(a) A resident of the county may request, by petition, that the governing body of a county open, alter, or close a road.
(b) A resident who intends to submit a petition under this section shall give at least 30 days’ notice by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(c) (1) In response to a petition filed under this section, a resident may submit a counter petition to the governing body of the county.
(2) The governing body shall consider the counter petition, and any other testimony presented, when deciding whether to approve the petition to open, alter, or close a road.
(d) The governing body of a county may open, alter, or close any county road under this subtitle on its own initiative if:
(1) at least 30 days’ notice is given by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and
(2) a hearing is held to consider any objection or counter petition.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads
Section 12-511 - Scope of Part
Section 12-512 - Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads by Petition
Section 12-513 - Rights-of-Way
Section 12-516 - Action by Governing Body of County
Section 12-517 - Drains Outside Limits of Road
Section 12-518 - Condemnation Power of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties
Section 12-519 - Prohibited Locations of Opened or Altered Roads
Section 12-520 - Width of Roads; Roads Opened to Public
Section 12-521 - Imposition of Taxes