Important Laws & Neighborly Tips

Hilltop Community Rules & Regulations

Dog Restraint Regulations

• Dogs must be kept under restraint or effective control at all times.

• Animals, except cats, must remain on the owner's property.

• Dogs must not be tethered for more than 12 consecutive hours.

• Tethers must be at least 10 feet long with swivels on both ends to prevent tangling.

• Fenced enclosures must be properly maintained and repaired as needed.

• Invisible fences must effectively contain dogs; aggressive dogs may not be restrained using invisible fencing.

For complete regulations, refer to § 90.05 Restraint on amlegal.com.

Sidewalk Maintenance

Property owners, tenants, or occupants are responsible for sidewalk maintenance, including repairs and replacements, ensuring sidewalks remain safe and defect-free. Repairs must match the existing neighborhood materials and design.

The Department of Public Works may conduct voluntary inspections but is not required to.

Refer to Carroll County Code § 197-30 for additional details.

Included on page: Laws & Regulations 

Snow & Ice Removal

Snow and ice must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall. If snow falls between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., it must be cleared by 6 p.m. the following day.

For regulations, refer to:

• Carroll County Code § 197-30

• § 92.066 Snow Removal and Maintenance

Please reference Carroll County Code (2004 Code , § 197-30)  (Ord. 04-11, passed 4-12-2004)  Penalty, see § 92.999.

§ 92.066  SNOW REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE.

Included on page: Laws & Regulations 

Mailbox Damage from Snowplows

Report damage using the SEE CLICK REPORT app:

1. Take a photo of the damaged mailbox.

2. Submit your address within the app.

Alternatively, report damage online:
Carroll County Snow/Ice Removal Guidelines

This information, in full, can be found at: 

https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/public-works/roads-operations/snowice-removal-guidelines-for-carroll-county-md/

Overhanging Trees & Branches

• Property owners may trim trees or branches up to their property line but cannot enter a neighbor's property without consent.

• Fallen branches must be removed by the property owner where they fall.

• To prevent future issues, trim overhanging branches and encroaching roots.

For legal guidance, refer to:
Maryland People's Law Library – Problems with Neighbors FAQ.

You may reference Problems with Neighbors FAQ | The Maryland People's Law Library (peoples-law.org) 

Or see below:

Can I cut down the branches of a neighbor’s tree that is hanging over my property?

You may cut a branch, vine, or root of a neighbor’s tree or other plant that extends onto your property, but only back to the neighbor’s property line.  You may not enter your neighbor’s property to trim or remove a tree or other plant without first getting your neighbor’s consent.  If you wish to trim or cut down a tree that is close to a public road, you may need to apply to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for a permit.  You should also check with your county and municipality to see whether they have other requirements you must follow in order to trim or remove a roadside tree.

Reporting Potholes & Clogged Storm Drains

Use the SEE CLICK REPORT app to submit photos and location details. Alternatively, report issues online: Carroll County SeeClickReport.

You may also utilize this link, to execute the same process via the website: https://carrollcountymd.gov/seeclickreport 

We applaud you for the consideration and respect you provide for your neighbors!!