Baltimore Ordinance 19-0401 bans single-use plastic carryout bags and requires retailers to charge 5 cents per paper bag. Maryland's statewide HB 314 reinforces local bans starting 2025.
Baltimore enacted Ordinance 19-0401 (Comprehensive Bag Reduction Act) banning single-use plastic carryout bags at retail point of sale, with full enforcement beginning October 2021 after a COVID delay. Retailers must charge a minimum 5-cent fee per paper or reusable bag provided, with 4 cents retained by the store and 1 cent remitted to the city. Exemptions cover bags for produce, bulk items, raw meat, prescription medication, and dry cleaning. Maryland HB 314 (effective 2025) creates a complementary statewide framework. Baltimore enforces through Department of Public Works inspectors, with warnings preceding civil fines.
Civil fines up to $1,000 per day for repeat violations; first violations typically receive a written warning before escalation.
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 plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.