Frequently Asked Questions

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on the advertised closing date. A confirmation postcard will be sent for applications that are received by the deadline. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview. Applicants who are interviewed, but are not offered a position, will receive a letter notifying them that the position has been filled. The time that it takes to fill a position varies depending on the position.

Applications can be completed online. If you are unable to complete the online application, a downloadable/printable version is available. Printed applications can be submitted/mailed to:

City of Westminster Human Resources

45 W. Main St.

Westminster, MD 21157

A City of Westminster application is required for each position. See the Job Openings page to apply online, or request an application be mailed to you by calling 410-848-5236; or pick up an application from the Human Resources Office at 45 West Main Street in Westminster.

View the Job Openings page. In addition, regular full-time and regular part-time job openings are usually advertised in the Carroll County Times, posted at Carroll County Business and Employment Resource Center (BERC), and listed with Maryland Job Service.

Westminster does charge development fees for new and expanded projects in the city. We also charge fees for projects in the County involving water and sewer service. To confirm the fees for a specific project, contact the Zoning Administrator at 410-848-9002.

The Zoning Map is available online.

You can confirm the zoning for a property by contacting the Zoning Administrator at 410-848-9002.

Please report using the online system. The Code Enforcement Officer will visit the property and conduct an exterior inspection, with primary focus on code, safety and sanitation issues. If any violations exist at the property, the Code Enforcement Officer will send a letter describing the violations to the property owner. If the property owner fails to correct the violations within the prescribed time frame, a citation will be issued and the city may undertake additional action, potentially including court action and condemnation.

Westminster has adopted codes to insure properties don’t become junk yards, which supports clean and safe neighborhoods. These efforts help provide community stability and consistent property values. Section 119-77 of the City Code addresses the issue of untagged vehicles.

A property owner or tenant can place trash cans out no earlier than 24 hours before and 24 hours after the scheduled pick up day.

Residents have 7 days to cut their high grass.

The grass must be 6 inches tall or higher.

If you are concerned about the release of pollutants or possible illegal dumping (chemicals, motor oil, paint, sewage, etc.) into a storm drain system, please contact the non-emergency Carroll County Stormwater Pollution Phone Line (410) 386-2210. Non-emergency response will occur Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found on the Protecting Carroll County Waters link here.

A Site Plan is a very detailed drawing that is required for land development. A Simplified Site Plan is for less intensive projects that meet the requirements of Section 164-209 of the City Code. The Director of Community Planning and Development reviews and approves Simplified Site Plans.

City of Westminster offices are located at: 45 W. Main St. Westminster MD 21157 Ph: 410-848-9002.

The owner / developer must complete and submit an Application and Certificate for Payment to the City (410-848-9002) to process the request for release with City inspection staff.

A Public Works Agreement (PWA) is a legal contract between the owner / developer and the City of Westminster that guarantees public works and related items are completed. This document must be signed and notarized by all applicable individuals and a bond is required before work begins.

The 3rd Thursday of each month at:

City Hall

1838 Emerald Hill Lane

Westminster, MD 21157

After all approvals have been received by city and county agencies and the Director of Community Planning and Development determines the project is ready for Planning and Zoning Commission consideration.

It depends on the complexity of the project. But allow for 4-6 months depending on all the approvals required. However, due to current shortfalls in water supply, this time frame is not certain if the project does not have water allocation from Westminster.

To become a member of the HDC, contact the Department of Community Planning and Development via email or 410-848-9002 to discuss any available positions on the commission. Also, the public is welcome at all HDC meetings, and encouraged to attend to learn and share insight. In the meantime, visit the City's history to familiarize yourself with some of its cultural relevance.

Not necessarily. Some buildings in the district are considered “contributing” resources, meaning they help tell the story of Westminster’s history. Others may be “non-contributing”, usually because they were built later or have been significantly altered.

Both types of properties can still be located within the Historic District boundary.

No. Being located within the Historic District does not change property ownership or basic property rights.

Property owners can still sell, renovate, and maintain their buildings as usual. Local regulations already in place for the Historic District remain the same. 

Yes, we do have our own landscape manual. You can get a copy from the Planning Office at 45 West Main Street or download a copy online.

Yes, please call no less than 24 hours in advance. Learn more on the Special Waste Removal page.

The City Code states that household trash cannot be placed curbside more than 24 hours in advance. Wind can blow trash around and animals can get into trash. The less time your trash sits curbside, the less likely it is to make a mess.

The city classifies addresses by whether or not they are entitled to service. Those not entitled to service are buildings with 4 or more apartments, commercial buildings, or mixed residential and commercial use buildings. These are based on water meters and are generated by the Finance Department. A "bad address" is an address that is not entitled to trash pickup.

Notify the Code Enforcement Office at 410-848-2261. Or use the online reporting tool.

These block the roadway for vehicles. Also, when plowing or street sweeping, the nets are in the way and require us to go around them, causing a problem for the workers and your neighbors.

State Highway Administration is responsible for all traffic light issues. Please call their office directly at 410-848-6565.

 Use the Online Reporting Tool to notify the Code Enforcement Office. Or call 410-848-2261.

Use the Online Reporting Tool to notify the Code Enforcement Office. Or call 410-848-2261.

Use the Online Reporting Tool to notify the Code Enforcement Office. Or call 410-848-2261.

Please email or call our office to be placed on our mailing list or to request specific information call 410-751-5501 or email us!

Fallfest vendor applications are located on the Fallfest website. Flower and Jazz festival food and nursery vendor applications and Craft and Commercial vendors can access Flower and Jazz vendor applications on the website in February. Call 410-751-5501or email us.

Yes, During certain events service learning hours can be earned. Contact our office at 410-751-5501 or email us.

Call the Human Resources Department at 410-848-5236.

1838 Emerald Hill Lane

Westminster, MD 21157

However, all of the city's administrative offices are located at:

45 West Main St.

Westminster, MD 21157

Yes, you may pay your bill online.

The assessment amount is determined by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. This same assessment amount is used by the State of Maryland, Carroll County Government and City of Westminster. If you have a question about your assessment please contact the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation by phone at 410-857-0600.

Please send payment for your business tax bill to: City of Westminster 45 W. Main St. Westminster, MD 21157 Please include the remittance stub and make check payable to "City of Westminster." OR Credit Card payments can be made using the Online Payment System. For security purposes, the City can not accept credit card payments over the phone or through mail. For more information, you can watch the video below or visit this page.

The water / sewer bill can be paid at the Finance Office Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at: Westminster Finance Office 45 W. Main St. Westminster, MD 21157 OR Credit Card payments can be made using the Online Payment System. For security purposes, the City can not accept credit card payments over the phone or through mail. 

For more information, you can watch the video below or visit this page.

If you are moving, or selling your property, please call the Finance Office at 410-848-3255 to schedule a final reading 48 hours in advance of your settlement or your moving date. A final bill will be issued at that time.

If you are a Landlord and have a tenant change or a Title company requesting a final water read, please visit the ONLINE FORM CENTER to fill out the correct form to schedule a final reading 48 hours in advance of your settlement or your moving date.  A final bill will be issued at that time.

No, however a 30-day written notice of your intention to cancel your membership is required. Depending on your payment schedule, one final charge is possible before the termination goes into effect. Send your request to 11 Longwell Ave. Westminster, MD 21157 or submit via email to WestminsterRec@westminstermd.gov.

Our group fitness classes are included in your membership. Occasionally, a specialty class might cost extra, but we have over 40 regularly scheduled classes each week that are included in your membership. View our schedule and view descriptions of our class offerings.

The busiest hour is usually 9:00-11:00am.

Yes. Our guest fee is $7 if you are a city resident or w/member or $10 if you are a non-city resident.

The Westminster Family Fitness Center is an exercise facility that is available for membership to all age groups. Some of our group fitness classes are geared toward senior fitness.

The Westminster Family Fitness Center does not run sports leagues like the Carroll County Recreation Department. However, there are designated times for pick-up basketball in the gymnasium. 

The City of Westminster owns the fiber that has been planted, and Ting Internet is leasing the fiber in order to provide Internet service to the residents and business owners within the Westminster city limits.

Check out the map on the Westminster Fiber Network page for more info: http://arcg.is/1PjgZY6

In order to sign up for services available on the Westminster Fiber Network, you must first complete an Access Agreement. This Access Agreement gives the City permission to bring a fiber drop to your property, but does not obligate you to purchase any services. Completed Access Agreements should be emailed to the Access Agreement Manager or submitted online at www.accessagreement.com. Once you've submitted an Access Agreement and a fiber drop has been run to your property, you are now able to sign up for services. To order (or pre-order) service from Ting, please visit www.ting.com/westminster.

Yes, you can download and print a Residential Access Agreement using the link below. Then email or mail it to City of Westminster, 45 W Main St, Westminster, MD 21157.

Standard installation is free for a family home in Westminster.  Ting Internet will install the equipment on or near the interior wall where the fiber enters your home.  If you have very specific requirements for where you want your Ting Internet equipment installed, custom installation is offered for $199.

Well, it is definitely a lot faster. It’s more reliable because it’s brand new infrastructure with more than enough capacity. You’ll get better, much more helpful and human support if any issues arise or questions arise. Ting Internet customers have access to live, no-hold customer support from Ting’s smart, helpful, and decidedly human help agents: 443-201-7207 or at help@ting.com

All general questions about the network or the construction process can be directed to Cory Stouffer, Superintendent of Utilities. He can be reached via email or (410) 751-9496.

If you have a question about signing-up for service, contact Irena Laster, Marketing Manager for Ting Internet in Westminster. Feel free to contact her via email .

Please contact Cory Stouffer at (410) 871-9496 or cstouffer@westminstermd.gov and he will answer any questions or concerns about the construction work.

Crazy fast internet is coming to Downtown Westminster!  Construction of Phase 3 of the Westminster Fiber Network is currently underway, with completion anticipated this summer.  Construction of Phase 4 will immediately follow completion of Phase 3 and should be operational by the end of 2018.  A phase map and construction updates can be found at the Fiber Network page link below.  Please remember to fill out an access agreement to get your connection drop; those who have pre-ordered service with Ting will receive their drop first.

Construction of hundreds of fiber drops is still underway, and we appreciate your patience as we work to install them as quickly as possible. We are almost finished with preorder customers and will proceed installation of drops for all other access agreements next. If you know that you are going to be a Ting customer or have pre-purchased services, please call Ting and set up your account. Upon account set up, Ting will notify our installers to put you at the top of our list.

 Design work for Phases 3 & 4 is complete and under review. These areas include the remaining areas of the City, and will be out to bid in the next couple of weeks. For any additional questions, please call 410-871-4428.

Phase 2 construction is complete. Crews are now working to complete all fiber drops.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: September 8, 2017

Phase one is complete, if you see any areas of concern, please feel free to call and let us know 410-871-4428.

Phase two construction is finished, but all areas not live yet, please see Map for updated construction areas. The top two areas of Phase two is completed and live, and the last section should be live in the next week.

Drop installation is in progress for Phase two. Please be patient for drops to be installed, Ting pre-orders are being done first and then all other access agreements will be installed.

The drop installation to your house will happen quickly, and, in most cases, you might not know unless you are home. Once your home or business has service available, you should be notified with a door hanger and an email from Ting or the City.

The next phases of the Westminster Fiber Network are now in final review and will be going out to bid shortly. These phases will construct the rest of the City’s fiber network.

August 21, 2017: Phase one is complete! If you see any areas of concern, please feel free to call 410-871-4428 and let us know.

Phase two construction is finished, but not all areas are live yet; please see Map below for updated construction areas. The top two areas of Phase two are completed and live, and the last section should be live in the following weeks.

Drop installation has started in parts of Phase two. We appreciate your patience as drops are being installed. Ting pre-orders are being done first, and then all other access agreements will be installed. There is still time to pre-order with Ting, and that will bring you to the front of the installation list! Visit this website to preorder:  www.ting.com/westminster

The drop installation to your house will happen quickly, and in most cases you might not know unless you are home. Once your home or business has service available, you should be notified with a door hanger and an email from Ting or the City.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: August 1, 2017

 Phase one is complete! If you see any areas of concern, please feel free to call us at 410-871-4428 and let us know.

 Phase two construction is finished, please see Map below for updated construction areas. The northern end of Phase two (Greens area) is completed and live! Please be patient for drops to be installed, Ting pre-orders are being done first and then all other access agreements will be installed. The rest of Phase two has 100% conduit and handholes installed. Additionally, 95% of fiber and taps are also pulled into place. The splicing of the fiber has also started in these areas of phase two. Live fiber will be coming soon!!

 Drop installation has begun in parts of Phase two, but will not be live for a couple more weeks. The drop installation to your house will happen quickly and in most cases, you might not know unless you are home. Once your home or business has service available, you should be notified with a door hanger and an email from Ting or the City.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 7/10/17

Phase one is complete, If you see any areas of concern, please feel free to call and let us know 410-871-4428.

Phase two construction is still going along as planned, please see Map at the link below for updated construction areas. The northern end of Phase two (Greens ) is completed and live. We appreciate your patience as the drops are installed. The rest of Phase two has about 95% conduit and handholes installed. A large portion of fiber and taps are pulled into place. The splicing of the fiber has started as well in these areas of phase two. Live fiber in these other areas is coming in the next couple of weeks.  

Drop installation is started in Phase two, but all will not be live for a couple more weeks. The drop installation to your house will happen quickly and in most cases you might not know unless you are home. Once your home or business has service available, you should be notified with a door hanger and an email from Ting or the City.

At this time, the City of Westminster Office of Housing Services has determined that the existing waiting list contains an adqquate pool of applicants for use of available Housing Choice Voucher funding and will cease accepting new applications effective midnight February 6, 2026.  

The amount of time that an applicant waits for assistance is dependent on the following factors:

• The number of applications ranked higher than your application.
• Funding Availability – there must be funds available to issue vouchers to eligible families.

You can check your status online at www.waitlistcheck.com. You can also call the office on the third Wednesday and Thursday of the month between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4 PM.

The wait list is maintained by date and time of pre-application. Additional consideration will be given for applicants based on preferences.

When you reach the top of the waiting list, you will be notified by mail that you have reached the top of the list and will be provided with a date and time to meet with a Housing Specialist for an eligibility interview.

The initial voucher term is 60 days.  You may request a 30-day extension however, no voucher may exceed 120 days.  An additional 30-day extension may be requested as a Reasonable Accommodation for persons with disabilities.

The tenant rent portion is stated on the initial Housing Choice Voucher contract. Any changes to the portion will be stated on a “Notice of Change to Lease and Contract” letter which will be mailed to the tenant and landlord after every income or household change. Tenant rent portion is affected by family income and the contract rent for the unit. In the first year of the contract, the tenant portion is between 30 - 40% of the family’s monthly adjusted income, depending upon the rent amount. After the first year of the contract, the rent may exceed 40%, depending upon the rent amount.

Check the classified section of local newspapers under Houses for Rent or Lease and Apartments for Rent or Lease.

Check with friends or neighbors. They may know of places available.

https://mdhousingsearch.org/

https://www.apartments.com/md/

https://www.gosection8.com/

You can move in after the following steps are complete

1. The landlord must agree to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
2. You and the landlord must complete a Request For Tenancy Approval (RFTA).
3. The Housing Authority must determine the proposed rent to be reasonable and the landlord must accept the rent approved by the Housing Authority
4. The unit is inspected and passes Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
5. You and the landlord sign a lease.
6. The landlord and the Housing Authority sign a Housing Assistance Payment Contract.
7. You pay the security deposit and move in.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) is a federally-funded, locally-administered rental assistance program that helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe housing in the private market. The participant is free to choose any housing type that meets the requirements of the program.

You can list the properties at any of the websites listed below

https://mdhousingsearch.org/

https://www.apartments.com/md/

https://www.gosection8.com/

Landlords determine the asking rental price for a unit; however, the rent must be reasonable compared to other units of similar size, location, quality, and type. The Housing Authority will make a determination as to the reasonableness of the proposed rent in relation to comparable units available for lease in the private unassisted market. If the rent is not affordable because the family share would be more than 40% of the family’s monthly adjusted income, the Housing Authority will negotiate with the owner to reduce the rent for the family, so it is in compliance with HUD guidelines.

No. The requested contract rent must be approved by the Housing Authority. Families may not pay a rent share greater that the amount determined by the Housing Authority. Side deals between the landlord and family are illegal and could result in the family being terminated and the landlord disbarred, suspended or subject to a limited denial of participation.

If participant decides to rent your unit and you agree to lease it to the participant, the next steps are as follows

1. You and the participant must complete a Request For Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
2. The Housing Authority must determine the proposed rent to be reasonable and you must agree to accept the rent approved by the Housing Authority.
3. The unit is inspected and passes Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
4. You must have a current Rental Housing License prior to leasing the unit.
5. You and the participant sign a lease.
6. You and the Housing Authority sign a Housing Assistance Contract (HAP).
7. You will be required to sign up for direct deposit.
8. You will be required to complete and return a W-9 form.