Zoning Enforcement

Harbin Farms employees recently began stacking large pumpkins on display, in addition to their second most popular seasonal items — mums and a wide variety of apples. Kimberly Taylor, who runs the produce stand with her husband, Michael, and her uncle, had worried that a year and a half dispute over zoning might have prevented the fall display from going up. The stand has been at Route 99 and Old Mill Road in Ellicott City since 1958, when it was part of a larger family farm.

In one of the biggest zoning enforcement sweeps in county history, 16 Benfield corridor businesses were cited last week and given until Tuesday to get rid of their illegal banners and signs.The businessowners, however, complained that the sweep through their region was unfair because it places them at a disadvantage to their non-Benfieldarea competitors."My problem is not with enforcement of the sign code," said Severna Park Inn Discount Liquors owner Bob Cancelliere. "I live here, andI agree that we have to beautify the road.

WHEN THE county commissioners stripped the zoning department of enforcement authority last month, they sent another message that they consider zoning laws an impediment to their absolute authority. Transferring enforcement responsibility to the Department of Permits, Inspections and Review preserved the appearance of zoning enforcement. After all, it is a legal requirement. But in reducing the zoning office's power and making the zoning administrator a part-time position, the county commissioners have signaled that they want zoning operations downgraded.

A County Circuit judge Friday denied a request by a Linthicum massage parlor, shut down last month for violating county zoning laws, to reopen its doors.The hearing came moments after the owner of V.I.P. Health Center, 500 Camp Meade Road, filed suit against the county alleging discrimination.Circuit Court Judge Eugene Lerner, in denying the request to reopen, set a Sept. 13 hearing date for the case."I don't know how I can issue an injunction if it's illegal on its face," Lerner said, referring to zoning regulations that prohibit massage parlors where thespa is located.

The party's over. So say city zoning officials, who are cracking down on tailgate parties before Ravens home games in neighborhoods around PSINet Stadium. After complaints from community leaders, officials have shut down two of the largest tailgate parties, angering fans and event organizers, including one who says he will defy the order Sept. 10, the date of the Ravens' home opener. "I am going to fight and do whatever it takes to continue, even if they fine me every week," said Dave Rather, owner of Mother's Federal Hill Grille, which was fined $500 by Department of Housing and Community Development inspectors.

More than 1,000 times a year, government service takes on a whole new meaning in Carroll County.Faced with unpaid taxes, flagrant zoning violations or liquor law challenges, the county government finds itself in the process of serving -- court papers, that is.And, to a lesser degree, Carroll residents are serving the countywith subpoenas, complaints and lawsuits.While far from a full-fledged litigation machine, the six lawyers in the County Attorney's Office are juggling more than 5,000 open cases, 1,200 of which developed in the last year or so.County government, with its 800 or so employees, touches almost every aspect of a resident's life, from inspecting electrical wiring in a new house to collecting property taxes to providing water and sewer service.

Where to find Anne Arundel County services: CLERK OF THE COURT Clerk of the Circuit Court Robert P. Duckworth -- 410-222-1397. Business Licenses -- 410-222-1434. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; License applications accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Family Division and Civil Department -- 410-222-1431. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Criminal Department -- 410-222-1420. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Juvenile Department -- 410-222-1427. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Land Records Department -- 410-222-1425.

Anne Arundel County and Maryland officials have joined forces with an automobile dealers group to crack down on illegal used-car lots, creating a task force to devise strategies for use across the state.The fledgling panel, which began forming in recent weeks, is targeting Anne Arundel County for immediate enforcement, with plans to use whatever combination of police and zoning action, and consumer education works to close the makeshift auto dealerships.Law enforcement officials say this method of selling used cars, known as curb- stoning, is on the rise.

IN GLEN BURNIE, the Rev. Jamie Harrison has started a church in his home. A sign identifying the Glen Burnie Evangelical Methodist Church sits in the front yard of his duplex. Each Sunday, his little congregation gathers in his living room.There is a problem with this: It's illegal. Under Anne Arundel County's zoning code, you can't operate a church in a house that sits on less than 2 acres, a restriction designed to protect communities from excess traffic and noise.A neighbor complained, and inspectors sent a letter directing Mr. Harrison to comply or be subject to enforcement action.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, just the sort of warm, breezy morning to prowl the alleys for that increasingly elusive prey.Three elderly men, dressed for the hunt in work pants, plaid shirts and lightweight jackets, peer around a trash can behind 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn Park.Look! Over there, at the end of the alley, right next to the white garage. Something metallic glints in the sunlight.The car-busters move in for the kill.With professional caution, the white-haired men quietly surround the old Chevrolet.