To reach Baltimore County government, dial 311 from a landline inside the county or 410-887-0311 from a cell phone, VoIP line, or any number outside county limits. That single line routes you to most departments during business hours, and the direct Baltimore County phone numbers below let you skip the switchboard when you already know who you need. For any police, fire, or medical emergency, call 911 instead.
BaltCo 311 for Non-Emergency Requests
BaltCo 311 handles service requests and general questions about county government. You can call 311 from inside the county, dial 410-887-0311 from anywhere else, or submit through the BaltCoGo mobile app or the online form on the county website.1Baltimore County Government. Report a Problem or Request a Service Requests submitted after hours are picked up the next business day. Use it for potholes, missed trash pickups, program questions, and anything else that isn’t urgent.
Police and Fire Non-Emergency Numbers
Police and fire keep separate non-emergency lines.
- Police non-emergency reporting: 410-887-2222. Calls are screened to see whether the matter can be handled by telephone. Use this for suspicious activity, abandoned vehicles, parking issues, and other situations that don’t need an officer dispatched immediately.2Baltimore County Government. Baltimore County Police Department
- Police administrative line: 410-887-2214.3Baltimore County Government. Helpful Numbers
- Fire department non-emergency: 410-887-4500.3Baltimore County Government. Helpful Numbers
The 410-887-2222 line can also walk you through requesting a copy of a police incident report. Complaints can go through the BaltCoGo app or 311.
Public Works, Water, and Trash
Trash and Recycling
For collection schedules, missed pickups, and recycling questions, call the Bureau of Solid Waste Management at 410-887-2000.4Baltimore County Government. Solid Waste Management Missed collections can also be reported through the BaltCoGo app.
Water and Storm Drain Emergencies
Report a water main break at 443-263-2220.5Baltimore County Government. Water Issues Emergency storm drain repair dispatch runs 24 hours at 410-887-7415.6Baltimore County Government. Department of Public Works and Transportation
Water and Sewer Billing
Water billing for county residents is actually handled by Baltimore City. For questions about a water bill, call 410-396-5398.5Baltimore County Government. Water Issues Sewer service charges, alleyway construction loan billing, and wastewater credit questions go to Baltimore County at 410-887-2423.6Baltimore County Government. Department of Public Works and Transportation
Property Taxes and County Finance
The Office of Budget and Finance splits tax questions across several sub-offices:
- Taxpayer Services, general tax questions: 410-887-24033Baltimore County Government. Helpful Numbers
- Property tax search and payments: 410-887-24047Baltimore County Government. Search and Pay Property Taxes
- Personal property tax clearance certificates: 410-887-2411
Have your property account identification number ready before you call; it’s on your tax bill. Taxpayer Services also handles tax sale information for delinquent accounts.
Permits and Code Enforcement
The Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections runs several lines. The main number is 410-887-3353, the permits line is 410-887-3900, and if you aren’t sure whether your project needs a permit at all, call 410-887-3953 first.8Baltimore County Government. Apply for a Permit
To report a neglected property, unauthorized structure, or possible zoning violation, file online, use the BaltCoGo app, or call 311. To check on an existing complaint, call the Code Enforcement Office at 410-887-3351.9Baltimore County Government. Code Enforcement
Health, Animal Services, and Senior Resources
- Department of Health: 410-887-2222. Disease control specifically: 443-681-3787. Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214.
- Animal Services and wildlife control: 1-877-463-6497. Covers stray animals, wildlife concerns, and pet licensing.
- Department of Aging, Maryland Access Point: 410-887-2594, connecting seniors and caregivers with home services and long-term care resources. Senior centers: 410-887-2040. CountyRide transportation: 410-887-2080.
Public Records Requests
Requests under the Maryland Public Information Act go directly to the department that holds the records, not to a single intake office. Be specific about the documents you want and the dates they cover.10Baltimore County Government. Public Information Act Requests The county website lists a PIA coordinator for each department, and fees may apply depending on the scope of the request.
Baltimore County Is Not Baltimore City
Baltimore County and Baltimore City have been separate governments since 1851, with different elected officials, different departments, and different phone systems. If you live in Towson, Dundalk, Catonsville, or Owings Mills, you’re in the county and the numbers above apply. If you live inside the Baltimore City limits, none of them do. Baltimore City’s 311 line is 443-263-2220, a completely different system. Check which jurisdiction you’re in before you call.