Baltimore's Transform Baltimore zoning code establishes setback requirements that vary by zoning district, with rowhouse and dense urban areas having minimal or zero front setbacks and residential districts requiring larger yards.
Baltimore's zoning code (Transform Baltimore, effective June 2017) establishes setback requirements for all structures based on zoning district. In rowhouse and dense urban residential districts, front setbacks may be zero or match the established building line. Detached residential districts typically require front setbacks of 15-25 feet and side setbacks of 5-10 feet. Rear setbacks are generally 15-25 feet depending on the district. Accessory structures have their own setback requirements, typically 3-5 feet from rear and side property lines. Corner lots may have additional setback requirements. Variances from setback requirements require Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals (BMZA) approval.
Building within required setbacks without a variance is a zoning violation. Stop-work orders will be issued, and structures may be required to be modified or removed at the owner's expense. Fines up to $1,000 per day may apply.
Baltimore, MD
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Baltimore, MD
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Baltimore, MD
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Baltimore, MD
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Baltimore, MD
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Baltimore, MD
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See how Baltimore's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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