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.
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 transit-oriented communities (toc) rules stack up against other locations.
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