Talbot County Government | Talbot County MD

Visit the County Council website, for additional information about approved and pending legislation.

April 6 2020

Short Term Rentals and Bed and Breakfasts

The Talbot County Council amended their Emergency Declaration such that no new reservations and no new occupancies can begin for any short term rental (STR) properties or bed and breakfasts after March 31, 2020. This prohibition will continue until April 30 or until further Council action is taken. Any STR or B&B tenants in place on March 31 may remain if the owners of such establishments provide the names of such tenants and the date that such tenants will vacate their premises to the Department of Planning and Zoning. For more details, see the Amended Emergency Declaration (LINK).

March 26 2020 Update

Effective Thursday, March 26th, County offices will move to a minimum staffing level wherever possible. While County offices remain closed to public access, a department will have at least one staff member present during normal business hours to assist the public via phone or e-mail. It is expected that the main office line will be answered Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Limited staff and increased volume of calls may result in calls going to voicemail. Messages left will be responded to in the order received. “Mission critical” operations such as Department of Corrections, Emergency Services, Sheriff and Sanitary District will remain fully staffed. Easton Airport remains open as well.

March 24 2020 Update

As of 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23, Hog Neck Golf Course was closed to the public in accordance with Governor Hogan’s Executive Order.

March 21 2020 Update

All Talbot County law enforcement agencies are still responding to calls. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

March 20 2020 Update

On Thursday, March 19, Governor Hogan issued an Executive Order to allow restaurants, bars, breweries,
wineries, and distilleries to deliver alcoholic beverages, exempting state law during this period of emergency.
Talbot County is the only county in the state which has their own liquor laws and Talbot County’s liquor laws
pre-empt state law to the extent that state law is inconsistent with our local laws. Talbot County wishes to
support the business community during this time of crisis to ensure that Talbot County liquor license holders
can take advantage of the opportunities granted by the Governor’s Executive Order.
Therefore, authority is granted to Talbot County liquor license holders who serve food to sell alcoholic
beverages as a part of their carry-out and delivery services for so long as the Governor’s Executive Order is in
effect under the following conditions:
 They have a current local liquor license and, before this emergency, sold food on premises;
 The person who delivers the alcohol must be over the age of twenty-one (21) and have completed
alcohol awareness training/TIPS, as required under current law;
 Deliveries/carry out for alcoholic beverages should only occur during the hours allowed for alcohol
service under your Talbot County liquor license;
 The alcoholic beverage must be served in a container that is sealed; and
 All other laws related to the service of alcohol to the public remain in effect.
Breweries, wineries, and distilleries can deliver as allowed under the Governor’s Executive Order and their
state license.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Liquor Board office by phone at 410-770-8019 or by
email through the Board Secretary, Patricia Finneyfrock, at pfinneyfrock@talbotcountymd.gov.

March 18 2020 Update

Talbot County Department of Corrections

The Department of Corrections has implemented the following:

Suspended all Inmate Programs.
Suspended all Inmate Visiting.
All Court Appearances completed by Video.
Temperature Checks required for all persons entering the facility. (staff, new inmates, law enforcement)
Suspended all Volunteer Services.

Attorney access to clients via telephone conferencing.

March 17 2020 Update

Talbot County Government offices will be closed to the public as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, until further notice. County staff are accessible by phone and/or e-mail.

Procedures for Planning and Zoning Application Drop Off

Application packets must be complete and accurate.
Please include both a phone number & an e-mail address on your application.
Please put complete packets in a bag, folder, or envelope.
Deposit the application packet in the box provided outside the Department of Planning and Zoning.
Please do not leave cash, check or money orders in the drop box.
Your packet will be collected daily and processed.
You will be contacted if there are any questions or issues.
Please provide accurate contact information. You will be contacted regarding fees and methods of payment associated with your application.
Please indicate if associated information is to be distributed to Permits & Inspections, Environmental Health Department, or Public Works. We will distribute this information internally for you.
Once the County Government offices are open to the public, we will provide notice of public meeting/hearing dates, such as Planning Commission, Board of Appeals or Technical Advisory Committee meetings.
You may contact Staff directly by telephone or email to assist with any questions or concerns. In addition, you may call our main line at 410-770-8030.

Procedures for Permit Application Drop Off

Application packets must be complete and accurate.
Please include both a phone number & an e-mail address on your application.
Please put complete packets in a plastic bag, folder, or envelope.
Deposit the application packet in the box provided outside the Permits & Inspection Office.
Your packet will be collected daily and processed.
You will be contacted if there are any questions or issues.
Please provide accurate contact information. You will be contacted regarding fees and acceptable methods of payment associated with your application.
Please provide an extra copy of building plans and site plans for the Environmental Health Department. We will distribute these for you, along with a copy of your application.
Please provide a copy of roof details and site plans for the Storm Water Management, if needed. We will distribute these for you, along with a copy of your application.
You may contact Staff directly by telephone or e-mail with any questions or concerns. In addition you may call our main line at 410-770-6840.

Liquor Board Licenses

In an attempt to provide some relief from the economic burdens of the current state of emergency on local businesses, the County Council extended the expiration date of all Talbot County issued licenses that expire between now and April 30. This includes our local liquor licenses, which expire on April 30. These licenses will now expire on the LATER of May 31 or 30 days after the Governor’s state of emergency terminates. If you have any questions, please call the Liquor Board at 410-770-8019 or email Board Secretary Patricia Finneyfrock at pfinneyfrock@talbotcountymd.gov.

Emergency Services: 410-770-8160 | Health Department: 410-819-5600