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Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Baltimore, MD (2026)

3 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Baltimore, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Specific Plans Overview

TransForm Baltimore (Article 32 of the City Code, 2017) replaced a 1971 zoning code with modern districts, overlays, and form-based standards. It governs permitted uses, density, parking, signage, and design citywide and is administered by the Department of Planning and BMZA.

TransForm Baltimore zoning overview

Some Restrictions

Density Bonus Law

Baltimore's 2023 Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (23-0237) requires affordable units in larger residential projects and offers density and floor-area bonuses for compliance. Bonuses scale with the share of units set aside at deeper affordability levels, supporting integration in growth areas.

Inclusionary housing and density bonus rules

Some Restrictions

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)

TransForm Baltimore (Code Art. 32, effective 2017) created Transit-Oriented Development overlays around Light Rail, Metro Subway, and MARC stations. These zones allow higher density, reduced parking minimums, and mixed-use buildings to leverage transit access and meet climate goals.

Transit-oriented development zones around Baltimore stations

Some Restrictions