If something in the neighborhood has crossed from annoying into an actual problem — a junk-filled yard, a car that hasn’t moved in months, grass that’s been ignored all summer — Baltimore County can step in. Most people don’t realize how easy it is to file a complaint, or that you can do it anonymously.
Here’s exactly how it works, in plain language.
The Easiest Way: BaltCoGo App
The BaltCoGo app is Baltimore County’s official complaint and service request tool. It’s free, available on iPhone and Android, and the fastest way to get a complaint to the right department.
Step by Step
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1Open BaltCoGo and tap “Report a Problem”
From the home screen, tap the report button. You’ll be asked to select a category. For most neighborhood issues, choose Code Enforcement.
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2Pick the right violation type
Common categories for Red House Run issues:
- Abandoned vehicles — untagged, inoperable, or hasn’t moved in weeks
- Tall grass or weeds — over 8 inches on the property
- Trash or debris in yard — junk, appliances, scrap materials visible from the street
- Zoning violations — excess commercial vehicles, storage pods, etc.
- Unsanitary conditions — rodent harborage, hazardous materials
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3Enter the exact address
The complaint is filed against the property address, not the person. You’ll need the full street address of the property in question. The app can use your location to help identify nearby addresses.
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4Add a photo if you can
Photos make complaints faster to act on. A clear photo of the violation — overgrown yard, junk pile, inoperable vehicle — gives the inspector exactly what they need before they even arrive. You can take one directly in the app.
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5Leave your contact info (optional)
You do not have to identify yourself to file a complaint. However, if you want to receive updates on what happens — whether a notice was issued, whether the owner complied — leave your name and email. Note that complaint files are public record, so if you want to stay anonymous, skip this field.
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6Submit and track
Once submitted, you’ll get a case number. You can use that number to check the status of your complaint online at baltimorecountymd.gov or by calling 410-887-3351.
What Happens After You File
Baltimore County logs your complaint and assigns it to a Code Enforcement inspector.
An inspector visits the address to confirm whether a violation exists. If they confirm it, they issue a correction notice to the property owner with a deadline to fix it.
Most people comply once they receive an official notice. The inspector re-checks the property after the deadline.
If the owner ignores the correction notice, they receive a citation and must appear before an Administrative Law Judge. Fines accrue per day the violation exists. In serious cases, the county can hire a contractor to fix it and place a lien on the property — which can result in the property going to tax sale.
Other Ways to Report
File directly at baltimorecountymd.gov — same process as the app, no download required.
Dial 311 from anywhere in Baltimore County. Tell them you want to file a Code Enforcement complaint and give them the address.
Email [email protected] or mail to Code Enforcement, 111 W. Chesapeake Ave., Room 216, Towson, MD 21204.
Baltimore County Code Enforcement will send a team through the entire neighborhood to identify and cite visible violations. It’s called a Community Sweep. Any community association can request one — and while we don’t have an HOA, a group of residents can coordinate a request.
To request a sweep, email [email protected] with the boundaries of the neighborhood, your trash pickup day, and a contact name. Note: sweeps are in high demand and take several months to schedule.
Check the neighbor expectations guide to see what Baltimore County actually enforces.