Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee Meeting - September 24, 2026

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee met on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 2027. The committee considered ten legislative items, including bills on illegal vending, prohibited home businesses, parking enforcement, stormwater financing, and a resolution on utility shutoff protections. All votes were 4-0 in favor with amendments where noted. One bill (CB-104-2026) was held indefinitely.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rochelle Durant, President of the Avon Ridge CDC, testified in strong support of CB-003-2026 and CB-013-2026, expressing opposition to allowing property owners to give permission for vendors to sell on their property. She cited concerns about property values, unfair competition for legitimate businesses, and public safety issues such as vendors using machetes and selling unregulated food.

Discussion Items

• CB-003-2026 (Illegal Vending Penalties): Introduced by Councilmember Fisher as a "stick" to complement the pilot program. The bill increases fines, requires permits, extends enforcement to private property, and assigns enforcement to the Office of Homeland Security (OHS). Discussion included exemptions in current code (e.g., cut flowers, fruits, baked goods) that may undermine enforcement. Councilmember Fisher proposed an oral amendment to require written permission from property owners for vending on private property but later withdrew it, agreeing to leave the bill as prohibiting vending on private property without permission. The committee voted to report favorably draft two with four technical amendments (4-0).
• CB-013-2026 (Street Vending Pilot Program): Companion bill establishing a pilot program for regulated street vending, allowing the county executive to develop a simplified regulatory process. Only one change in draft two: enforcement agency changed from DPIE to OHS. Voted favorably (4-0).
• CR-073-2026 (Rent Stabilization Fees): Reconsidered after being previously reported out with no recommendation. DPIE Chief of Staff Lori Parish presented information on proposed $250 application/approval fee, comparing fees in other jurisdictions (Montgomery County, DC, New Jersey, California). She noted the program is underfunded with only two FTEs. No action taken; information only.
• CB-048-2026 (Prohibited Home Business): Sponsored by Chair Dernoga to increase civil fines and add property liens for illegal home businesses, also revising the definition of neighborhood nuisance. Draft two amends definitions and removes mandatory minimum fines. Sponsor noted it targets situations where contractors run businesses from homes with fleets of vehicles. Voted favorably on draft two with technical amendments (4-0).
• CB-096-2026 (Residential Parking on Unpaved Areas): Clarifies prohibition on parking vehicles (including watercraft) on unpaved residential lots and gives enforcement authority to both Revenue Authority and OHS. Technical amendment added section name. Voted favorably on draft one with technical amendment (4-0).
• CB-104-2026 (Consolidated Development Review): Sponsor moved to hold indefinitely due to unresolved issues. Motion passed (4-0).
• CB-116-2026 (Stormwater Management Loan): Authorizes borrowing up to $38.5 million from Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration at subsidized rates (estimated 2% interest with principal forgiveness). Funds will retrofit 250 impervious acres for MS4 permit compliance. Voted favorably (4-0).
• CR-081-2026 (Utility Moratorium): Sponsored by Councilmember Adams-Stafford. Draft two changed focus from price increases to utility shutoff protections, requesting two moratorium periods (January 1–February 28 and June 1–August 31) for low/moderate income, senior, and medically vulnerable households. Also requests PSC study on data center impacts on rates. Voted favorably (4-0).
• CB-124-2026 (Fine Increases): Administration bill raising maximum fines for building and zoning code violations from $1,000 to $5,000, as authorized by state law. Voted favorably (4-0).
• CB-128-2026 (Vehicle Parking and Impoundment): Aligns county parking code with Maryland Senate Bill 111 on out-of-state vehicle registration, allowing enforcement and towing by Revenue Authority and police. Committee requested a future briefing on enforcement strategy. Voted favorably (4-0).

Key Outcomes

• CB-003-2026: Reported favorably (4-0) with technical amendments.
• CB-013-2026: Reported favorably (4-0).
• CB-048-2026: Reported favorably (4-0) on draft two with technical amendments.
• CB-096-2026: Reported favorably (4-0) with technical amendment.
• CB-104-2026: Held indefinitely (4-0).
• CB-116-2026: Reported favorably (4-0).
• CR-081-2026: Reported favorably (4-0).
• CB-124-2026: Reported favorably (4-0).
• CB-128-2026: Reported favorably (4-0). A briefing on enforcement strategy was requested for a future committee meeting.
• The committee noted that upcoming meetings in October will focus on briefings, including potential briefings on stormwater management and solid waste fund funding formulas.