Howard County Information
The Howard County website provides a wealth of information about County government offices, departments, and programs.
http://www.howardcountymd.gov/Home.aspx
Animal Control
http://www.howardcountymd.gov/animalcontrol.htm
Scroll to the bottom of the page of the above link, and under the Links subtitle, click “Learn About Animal Control Laws” to download a PDF summary.
Children’s Services
Our Office of Children’s Services is pleased to announce the release of Parent Pages, a newsletter designed just for parents and families in Howard County. Containing articles about “hot” topics and information about workshops and local events, Parent Pages is a great resource for parents facing the challenges of raising children of any age. As everyone knows, kids don’t come with directions!
Please feel free to forward Parent Pages to parents and community groups who may be interested. To be included in the distribution list, please send an email to children@howardcountymd.gov or call the Office of Children’s Services at 410-313-1940
Community Snow Removal
CLEARING SIDEWALKS
Howard County does not maintain any sidewalks, including snow removal, with exception of the sidewalks adjacent to County buildings (libraries, offices, etc.). The owner of property abutting a sidewalk in a public right-of-way is responsible for removing snow from the sidewalk within 48 hours after the snow has fallen. In the event of a multi-unit building with more than one occupant, it shall be the duty of the lessor to remove the snow unless the lessor has obligated a tenant who is actually occupying the property to do so. (Howard County Code, Section 18.402(h). This applies to public streets and is applicable to sidewalks adjacent to public property.
If a property owner has not removed the snow within 48 hours, you may want to contact the property owner and advise him or her of the County code. If you are unsure who owns a property, contact our Real Estate Services Division at 410-313-2330. If you have an exact address, they can look up the property owner and may be able to give you a contact name and number.
Another idea is to reach out and ask the property owner if he or she needs assistance. Although the property owner would like to comply with the law, many residents are physically unable to shovel snow and ice and are hesitant to request help from neighbors or friends. Your thoughtfulness can make a big difference to someone who might otherwise be unable to cope.
If you are willing to help remove snow for seniors or physically disabled individuals in your neighborhood who need help, please call Regina Jenkins of Howard County’s MD Access Point at 410-313-1417 to volunteer for the “Snow Help” program.
As a last resort, to file a complaint, contact the Howard County Police Department at 410-313-2200.
HELPFUL TIPS
The Bureau of Highways reminds drivers not to park on streets, especially on a cul-de-sac as that makes snow removal nearly impossible for highway crews. Vehicles should be parked in driveways. This allows police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to respond quickly to public safety tasks while driving in treacherous conditions and leads to quick and complete clearing of the roads. Residents may also want to delay shoveling driveway aprons and sidewalks until the street has been completely cleared. Otherwise, it is very likely a full blade of snow will slide off the plow onto the driveway.
Please be respectful of your neighbors and follow these rules.
Snow Clearing – Howard County Bureau of Highways
Use the link provided to track real-time progress of Howard County’s snow clearing efforts.
http://www.howardcountymd.gov/DisplayPrimary.aspx?id=414
