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1. Are building permits required?

Permits are most likely required for the following items.  Prior to doing any work, be sure to check with the Community Development Department in City Hall for permits and guidance.  You and your contractor are held equally responsible to obtain the proper permits and to verify all information.

• Commercial and Residential (New and Alteration) Construction
• Electrical, Plumbing and Utility Work
• Signs
• Water Sewer Connection
• Occupancy Change
• Demolition
• Use of Public Right of Way
• Pools, Porches, Fences, Block or Retaining Walls, Hot Tubs, Sheds, etc.
• Decks or Patios 
• Excavations, etc.

Permits may be obtained by applying through the online portal, Citizenserve.

2. Why do I need to license my rental property?

City Code sets minimum standards for the protection of health, safety, morals and general welfare of the public and of the owners and occupants of dwellings in the City of Cumberland. It is unlawful for the owner(s) of any rental dwelling unit to permit occupancy of any rental dwelling unit by another unless it is licensed by the City of Cumberland and every licensed dwelling unit shall be inspected on an occupancy basis.  To license a new rental, visit the Community Development’s online portal: Citizenserve.  To schedule an inspection, it can be done through the portal once you are registered and licensed, or you may call the Office of Community Development at 301-722-2000 Ext. 5600.

3. Who do I contact with a problem?

Depending upon the issue, the following departments or resources are available to help.

To report a pothole, broken streetlight or damaged/missing street sign:  https://www.cumberlandmd.gov/requesttracker.aspx

To report a diseased or hazardous tree:  https://www.cumberlandmd.gov/requesttracker.aspx

To report a code violation:  https://www.citizenserve.com/cumberland

4. How can I pay my utility bill?

To view and print your bill, pay your bill by ACH or to sign up for the Utility Billing Portal, visit:  https://www.cumberlandmd.gov/244/Utility-Bill-InquiryBill-Payment

For alternate payment locations, visit:  https://www.cumberlandmd.gov/242/Payment-Locations

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1. What happens if there is a code violation on my property, but I do not comply with a directive from the City to get things resolved?

If there is a code violation on your property, City Code Compliance Officers will initiate contact with a friendly letter, providing property owners 10 days to correct the violation.  The Code Compliance Officers will conduct a check to see if the violation has been rectified, and if things have not been addressed, the property owner will receive a formal Notice of Violation (NOV).  The NOV must be addressed within 10 days and the violation must be resolved to the satisfaction of the Code Compliance Officer.  If the violation persists after that, a Citation will follow in the range of $200-$500, depending upon the violation.  Receipt and/or payment of a Citation does not alleviate responsibility of the property owner to correct the violation, they must still resolve the issue.

2. Is there a contractor I can contact to take care of cutting my grass?

There are many lawn care companies, and individuals who will cut your grass.  Check listings in the yellow pages, search online, or ask friends/neighbors for referrals.

3. How do I report a concern/problem/complaint/code violation?

Reporting a concern is easy through the Community Development’s online services portal (Citizenserve).  You’ll need to complete a one-time registration process on the portal and then you may submit concerns/complaints and stay updated on the status of your complaints online at any time.   

4. May I check on the progress of a report/complaint?

Once you’re registered with the Community Development online services portal (Citizenserve) and have submitted concerns/complaints, you will receive an email with status changes regarding your complaint(s), plus you can also log in at any time to check on the status.

5. Can I have chickens or other livestock in the City?

No person shall keep or allow to be kept, on any premises within the city limits, any cows, calves, heifers, bulls, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, goats or chickens.

6. Who is responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of my home?

Within twenty-four (24) hours after the fall of any snow, the occupants of houses or dwellings on every public street or the owners or agents responsible for vacant houses shall clear away snow or use a service for hire to clear snow away from the sidewalks.

7. How high is too high for grass and weeds?

It is unlawful for any owner, occupant or person in control of any lot or land within the city to allow any growth of grass (other than ornamental grasses), weeds or other rank vegetation to a height over twelve (12) inches.

8. When should I put my trash and recycling out? Can my trash cans stay out?

Trash and recycling containers should be removed from public view, except on designated collection days.  Trash and recycling should be placed out for collection no earlier than dusk the day before collection.  Empty containers should be removed by 6:00 p.m. on the day of collection.  For more details, visit our website.

The Bulk Item Pickup Program is available to take care of the larger items your regular trash pickup cannot take.  For more information on this program, please visit the website.

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1. Why do I need to license my rental and have it inspected?

City Code sets minimum standards for the protection of health, safety, morals and general welfare of the public and of the owners and occupants of dwellings in the City of Cumberland. It is unlawful for the owner(s) of any rental dwelling unit to permit occupancy of any rental dwelling unit by another unless it is licensed by the City of Cumberland and every licensed dwelling unit shall be inspected on an occupancy basis.  To license a new rental, visit the Community Development’s online portal: Citizenserve.  To schedule an inspection, it can be done through the portal once you are registered and licensed, or you may call the Office of Community Development at 301-722-2000 Ext. 5600.

2. Do I need to license my rental property if a family member is living there and not paying rent?

If a residential unit is not the personal residence of the owner or one person named on deed, anyone living there - whether paying rent or not - would classify the unit as a residential rental unit and be required to adhere to the rental licensing and inspection process.

3. Why do I need a local Agent for my rental property?

If an owner of a residential rental unit(s) is not a resident of Allegany County, Maryland, a person or business entity must be named to serve as representative agent. A local agent is invaluable in dealing with issues that may not be easily handled from afar.  The agent shall serve as the owner’s local representative for all purposes related to this code. The agent shall be responsible for the management, maintenance, operation, and rental of an owner’s rental dwelling unit(s). Agents must reside within or have principal offices located within Allegany County, Maryland.

4. My property has been sold, so I am no longer renting it out. Do I need to contact someone to remove it from the City’s rental program?

Yes, you must notify the Community Development Department within 10 days of any change in ownership, or you will remain responsible for the residential rental license. Contacting another department within the City will not assure the information is forwarded. Please call 301-722-2000 ext. 5600, or send by mail to: 57 N. Liberty St., Cumberland, MD 21502.

5. How much does a City inspection cost?

There is no fee for an inspection. However, if the unit fails the scheduled inspection, a $25 fee will be charged for the re-inspection. A requested inspection not needed to satisfy code would incur a $25 fee.

6. Do I have to have the property inspected every year?

Every licensed rental unit shall be inspected upon registration with the City’s rental program and then follows each time occupancy changes, unless an inspection has occurred within the last twelve (12) months.After twelve (12) months, an occupancy inspection shall be required prior to re-occupancy of the rental unit. In addition, every licensed rental dwelling unit shall comply with the Maryland Lead Law and complete any required lead inspection(s) prior to occupancy. All inspection documentation must be maintained by the owner and/or agent and be available for review by the City of Cumberland upon request.  Contact the Community Development Department at City Hall to schedule a housing inspection.

7. Where can I find a lead inspector to inspect my property?

A list of Maryland lead inspectors can be found on the Maryland Department of the Environment’s website.  Additionally, a list of local inspectors is available through the Community Development Department at City Hall.  Inspectors use a variety of methods to test and charge accordingly.  

8. What is the penalty for failing to properly license or renew my rental?

The owner of a rental dwelling unit must license the rental with the City and shall pay the license fee ($25 per unit, per fiscal year).  The license fee will be renewed annually, in July. 

License Fee is Paid:	Fee Is:
July 1 through August 31	$25 per unit
September 1 through October 31	$50 per unit
November 1 through December 31	$100 per unit

Any owner of a rental dwelling unit who shall fail to pay the license fee shall be subject to a municipal infraction in the amount of $500 per unit, in addition to the unpaid license fee(s).

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1. When do I need a permit?

Permits are most likely required for the following items.  Prior to doing any work, be sure to check with the Community Development Department in City Hall for permits and guidance.  You and your contractor are held equally responsible to obtain the proper permits and to verify all information.

• Commercial and Residential (New and Alteration) Construction
• Electrical, Plumbing and Utility Work
• Signs
• Water Sewer Connection
• Occupancy Change
• Demolition
• Use of Public Right of Way
• Pools, Porches, Fences, Block or Retaining Walls, Hot Tubs, Sheds, etc.
• Decks or Patios 
• Excavations, etc.

Permits may be obtained by applying through the online portal, Citizenserve.

2. What if I own an historic building?

If your property falls within the locally zoned historic district, you must submit (in addition to any required building or occupancy permits) a Certificate of Appropriateness Permit application for review by the Historic Preservation Commission. This applies to ALL exterior changes to a structure, including painting, additions, alterations, awnings, entrances and doors, porches, fences, siding, signage, window replacement, demolition and new construction. 

The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month, however, to be added to the agenda for consideration, the deadline for applications to be submitted is one week prior (the first Wednesday of the month). Applications can be submitted online (Citizenserve) or at the Community Development department in City Hall.

3. How long does it take to get a permit?

Once an application is submitted to the Community Development department, it could take one to one and a half weeks for a simple permit, but could be longer for something more involved.  If applying for your permit through the online services portal (Citizenserve), you can keep up-to-date by logging in and checking the permit status online.

4. How do I find out where my property lines are located?

To find your property lines, you should begin with checking your deed - it should contain a description (in words) of your property’s boundaries.  If you do not have access to the deed, or the description is not sufficient to follow, you can look at the property survey (also known as a plat) which should show your property lines and measurements.

A final option, if the deed or property survey are not available or are unclear, is to hire a professional surveyor to do a land survey.  They can measure and map your property so you have a clear understanding of your boundaries.  The costs may vary depending on your location and project and you may want to collect estimates from several surveyors to find the one that best suits your needs.  The surveyor does need to be licensed in Maryland and should carry professional liability insurance.

5. What is the zoning for my property?

We have an interactive online zoning map that can help determine what zoning the property falls under.  A Zoning Determination request can also be submitted to the Community Development department (Citizenserve).

6. What are my building setbacks and yard requirements?

These are dependent on the zoning determination, and vary.  The best resource is to check Municode, Chapter 25, Article XI, Section 25-133.

7. May I see the plans approved for my neighbors construction project?

If you wish to view plans or permits for projects, you may do so by visiting the Community Development department in City Hall.

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1. The sidewalk in front of my house is broken or uneven, and I'm afraid someone may trip over it. Who's responsible for fixing it?

If the sidewalk is broken or has settled unevenly due to age, then you as the property owner are responsible as described in the City Code Section 22-60.

2. Why does the sump pump in my basement run all the time when it rains?

When this happens it is usually because the water being discharged from your downspouts has no place to drain or the ground around your house may need to be graded so water runs away from the walls towards the street. You may contact the Sewer Department at 301-759-6426 for additional assistance.

3. Sewer water is backing up into my basement, especially during a heavy rainfall. What can I do?

The downspouts on your house may connect to your sanitary sewer service connection, your service connection may be plugged, or sanitary sewers in the street may be full or plugged. You may contact the Sewer Department at 301-759-6426, and they will come out to investigate the situation.

4. I'm buying a new home and the bank, or my insurance company, needs to know if it is in a flood zone. Where can I find this information?

The Community Development Department (301-759-6442) has Flood Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). They will compare your street address to the NFIP maps and can issue you a statement declaring your flood zone.

5. I am looking to develop a site and need to know what utilities are available?

The Engineering Department maintains the city's water and sewer utility maps, and in most cases can provide you with this utility information. If you need on-site assistance in the location of your own water service or sanitary sewer connections, you may contact the Water Department at 301-759-6623, and the Sewer Department at 301-759-6626.

Remember: Before you dig contact Miss Utility at 800-257-7777.

Gas, electric, telephone, and cable utilities are private and their location information is not maintained by the city. Please contact the owner of the utility.

6. Do you have city maps?

Yes we do. Please check the maps section of our website to download free maps, or if you need a hard copy of a map please contact John DeVault at 301-759-6603 for information on pricing and availability. Visit the Maps Section.

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1. Who chooses the streets to be paved?

The streets are not chosen by any individual or group, the list is generated by a computerized Pavement Management System (PMS).

2. Why are worse streets not being paved first?

One of the goals of pavement management is pavement preservation.

3. How much do street improvements cost?

The cost of street improvements can vary greatly depending on the type of improvement needed which is determined by the existing pavement condition, its structural strength, drainage, traffic, and other factors. For more information, visit the Cost Section.

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1. What is the definition of a street tree?

Any tree that has been planted in the public right of way is a street tree. Please contact the Natural Resource Specialist at 301-759-6607 for more information.

2. What is the public right of way?

The public right of way's width varies from street to street, but it is generally defined as the area from the street side curb inward to a distance of approximately 15 feet. This area is used for sidewalks, utility lines, and street trees. If you have any further questions regarding the public right of way and street trees please contact the Natural Resource Specialist at 301-759-6607.

3. What are the benefits of street trees?

Street trees are beneficial to the quality of life and the urban environment. To learn more about the benefits of trees, please watch our 15 minute video on the The Power of Trees in Cumberland.

4. Who is responsible for pruning the street trees?

Pruning is performed in order to eliminate branches that come into contact with buildings, streetlights and road signs and to elevate the branches high enough so that pedestrians, cars and trucks may pass underneath.

Citizens are not permitted to prune street trees - only a certified tree expert is allowed to prune street trees under the Maryland Roadside Tree Law. The City of Cumberland employs the Natural Resource Specialist, who is a certified tree expert. In addition, the city employs several certified roadside tree care experts in the Street Department. If you would like to request that a street tree be pruned, please complete the online Tree Work Request form.

5. If I would like a street tree, what do I do?

If funding is available, the city will purchase and install trees in the public right of way. If space is available in the public right of way in front of your house or business, you can fill out the online Tree Work Request form to have a street tree planted. Proximity to utility lines, street corners, street signs and other factors will be considered before a street tree will be planted.

You may select the tree you would prefer to have planted from the Suitable Trees for Planting Along Cumberland Streets List, the City of Cumberland will try to fulfill your request. If you have no preference, the street tree will be selected for you. For more information navigate to the Suitable Trees List and Tree Work Request Form

6. If a street tree has been planted in front of my house or business, what can I do to help?

Since street trees are generally placed in narrow planting strips with poor soil, they need more care to survive than they would in the forest. Citizens can aide in the survival of street trees by watering and mulching the tree. In addition, citizens can notify the City of Cumberland via the online Tree Work Request form when street trees are diseased, hazardous, dead or if they have been vandalized. For more information please visit the Tree Care and Maintenance page.

7. Who is responsible for sidewalk repair?

The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalk as described in the City Code Section 22-60.

8. What if a street tree has damaged the sidewalk in front of my house or business?

In the past, some street trees were planted in unsuitable locations and their roots have caused sidewalk upheavals. It is, again, the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to repair the sidewalk. To have a sidewalk that has been upheaved evaluated please contact the Natural Resource Specialist at 301-759-6607.

Currently, the city practices the “right tree, in the right place” policy. The goal is to plant trees that are suitable for the location and thus, eliminate sidewalk upheavals.

9. Who is responsible if a street tree in front of my house or business is damaging my sewer line?

The homeowner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sewer line from their property to the connection with the city's sewer main or more generally, from the curb to the house. Contrary to popular belief, tree roots will not damage sewer lines. Only after the sewer line has been cracked due to aging or the earth settling will the newly available water and nutrients attract the tree roots to the sewer line.

In the past, terra-cotta pipes, which are more prone to cracking, were used for sewer lines. Currently, the City of Cumberland installs watertight PVC or cast iron pipes for sewer lines in order to eliminate the problems terra-cotta pipes produced.

To have a street tree evaluated that is causing sewer line damage, please contact the Natural Resource Specialist at 301-759-6607. However, please note that the city will not remove a street tree solely because of tree roots in the sewer line - the removal of the tree will not solve the problem. If the tree roots have entered the sewer system at the city’s sewer main, please contact Thomas Welsh at the Sewer Department at 301-759-6645.

10. I think that the street tree is dying in front of my house or business, what do I do?

Residents are not allowed to remove a street tree without a permit from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Only adjacent property owners can apply to Maryland DNR for a permit to remove a street tree.

You should contact the Natural Resource Specialist via the online Tree Work Request form to have an evaluation of the street tree conducted by the Natural Resource Specialist. Trees that are dead, diseased, or hazardous will be immediately removed. If the street tree is still healthy or not hazardous it will not be removed. Fill out the Online Tree Work Request Form.

11. When a street tree has been removed in front of my house or business, what happens afterwards?

After a street tree is removed, the stump that is left behind will be cut flush with the ground. If a new tree is to be planted, the City of Cumberland will assume responsibility to have the stump removed. In addition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources prefers that 1 tree be replaced when 1 is removed. However, a waiver can be requested by contacting the Natural Resource Specialist at 301-759-6607.

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1. How do I register for the online utility billing portal?

Registering for the new Cumberland Utility Billing Portal

2. How often will I be billed?

Bills are sent out monthly. Once your account is established you will receive your bill at approximately the same time each month. Your meter will be read each month shortly before you receive your bill. Please advise the Tax Utility Office at 301-759-6409 promptly if you fail to receive your bill.

3. What is the basis for my water and sewer charges?

Water and sewer rates are based on the size of your meter with a ready to serve charge for the 1st 100 cubic feet as registered by your water meter (1 cubic feet is approximately equal to 7.5 gallons). Please call 301-759-6409 for more information.

4. Why is my bill so high?

Over the years we have found that the most frequent cause of a high bill is a leak, and that the most frequent type of leak can be traced to the toilet. In many cases a large quantity of water can be leaking through a toilet so quietly that a homeowner or occupant does not even hear it.

You may be able to save a costly plumbing bill by using some sort of food coloring or bluing. Add the coloring to the water in the toilet tank and then observe the water in the bowl for several minutes. Any coloration of the bowl water means you have a leak and the fixture should be repaired promptly.

If you suspect a leak, we suggest that you turn off all faucets and taps and locate your water meter. If you have an inside meter, your meter has a small triangular indicator on its face which, if rotating, means that your system has a leak. Please call 301-759-6409 for more information.

5. What rules or laws govern the operations of the city’s utilities?

The Tax Utility Office/Water Department/Sewer Departments are governed strictly by city ordinances, which are approved by the Mayor and City Council. These ordinances or laws state specifically the rates to be charged for all utility services. They also set forth the various service charges that you may be billed for service turn on and miscellaneous collection fees. Please call 301-759-6409 for more information.

6. What should I do when I’m ready to move?

As soon as you know when you are moving, call 301-759-6409 to finalize your account. It is the responsibility of the landlord to either choose to receive the bills themselves or fill out a landlord tenant form so that their tenant receives the bills. Please be advised that per city ordinances, landlords are ultimately responsible for utility account balances, even if the bill is mailed to the tenant.

7. What should I do if I cannot pay my utility bill?

Your monthly utility bill is due in 21 days. A penalty will be added to those accounts that have not been paid in full by the payment due date. The next utility bill will be issued 30 days after the 1st utility bill and will show the prior billed amount as “Past Due” amount.

For any accounts that contain a past due amount, the utility bill will advise the customer that the account must be paid in full by the next due date or water service will be terminated. No additional notification will be provided. In essence, a customer will have the water service terminated when the account is 51 days past due.

Like any other bill you receive, if you are going to have trouble making payment, contact our Tax Utility Office at 301-759-6409 to see if any arrangements can be made to avoid termination of service.