TransForm Baltimore (Code Art. 32, effective 2017) created Transit-Oriented Development overlays around Light Rail, Metro Subway, and MARC stations. These zones allow higher density, reduced parking minimums, and mixed-use buildings to leverage transit access and meet climate goals.
Article 32 of the Baltimore City Code, adopted as TransForm Baltimore, established Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) overlays around major rail stations including Penn Station, State Center, and select Light Rail and Metro Subway stops. Within TOD overlays, base zoning densities increase, ground-floor active uses are required on certain frontages, and parking minimums drop or are eliminated. The Department of Planning reviews TOD-area projects with attention to pedestrian connectivity, bike infrastructure, and integration with MTA service. State law (Annotated Code) authorizes local TOD designations and permits expedited state review for designated sites.
Projects ignoring TOD design standards face plan review denial, redesign requirements, and possible Planning Commission or BMZA appeals. Code violations on operational requirements draw standard zoning fines.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore operates a growing network of bike lanes and protected cycle tracks managed by the Department of Transportation. Drivers must yield to cyclists in ...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore's 2023 Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (23-0237) requires affordable units in larger residential projects and offers density and floor-area bonuses ...
See how Baltimore's transit-oriented communities (toc) rules stack up against other locations.
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