HOW IS A ZONING/BUILDING COMPLAINT MADE?

DPS maintains a phone line for citizens to request investigations of suspected zoning violations and illegal construction activities (building without permits). The phone number is (240) 777-6259.

Zoning complaints typically involve allegations of improper uses/activities in residential, business, and other zones and violations of building restrictions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and height limits. Complaints may be also registered about building construction and electrical work having been done without permits.

WHAT OCCURS AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT?

Complaints are assigned to zoning/building investigators/inspectors who, if they find violations, instruct the violators to take corrective action. If a violation is not corrected within a reasonable time, the investigator/inspector will undertake legal proceedings, such as issuing civil citations (tickets). Complainants names are kept confidential by the department.

WILL THE RESULTS OF AN INVESTIGATION BE AVAILABLE?

The zoning official investigating the complaint will inform the complainant of important developments in the case and its final outcome.

HOW LONG WILL THE INVESTIGATION TAKE?

Normally, the initial stages of the investigation begin within one to three days from the receipt of the complaint.

Actual investigation time may vary according to workload and/or complexity of the complaint.