Maryland law universally prohibits homeowner associations and similar covenants from banning low-impact landscaping such as pollinator gardens, rain gardens, native plants, and xeriscaping on owner-occupied lots.
House Bill 322, enacted in 2021 and codified at Real Property Article Section 2-119, makes Maryland the first state to bar HOAs and condominium associations from imposing unreasonable limitations on low-impact landscaping. The statute defines low-impact landscaping as techniques that conserve water, lower maintenance costs, reduce pollution, and create wildlife habitat, including pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and xeriscaping. Associations cannot require any portion of cultivated vegetation to be turf grass. Reasonable design and maintenance standards remain allowed, but blanket bans and turf mandates are preempted statewide regardless of when covenants were recorded.
Owners harmed by an unlawful restriction may seek injunctive relief and damages in Maryland courts. HOAs enforcing void restrictions may face attorney fee awards.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Health Code Title 9 sets a 55 dB(A) residential property-line limit, reduced 10 dB at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays; midnight-7 a.m. weekends), wi...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Property maintenance under Article 13 requires yard upkeep but does not a...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. Hea...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants and...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through DHCD e...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no specific smoker ordinance, but the Health Code Title 9 noise limits and air quality standards may apply. Maryland Department of the Environm...
See how Baltimore's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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