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 residential building height by D.R. zoning classification under BCZR Section 1B02.2.A: 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 60 feet in the higher-density D.R.16 Zone. A stricter 30-foot cap hits new noncommercial D.R.16 buildings on tracts over four acres near overcrowded schools.
Baltimore County Residential Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Zoning Regulations §§ 1B02.2.A, 1B01.2.B.3, 503.1
A.Dwellings. The maximum gross residential densities and height of dwellings shall be as prescribed in the table below...Zoning Classification: Maximum Gross Residential Density (in dwelling or density units per acre): Maximum Height of Buildings (in feet). D.R.1 1.0 dwelling units/acre 50. D.R.2 2.0 dwelling units/acre 50. D.R.3.5 3.5 dwelling units/acre 50. D.R.5.5 5.5 dwelling units/acre 50....
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 [apply].
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