Building Setbacks & Zoning in Baltimore County, MD (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Baltimore County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In the county's Density Residential (D.R.) zones, single-family detached dwellings must meet minimum setbacks set in the BCZR tables, typically about 25 feet front and 30 feet rear in D.R.1–D.R.16, with side setbacks scaled to building height. Accessory structures need 2.5 feet from side and rear lines.
Building Setbacks in Baltimore County D.R. Zones
Some RestrictionsBCZR §1B01.2.C.1
Building setback requirements. ... Except as otherwise may be provided under standards adopted pursuant to Section 504.2, the minimum setbacks and heights shall be as set forth in the following tables.
Structure Height Limits
Baltimore County caps dwellings at 50 feet in the D.R.1, D.R.2, D.R.3.5, D.R.5.5 and D.R.10.5 zones and at 60 feet in D.R.16. A separate rule holds new noncommercial buildings in D.R.16 to 30 feet when a lot over four acres sits near an overcrowded public school and a Tier II growth area. Violations are misdemeanors under Zoning Regulations § 503.1.
Baltimore County Building Height Limits in D.R. Zones
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Zoning Regulations §§ 1B02.2.A, 1B01.2.B.3, 503.1
Dwellings. The maximum gross residential densities and height of dwellings shall be as prescribed in the table below; provided, however, that higher or additional standards for the provision of other amenity open space ... and standards providing for greater heights of buildings in appropriate circumstances, all as more particularly set forth in Section 504 , shall control when adopted pursuant...
Lot Coverage Limits
Baltimore County does not use a single flat lot-coverage percentage. In Density Residential (D.R.) zones, development is controlled mainly by maximum gross density (dwelling units per acre) and open-space standards set in the BCZR tables and the county's Comprehensive Manual of Development Policies.
Lot Coverage and Density in Baltimore County
Some RestrictionsBCZR §1B01.2 (density, bulk, open space and height standards)
The maximum gross residential densities and height of dwellings shall be as prescribed in the table below; provided, however, that higher or additional standards for the provision of other amenity open space, standards and methods for the inclusion and equitable apportionment of public amenity open space
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