 152 "Grading and Sediment Control” of the Carroll County Code of Public Local Laws and Ordinances; sediment control and final grading inspections for building permits, commercial and residential grading permits and forest harvest permits; and investigations relating to complaints received for grading issues, sink holes, and other environmental issues. This Division is also responsible for enforcement issues relating to all environmental chapters of the Carroll County Code.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the inspection staff has taken on: drywell inspections for residential building permits, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) inspections, stormwater management maintenance inspections of County and privately owned facilities, and stormwater management retrofit inspections.

The Division is actively involved in numerous projects relating to the protection and enhancement of our natural resources throughout the County, while continuing program development, enforcement, and providing technical support to other County agencies, municipalities, and the general public.

If additional information is needed, please contact the Bureau of Resource Management at 410-386-2712.