FAQs • Bowie, MD • CivicEngage

Inoperative vehicles are prohibited from being parked on residential property. What is an inoperative vehicle?: Generally, an inoperative vehicle is a vehicle that cannot be driven on a City street. An inoperative vehicle may have flat tire(s), dead battery, is not displaying valid registration plates, is dismantled or wrecked, cannot be driven under its own power, or has broken or missing parts, etc.

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Common Code Compliance Questions

1. How do I report a possible code violation?: You may call the Code Compliance Office at 301-809-3008, send an email to codecompliance@cityofbowie.org or enter a Service Request from this website at the link below.
Enter a Service Request

2. What is the height limit for grass and weeds?: Eight inches (8") is the maximum height for grass and weeds.

3. Can I bring my company truck home?: The City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits the parking or storing of commercial vehicles on residential lots, unless it is parked in a garage. A commercial vehicle may not be parked on the lot if any of the following conditions applies: manufacturer's GVW exceeds 7,500 lbs., vehicle load space is over 300 cubic feet or the vehicle has advertising/lettering/symbols exceeding 4 inches in height. Other prohibited commercial vehicles include tow trucks, stake body trucks, and trucks with dual rear wheels.

4. Are door-to-door solicitors required to have a City license?: Yes, most door-to-door solicitors are required to obtain a County license as well as a City license. A license is required if they are selling, promoting, introducing, offering a free survey or anything else of value or of service. A license is issued to each person and not the company. Civic, religious, fraternal and charitable organizations approved by the City Manager are exempt from the license requirement.
Licensed solicitors may only operate between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

5. Inoperative vehicles are prohibited from being parked on residential property. What is an inoperative vehicle?: Generally, an inoperative vehicle is a vehicle that cannot be driven on a City street. An inoperative vehicle may have flat tire(s), dead battery, is not displaying valid registration plates, is dismantled or wrecked, cannot be driven under its own power, or has broken or missing parts, etc.

6. Is there a restriction on loud noises or on when I can mow my lawn?: Generally, the generation of loud noise should not occur before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on weekdays (Monday thru Friday) and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) there should be no generation of loud noise before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.

7. Can I park my trailer on a City street?: Trailers, boat trailers and campers are prohibited from being parked on the street unless they are in the immediate process of loading or unloading.

8. Can my neighbor park their cars on the street in front of my home?: Yes. The street is a public right-of-way intended for public use. We encourage residents to park on their side of the street. The City does have several parking regulations and restrictions. See Chapter 14 of the City Code. City Code

9. How long may I park my car on the street without moving it?: Vehicles parked on the street must be moved one full vehicle length within a 72 hour period.

10. How many vehicles can a resident have?: There is no limitation on the number of vehicles a resident may own. The vehicles must be operative, display valid tags, be parked on a paved surface or City street, and must comply with other parking regulations.

11. What is the most common violation?: Open storage is the most common code violation. The City prohibits the outdoor storage of appliances, fixtures, tires, automotive parts and supplies, furniture, buckets, containers, building materials and supplies, litter, trash and debris, and other items generally stored in one's home, shed or garage. Residential storage is prohibited in any carport or front porch.