SECTION 501. GENERAL POWERS
THE COUNCIL SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO PASS ALL SUCH ORDINANCES NOT CONTRARY TO THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND OR THIS CHARTER AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY FOR THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN; FOR THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF THE TOWN'S PROPERTY, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES; FOR THE PRESERVATION OF PEACE AND GOOD ORDER; FOR SECURING PERSONS AND PROPERTY FROM VIOLENCE, DANGER, OR DESTRUCTION; AND FOR THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE HEALTH, SAFETY, COMFORT, CONVENIENCE, WELFARE AND HAPPINESS OF THE RESIDENTS OF AND VISITORS IN THE TOWN.
SECTION 502. SPECIFIC POWERS
THE COUNCIL SHALL HAVE, IN ADDITION TO, BUT NOT IN LIMITATION OR SUBSTITUTION OF THE POWERS WHICH HAVE BEEN OR MAY HEREAFTER BE GRANTED, THE POWER TO PASS ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER REGULATIONS NOT CONTRARY TO THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE SPECIFIC PURPOSES PROVIDED IN THE REMAINING SUBSECTIONS OF THIS SECTION.
(1) ADVERTISING - TO PROVIDE FOR ADVERTISING FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE TOWN, FOR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING STATEMENTS AS TO THE BUSINESS OF THE TOWN.
(2) AISLES AND DOORS. TO REGULATE AND PREVENT THE OBSTRUCTION OF AISLES AND FLOORS IN PUBLIC HALLS, CHURCHES, AND PLACES OF AMUSEMENT, AND TO REGULATE THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE DOORS AND MEANS OF EGRESS THEREFROM.
(3) AMUSEMENTS - TO PROVIDE, IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE FOR LICENSING, REGULATING, OR RESTRAINING PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS.
(4) ANIMALS - TO REGULATE THE KEEPING OF ANIMALS, DOMESTIC OR OTHERWISE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING AND TAXING OF THEM; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISPOSITION OF HOMELESS ANIMALS, OF ANIMALS ON WHICH NO LICENSE FEE OR TAXES ARE PAID, OF VICIOUS ANIMALS AND OF IMPOUNDED, UNCLAIMED ANIMALS.
(5) APPROPRIATIONS - TO APPROPRIATE MUNICIPAL MONIES FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHIN THE POWERS OF THE COUNCIL.
(6) AUCTIONEERS - TO REGULATE THE SALE OF ALL KINDS OF PROPERTY AT AUCTION WITHIN THE TOWN AND TO LICENSE AUCTIONEERS.
(7) AUDITS - TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN AUDITOR OR ACCOUNTANT TO AUDIT THE BOOKS AND ACCOUNTS OF THE TOWN.
(8) BAND - TO ESTABLISH A MUNICIPAL BAND, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OR OTHER MUSICAL ORGANIZATION, AND TO REGULATE BY ORDINANCE THE CONDUCT AND POLICIES THEREOF.
(9) BRIDGES - TO ERECT AND MAINTAIN BRIDGES.
(10) BUILDINGS - TO MAKE REASONABLE REGULATIONS IN REGARD TO BUILDINGS AND SIGNS TO BE ERECTED, CONSTRUCTED OR RECONSTRUCTED IN THE TOWN AND TO GRANT BUILDING PERMITS FOR THEM; TO FORMULATE A BUILDING CODE (AND A PLUMBING CODE), AND TO APPOINT A BUILDING INSPECTOR AND A PLUMBING INSPECTOR, AND TO REQUIRE THE INSPECTION OF ALL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CONDEMNATION THEREOF IN WHOLE OR IN PART WHEN DANGEROUS OR INSECURE, AND TO REQUIRE THAT SUCH BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES BE MADE SAFE OR TAKEN DOWN.
(11) CEMETERIES - TO REGULATE OR PROHIBIT THE INTERMENT OF BODIES WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY AND TO REGULATE CEMETERIES.
(12) CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICE - TO ESTABLISH, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN A CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICE AND TO APPOINT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
(13) CODIFICATION - TO PROVIDE FOR THE CODIFICATION OF ALL ORDINANCES WHICH HAVE BEEN OR MAY HEREAFTER BE PASSED.
(14) COMMUNITY SERVICES - TO PROVIDE, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF THE HEALTH, RECREATION, WELFARE, AND ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN.
(15) COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES - TO MAKE AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES, DISTRICTS, BUREAUS, COMMISSIONS, AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES FOR THE JOINT PERFORMANCE OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION.
(16) CORPORATE NAME - TO CHANGE THE CORPORATE NAME OF THE TOWN, PROVIDED THAT NO SUCH CHANGE SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHTS, DUTIES OR OBLIGATIONS HELD BY THE TOWN, AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT SUCH ORDINANCE SHALL FIRST BE SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE TOWN AT A REGULAR OR SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
(17) CURFEW - TO PROHIBIT THE YOUTH OF THE TOWN FROM BEING IN THE STREET, LANES, ALLEYS, OR PUBLIC PLACES AT UNREASONABLE HOURS OF THE NIGHT.
(18) DANGEROUS CONDITIONS - TO COMPEL PERSONS ABOUT TO UNDERTAKE DANGEROUS IMPROVEMENTS TO EXECUTE A BOND WITH SUFFICIENT SURETIES CONDITIONED THAT THE OWNER OR CONTRACTOR WILL PAY ALL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM SUCH WORK WHICH MAY BE SUSTAINED BY ANY PERSONS OR PROPERTY.
(19) DEPARTMENTS - TO CREATE, CHANGE AND ABOLISH OFFICES, DEPARTMENTS, OR AGENCIES, OTHER THAN THE OFFICES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES ESTABLISHED BY THIS CHARTER; TO ASSIGN ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OR DUTIES TO OFFICES, DEPARTMENTS OR AGENCIES ESTABLISHED BY THIS CHARTER, BUT NOT INCLUDING THE POWER TO DISCONTINUE OR ASSIGN TO ANY OTHER OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY ANY FUNCTION OR DUTY ASSIGNED BY THIS CHARTER TO A PARTICULAR OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY.
(20) DISORDERLY HOUSES - TO SUPPRESS BAWDY HOUSES, DISORDERLY HOUSES AND HOUSES OF ILL FAME.
(21) ELEVATORS - TO REQUIRE THE INSPECTION AND LICENSING OF ELEVATORS AND TO PROHIBIT THEIR USE WHEN UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS OR WITHOUT A LICENSE.
(22) ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - TO REGULATE THE USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT.
(23) EXPLOSIVES AND OTHER WEAPONS - TO REGULATE OR PREVENT THE STORAGE OF GUNPOWDER, OIL, OR ANY OTHER EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE MATTER; TO REGULATE OR PREVENT THE USE OF FIREARMS, FIREWORKS, BONFIRES, EXPLOSIVES, OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR THINGS WHICH MAY ENDANGER PERSONS OR PROPERTY.
(24) FILTH - TO COMPEL THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT OF ANY PREMISES OR BUILDING WITHIN THE TOWN, WHEN SUCH HAS BECOME FILTHY OR UNWHOLESOME, TO ABATE OR CLEAN THE CONDITION; AND AFTER REASONABLE NOTICE TO THE OWNERS OR OCCUPANTS, TO AUTHORIZE SUCH WORK TO BE DONE BY THE PROPER TOWN OFFICIALS AND ASSESS THE EXPENSE OF SUCH AGAINST SUCH PROPERTY; MAKING IT COLLECTIBLE BY TAXES OR AGAINST THE OCCUPANT OR OCCUPANTS.
(25) FINANCES - TO LEVY, ASSESS AND COLLECT ALL LAWFUL AND MUNICIPAL TAXES; TO EXPEND MUNICIPAL FUNDS FOR ANY PUBLIC PURPOSE; TO HAVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF THE FINANCES OF THE TOWN; TO APPROPRIATE MUNICIPAL MONIES FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHIN THE POWERS OF THE COUNCIL; TO BORROW MONEY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHARTER.
(26) FIRE - TO SUPPRESS FIRES AND PREVENT THE DANGERS THEREOF AND TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A FIRE DEPARTMENT; TO CONTRIBUTE FUNDS TO VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES SERVING THE TOWN; TO INSPECT BUILDINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING FIRE HAZARDS; TO ISSUE REGULATIONS CONCERNING FIRE HAZARDS, AND TO FORBID AND PROHIBIT THE USE OF FIRE-HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES PERMANENTLY OR UNTIL THE CONDITIONS OF TOWN FIRE-HAZARD REGULATIONS ARE MET; AND TO TAKE ALL OTHER MEASURES NECESSARY TO CONTROL AND PREVENT FIRE IN THE TOWN.
(27) FOOD - TO INSPECT AND TO REQUIRE THE CONDEMNATION OF, IF UNWHOLESOME, AND TO REGULATE THE SALE OF, ANY FOOD PRODUCTS.
(28) FRANCHISES - TO GRANT AND REGULATE FRANCHISES TO WATER COMPANIES, ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANIES, GAS COMPANIES, TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES, TRANSIT COMPANIES, TAXICAB COMPANIES, CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS, AND ANY OTHERS WHICH MAY BE DEEMED ADVANTAGEOUS AND BENEFICIAL TO THE TOWN, SUBJECT, HOWEVER, TO THE LIMITATIONS AND PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 23 AND ARTICLE 78 OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, 1957 EDITION, AS AMENDED). NO FRANCHISE SHALL BE GRANTED FOR A PERIOD LONGER THAN FIFTY (50) YEARS.
(29) GAMBLING - TO RESTRAIN AND PROHIBIT GAMBLING.
(30) GARBAGE - TO PREVENT THE DEPOSIT OF ANY UNWHOLESOME SUBSTANCE EITHER ON PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PROPERTY, AND TO COMPEL ITS REMOVAL TO DESIGNATED POINTS; TO REQUIRE SLOPS, GARBAGE, ASHES AND OTHER WASTE AND UNWHOLESOME MATERIALS TO BE REMOVED TO DESIGNATED POINTS, OR TO REQUIRE THE OCCUPANTS OF THE PREMISES TO PLACE THEM CONVENIENTLY FOR REMOVAL.
(31) GRANTS-IN-AID - TO ACCEPT GIFTS AND GRANTS OF FEDERAL OR OF STATE FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL OR STATE GOVERNMENTS OR ANY AGENCY THEREOF, AND TO EXPEND THE SAME FOR ANY LAWFUL PUBLIC PURPOSE, AGREEABLY TO THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE GIFTS OR GRANTS WERE MADE.
(32) HAWKERS - TO LICENSE, TAX, REGULATE, SUPPRESS AND PROHIBIT HAWKERS AND ITINERANT DEALERS, PEDDLERS, PAWNBROKERS AND ALL OTHER PERSONS SELLING ANY ARTICLES ON THE STREETS OF THE TOWN AND TO REVOKE SUCH LICENSES FOR CAUSE. TO LICENSE, TAX, REGULATE AND PROHIBIT FOR CAUSE ALL CANVASSERS AND SOLICITORS.
(33) HEALTH - TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE HEALTH OF THE TOWN AND ITS INHABITANTS; TO APPOINT A PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER, AND TO DEFINE AND REGULATE HIS POWERS AND DUTIES; TO PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES INTO THE TOWN; TO ESTABLISH QUARANTINE REGULATIONS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE REMOVAL AND CONFINEMENT OF PERSONS HAVING CONTAGIOUS OR INFECTIOUS DISEASES; TO PREVENT AND REMOVE ALL NUISANCES AND TO INSPECT, REGULATE, AND ABATE ANY BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, OR PLACES WHICH CAUSE OR MAY CAUSE UNSANITARY CONDITIONS OR CONDITIONS DETRIMENTAL TO THE HEALTH; THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO AFFECT IN ANY MANNER ANY OF THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, OR ANY PUBLIC, GENERAL OR LOCAL LAW RELATING TO THE SUBJECT OF HEALTH.
(34) HOUSE NUMBERS - TO REQUIRE THE NUMBERING OF HOUSES AND TO COMPEL OWNERS TO NUMBER THE SAME OR IN DEFAULT THEREOF TO AUTHORIZE AND REQUIRE THE SAME TO BE DONE BY THE TOWN AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE, SUCH EXPENSE TO CONSTITUTE A LIEN UPON THE PROPERTY, COLLECTIBLE AS TAX MONIES.
(35) INSPECTION - TO AUTHORIZE AND REQUIRE THE INSPECTION OF GAS PIPES, WATER PIPES, PLUMBING APPARATUS, ELECTRIC LINES AND WIRE AND ANY OTHER UTILITY CARRIER OR DEVICE AND DRAINAGE AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND TO COMPEL REPAIRS THERETO.
(36) JAIL - TO ESTABLISH AND REGULATE A STATION HOUSE OR LOCK-UP FOR THE TEMPORARY CONFINEMENT OF VIOLATORS OF THE LAWS AND ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OR TO USE THE COUNTY JAIL FOR SUCH PURPOSES.
(37) LICENSES AND PERMITS - SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE PUBLIC GENERAL LAWS OF THE STATE, TO LICENSE AND REGULATE ALL PERSONS BEGINNING OR CONDUCTING TRANSIENT OR PERMANENT BUSINESS IN THE TOWN FOR THE SALE OF ANY GOODS, WARES, MERCHANDISE OR SERVICES; TO LICENSE AND REGULATE ANY BUSINESS, OCCUPATION, TRADE, CALLING OR PLACE OF AMUSEMENT OR BUSINESS; TO ESTABLISH AND COLLECT FEES AND CHARGES FOR ALL LICENSES AND PERMITS ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS CHARTER.
(38) LIENS - TO PROVIDE THAT ANY VALID CHARGES, TAXES OR ASSESSMENTS MADE AGAINST ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE TOWN, SHALL BE LIENS UPON SUCH PROPERTY, TO BE COLLECTED AS MUNICIPAL TAXES ARE COLLECTED, RESERVING TO THE TOWN THE RIGHT TO ALSO PROCEED BY WAY OF PERSONAL SUIT AGAINST THE PROPERTY OWNER(S) FOR SUCH COLLECTION.
(39) LIGHTS - TO PROVIDE FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE TOWN.
(40) LIVESTOCK - TO REGULATE AND PROHIBIT THE RUNNING AT LARGE OF CATTLE, HORSES, SWINE, FOWL, SHEEP, GOATS, DOGS OR OTHER ANIMALS; TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPOUNDING, KEEPING, SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SUCH ANIMALS WHEN FOUND IN VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE IN SUCH CASES PROVIDED.
(41) MARKETS - TO OBTAIN BY LEASE OR RENT, OWN, CONSTRUCT, PURCHASE, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PUBLIC MARKETS WITHIN THE TOWN.
(42) MINOR PRIVILEGES - TO REGULATE OR PREVENT THE USE OF PUBLIC WAYS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES FOR SIGNS, AWNINGS, POSTS, STEPS, RAILINGS, ENTRANCES, RACKS, POSTING HANDBILLS AND ADVERTISEMENTS, AND DISPLAY OF GOODS, WARES, AND MERCHANDISE.
(43) NOISE - TO REGULATE OR PROHIBIT ANY DISRUPTIVE OR DISTURBING SOUNDS.
(44) NUISANCES - TO PREVENT OR ABATE BY APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE ALL NUISANCES IN THE TOWN WHICH ARE SO DEFINED AT COMMON LAW, BY THIS CHARTER, OR BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, WHETHER THE SAME ARE SPECIFICALLY NAMED HEREIN OR NOT; TO REGULATE, TO PROHIBIT, TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF, OR TO REQUIRE THE REMOVAL FROM THE TOWN OF ALL TRADING IN, HANDLING OF, OR MANUFACTURE OF ANY COMMODITY WHICH IS OR MAY BECOME OFFENSIVE, OBNOXIOUS, OR INJURIOUS TO THE PUBLIC COMFORT OR HEALTH. IN THIS CONNECTION, THE TOWN MAY REGULATE, PROHIBIT, CONTROL THE LOCATION OF, OR REQUIRE THE REMOVAL FROM THE TOWN OF SUCH THINGS AS STOCKYARDS, SLAUGHTERHOUSES, CATTLE OR HOG PENS, TANNERIES AND RENDERIES. THIS LISTING IS BY WAY OF ENUMERATION, NOT LIMITATION.
(45) OBSTRUCTIONS - TO REMOVE ALL NUISANCES AND OBSTRUCTIONS FROM THE STREETS, LANES AND ALLEYS AND FROM ANY LOTS ADJOINING HERETO, OR ANY OTHER PLACES WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE TOWN.
(46) PARKING FACILITIES - TO LICENSE AND REGULATE AND TO ESTABLISH, OBTAIN BY PURCHASE, BY LEASE OR BY RENT, OWN, CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PARKING LOTS AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR OFF-STREET PARKING.
(47) PARKING METERS - TO INSTALL PARKING METERS ON THE STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES OF THE TOWN IN SUCH PLACES AS THEY SHALL BY ORDINANCE DETERMINE, AND BY ORDINANCE TO PRESCRIBE RATES AND PROVISIONS FOR THE USE THEREOF, EXCEPT THAT THE INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS ON ANY STREET OR ROAD MAINTAINED BY THE STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION OF MARYLAND MUST FIRST BE APPROVED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
(48) PARKS AND RECREATION - TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN PUBLIC PARKS, GARDENS, PLAYGROUNDS, AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH, WELFARE, AND ENJOYMENT OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN.
(49) PERSONAL EXPENSES - THE TOWN MAY APPROPRIATE MONEY TO REIMBURSE OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWN FOR NECESSARY PERSONAL EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES. NO OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE MAY RECEIVE ANY OTHER COMPENSATION FROM THE TOWN BEYOND THEIR LAWFULLY ESTABLISHED SALARY.
(50) POLICE FORCE - TO ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A POLICE FORCE.
(51) POLICE POWERS - TO ENFORCE ALL ORDINANCES AND LAWS OF THE TOWN AND STATE EQUALLY WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE TOWN; TO ENFORCE ALL ORDINANCES RELATING TO DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND THE SUPPRESSION OF NUISANCES EQUALLY WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE TOWN AND BEYOND THOSE LIMITS FOR ONE-HALF MILE, OR FOR SO MUCH OF THIS DISTANCE AS DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE POWERS OF ANOTHER MUNICIPAL CORPORATION.
(52) PROPERTY - TO ACQUIRE BY CONVEYANCE, PURCHASE OR GIFT, REAL OR LEASABLE PROPERTY FOR ANY PUBLIC PURPOSES; TO ERECT BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES THEREON FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE TOWN AND ITS INHABITANTS; TO CONVEY ANY REAL OR LEASEHOLD PROPERTY WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED FOR THE PUBLIC USE, AFTER HAVING GIVEN AT LEAST TWENTY (20) DAYS PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED CONVEYANCE; TO CONTROL, PROTECT AND MAINTAIN PUBLIC BUILDINGS, GROUNDS AND PROPERTY OF THE TOWN.
(53) QUARANTINE - TO ESTABLISH QUARANTINE REGULATIONS IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
(54) REGULATIONS - TO ADOPT BY ORDINANCE AND ENFORCE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS POLICE, HEALTH, SANITARY, FIRE, BUILDING, TRAFFIC, SPEED, PARKING AND OTHER SIMILAR REGULATIONS NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND OR WITH THIS CHARTER.
(55) RESTRICTIONS - NEITHER THE MAYOR NOR ANY OF THE COUNCILMEMBERS SHALL HOLD ANY OTHER OFFICE UNDER THE CORPORATION DURING THEIR RESPECTIVE TERMS OF OFFICE, NEITHER SHALL THEY NOR ANY OTHER OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE CORPORATION, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THROUGH THE MEDIUM OR AGENCY OF OTHER PERSONS, ENTER INTO ANY CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS WITH THE CORPORATION.
(56) SEAL - TO MAKE, HAVE, AND USE AND FROM TIME ALTER, A COMMON SEAL.
(57) SIDEWALKS - TO REGULATE THE USE OF SIDEWALKS AND ALL STRUCTURES IN, UNDER OR ABOVE THE SAME; TO REQUIRE THE OWNER OR OCCUPANT OF PREMISES TO KEEP THE SIDEWALKS IN FRONT THEREOF FREE FROM SNOW OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS; AND TO PRESCRIBE HOURS FOR CLEARING AND CLEANING SIDEWALKS.
(58) SPECIAL ELECTIONS - TO PROVIDE FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES, AT SUCH TIMES AND PLACES AS MAY BE DETERMINED AND SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHARTER.
(59) SWEEPING - TO REGULATE OR PREVENT THE THROWING OR DEPOSITING OF SWEEPINGS, DUST, ASHES, OFFAL, GARBAGE, PAPER, HANDBILLS, DIRTY LIQUIDS, OR OTHER UNWHOLESOME MATERIALS INTO ANY PUBLIC WAY OR ONTO ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE TOWN.
(60) TAXICABS - TO LICENSE, TAX AND REGULATE PUBLIC HACKMEN, TAXICAB MEN, DRAYMEN, DRIVERS, CABMEN, PORTERS AND EXPRESSMEN, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS PURSUING LIKE OCCUPATIONS.
(61) VEHICLES - TO REGULATE AND LICENSE WAGONS AND OTHER VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THE LICENSING POWERS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND.
(62) ZONING - TO EXERCISE THE POWERS AS TO PLANNING AND ZONING CONFERRED UPON MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY BY STATE LAW.
(63) SAVING CLAUSE - THE ENUMERATION OF POWERS IN THIS SECTION IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LIMITING THE POWERS OF THE TOWN TO THE SEVERAL SUBJECTS MENTIONED, AS THE TOWN SHALL HAVE ALL THESE POWERS CONFERRED UPON IT BY STATE LAW.
SECTION 503. EXERCISE OF POWERS
FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARRYING OUT THE POWERS GRANTED IN THIS SUBTITLE OR ELSEWHERE IN THIS CHARTER, THE COUNCIL MAY PASS ALL NECESSARY ORDINANCES. ALL THE POWERS OF THE TOWN SHALL BE EXERCISED IN THE MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THIS CHARTER, OR, IF THE MANNER BE NOT PRESCRIBED, THEN IN SUCH MANNER AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED BY ORDINANCE.
SECTION 504. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
TO ENSURE THE OBSERVANCE OF THE TOWN ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS, THE COUNCIL SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION THEREOF SHALL BE A MISDEMEANOR, UNLESS OTHERWISE DECLARED TO BE AN INFRACTION, AND SHALL BE PUNISHABLE UPON CONVICTION BY THE DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY OF A FINE NOT EXCEEDING ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1000.), OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING SIX MONTHS, OR BOTH SUCH FINE AND IMPRISONMENT. ANY PERSON SUBJECT TO ANY FINE, FORFEITURE OR PENALTY BY VIRTUE OF ANY ORDINANCE PASSED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS CHARTER SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND. THE COUNCIL MAY PROVIDE THAT, WHERE THE VIOLATION IS OF A CONTINUING NATURE, A CONVICTION FOR ONE (1) VIOLATION SHALL NOT BE A BAR TO A CONVICTION FOR A CONTINUATION OF THE OFFENSE SUBSEQUENT TO THE FIRST OR ANY SUCCEEDING CONVICTION.
SECTION 505. MUNICIPAL INFRACTIONS
THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL MAY PROVIDE THAT VIOLATIONS OF ANY MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE SHALL BE A MUNICIPAL INFRACTION UNLESS THAT VIOLATION IS DECLARED TO BE A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND OR OTHER ORDINANCE. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE, A MUNICIPAL INFRACTION IS A CIVIL OFFENSE, THE PENALTY FOR INFRACTIONS SHALL BE A MAXIMUM OF $1,000. VIOLATORS MAY PAY THE FINE TO THE TOWN OR, UPON NOTICE OF FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE THE FINE IS DUE, MAY ELECT TO STAND TRIAL FOR THE OFFENSE. PENALTIES ARE SET FORTH IN SECTION 28-2 OF CHAPTER 28 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF LANDOVER HILL.