Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Maryland Code, Local Government § 12-515

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of opening or altering a road, at least two of the examiners shall determine the cost of damages that may be sustained by a person through whose property an opened or altered road may pass.

(b) The governing body of the county may ratify, reject, or alter the determination of the cost of damages under subsection (a) of this section.

(c)(1) The governing body of the county shall determine whether the damages shall be:

(i) paid by the petitioner;

(ii) paid by the county; or

(iii) apportioned between the petitioner and the county.

(2) Before the road may be opened, any damages owed shall be paid to the respective property owner, or to the respective property owner's guardian, agent, or attorney.

(3) If a property owner dies after the examiners have determined the cost of damages, the damages shall be paid to the property owner's personal representative.

(d)(1) Subject to a determination under subsection (c)(1) of this section, signing a petition for opening, altering, or closing of a road does not make the petitioner liable for the payment of any part of the damages determined by the governing body of the county.

(2) The governing body may hold a petitioner liable for the costs incurred by a person defending against the petition if the case is decided in favor of the person defending against the petition.

(3) If the governing body does not order the opening, altering, or closing of a road as requested in a petition, the petitioner shall be liable for all costs incurred by any person as a result of any proceeding relating to the petition under this subtitle.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Local Government § 12-515 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/local-government/md-code-local-govt-sect-12-515/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard