Baltimore City Building Code Section 3109 requires swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Part XII), Health Department rules, and the City Zoning Code.
Section 3109.1 of the Baltimore City Building Code states that swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs must comply with: (1) the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted as Part XII of the Building, Fire, and Related Codes; (2) other applicable sections of the Building Code; (3) Baltimore City Health Department rules and regulations; and (4) the location and other applicable provisions of the Baltimore City Zoning Code. Part XII adopts the ISPSC with local modifications - Chapter 8 covers Permanent In-Ground Residential Swimming Pools and Chapter 7 covers On-Ground Storable Residential Swimming Pools. Under the adopted ISPSC barrier standards, residential pool barriers must be at least 48 inches in height as measured from the outside, gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch on the pool side, and gates must open outward away from the pool. Maryland enforces these requirements statewide through the Maryland Building Performance Standards (COMAR 05.02.07), which adopt the IRC and ISPSC for all jurisdictions.
Building or operating a pool without complying with Section 3109 and Part XII is a Building Code violation enforced by the Department of Housing and Community Development. Penalties include citations, daily fines, mandatory abatement, and refusal of occupancy or final inspection until barriers comply. Health-related deficiencies can trigger separate Baltimore City Health Department enforcement.
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 fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.