Baltimore has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Property maintenance under Article 13 requires yard upkeep but does not address ornaments. CHAP historic district review applies to permanent installations in 33 designated districts. HOA/condo covenants commonly regulate ornaments through declarations.
Baltimore City Code does not regulate the content or placement of lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, flamingos, or similar decorative items. Article 13 (Housing) Property Maintenance requires yard upkeep but does not address ornamental content. Article 32 (Zoning) setback and lot coverage rules apply to large permanent installations (over 30 inches tall or 100 sq ft footprint). Real restrictions come from three sources: (1) CHAP review under Article 32, Title 13 in 33 historic districts (Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Bolton Hill, Roland Park) where permanent visible alterations require review; (2) HOA/condominium covenants under MD Real Property Article; (3) deed restrictions in older planned communities (Roland Park, Guilford, Homeland). Typical HOA rules: prior architectural review committee approval; size limits 3-4 feet; rear yard placement; no political signage masquerading as ornaments. Religious displays may have federal Fair Housing Act protection.
No municipal enforcement against ornaments under Article 13 unless creating a maintenance nuisance. CHAP violations in historic districts may require removal at owner expense plus civil fines up to $1,000 per occurrence. HOA/condo violations result in declaration-specified fines, typically $50-$500, escalating to liens under MD Real Property Article.
Baltimore, MD
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