Maryland § 6-320

§ 6-320.

    (a)    If an owner or occupant of a building, structure, or premises who is served with a copy of an abatement order in accordance with § 6-319 of this subtitle fails to comply with the order within 30 days after the order is issued, or within 30 days after a court’s affirmation of the order becomes final, the State Fire Marshal:

        (1)    may enter the building, structure, or premises affected by the order; and

        (2)    at the expense of the owner or occupant, may cause:

            (i)    the building, structure, or premises to be repaired or demolished;

            (ii)    the combustible, flammable, or explosive materials to be removed; and

            (iii)    the dangerous conditions to be remedied.

    (b)    If the owner or occupant fails to reimburse the State Fire Marshal for the expenses incurred by the State Fire Marshal under subsection (a) of this section within 30 days after written demand is mailed to the owner or occupant at the owner’s or occupant’s last known address, the State Fire Marshal may sue in the name of the State to recover the expenses, with interest, in a court of competent jurisdiction.

    (c)    (1)    If the owner or occupant fails to comply with the abatement order after the period of time specified in subsection (a) of this section, the governing body of a county or municipal corporation may cooperate with the State Fire Marshal in repairing, demolishing, or otherwise remedying dangerous conditions in a building or structure in the county or municipal corporation.

        (2)    A lien shall attach to the property on which the building or structure stood in the amount of the expense of the work done by the county or municipal corporation.