# Regulation .05 Design Standards.

Current through 2026-01-20. Source: COBRA Register Volume 04, Issue 02. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## Regulation .05 Design Standards.

Balt., Md., COBRA § 14.03.04.05 (2026)

A. A permit holder shall adhere to the following fire safety guidelines:

  (1) A curbside facility built primarily out of untreated wood or other flammable material shall be built a minimum distance of ten feet from a building; and

  (2) A curbside facility built primarily out of fire-resistant material such as treated wood shall be built a minimum distance of five feet from a building.

B. BCDOT may not approve a curbside facility that:

  (1) Functions as an indoor area;

  (2) Is within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;

  (3) Is within 15 feet of a pull-in bus stop;

  (4) Is within 15 feet of dumpster;

  (5) Is on a street with a running slope of five percent or more;

  (6) Is on a street with a posted speed limit above 30 miles per hour;

  (7) Is located in or interferes with the functions of forbidden road space;

  (8) Intrudes on the sidewalk;

  (9) Is not ADA compliant;

  (10) Is more than one level;

  (11) Obstructs visibility of a traffic control sign or street sign;

  (12) Blocks stormwater drainage; or

  (13) Permanently restricts access to utilities.

C. A curbside facility shall:

  (1) Fit within the width of the parking lane;

  (2) Use a protective railing or barrier which does not obstruct visibility above three feet, as determined by BCDOT;

  (3) Provide for a minimum seven feet of clearance between the ground plane and overhead elements;

  (4) Have an entrance which:

    (a) Is accessible via the abutting sidewalk,

    (b) Is at least 48 inches wide,

    (c) Is flush with the curb, and

    (d) Meets ADA compliance standards;

  (5) Feature protective vertical elements within the parking lane which separate the curbside facility from forbidden road space;

  (6) Be free of any tripping or slipping hazards; and

  (7) Incorporate lighting and reflective elements.

D. A permit holder may incorporate the following weather mitigating elements:

  (1) Canopies;

  (2) Umbrellas;

  (3) Transparent igloos or bubbles; and

  (4) Other protective elements approved by BCDOT.

E. An elevated curbside facility built flush with the curb shall be designed to support a minimum of 100 pounds per square foot.

F. A curbside facility may be constructed using modular design practices.

G. A curbside facility shall adhere to local design standards and adherence shall be reviewed on an annual basis.

H. A curbside facility located within a floodplain district may be required to implement additional safety measures.