In the county's Density Residential zones, the maximum building height for dwellings is generally 50 feet, rising to 60 feet in the higher-density D.R.16 zone. Detached residential accessory structures (sheds, garages) are limited to 15 feet.
Under the BCZR §1B01.2 residential standards, single-family detached, semi-detached, and duplex dwellings have a maximum building height of 50 feet across the D.R.1 through D.R.10.5 zones, with a 60-foot maximum in the D.R.16 zone. Special reduced limits can apply — for example, certain new noncommercial buildings in D.R.16 near an over-capacity public school are capped at 30 feet. Buildings for religious, hospital, or educational uses may reach 50 feet in any zone where permitted. For detached residential accessory structures, the county permit standards set a height limitation of 15 feet.
Exceeding the height limit is a zoning violation; Permits, Approvals and Inspections can require the structure be brought into compliance or a variance obtained.
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See how Baltimore County's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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