# Subtitle 21 – Neighborhood Block Watch Signs

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 21-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 21-1 (2026)

(a) For the purposes of this subtitle, the following terms shall have the meanings listed below.

(b) An “area” shall mean an area consisting of more than 1 block.

(c) A “block” shall mean all of the properties on both sides of a given street existing between 2 consecutive intersecting streets.

(d) “Household” shall mean all persons occupying a single housing unit (i.e. <em>{sic}</em> house, apartment, group of rooms, or single room intended for occupancy as separate living quarters).

(e) “Neighborhood Block Watch block or area” shall mean a block or an area designated in an application filed pursuant to § 21-3 in which signs provided for in this subtitle may be erected.

*History: Ord. 82-696*

## § 21-2 Legislative findings.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 21-2 (2026)

(a) The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore finds and declares that the threat, fear, and intimidation caused by the criminal element is one of the most compelling problems facing society today.  Crime isolates people in their own homes, causing them to become suspicious of, and in some cases afraid of, their neighbors.  And yet, law enforcement officials tell us that neighborhoods with little inter-residential communication are more vulnerable to crime than are those in which neighbors communicate and cooperate with each other on a regular basis.

(b) A new kind of anti-crime program starting to take hold in neighborhoods around the City seeks to promote communication and cooperation among neighbors as an effective countermeasure to crime.  This subtitle sets up a program to install signs in those neighborhoods where a Neighborhood Block Watch Program is in effect.

(c) This subtitle should be liberally interpreted to achieve its anti-crime goals.

*History: Ord. 82-696*

*History: Ord. 04-672*

## § 21-3 Program established; procedure.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 21-3 (2026)

(a) There is established a Neighborhood Block Watch Sign Program to promote an anti-crime posture in neighborhoods and between the neighborhoods and City officials.

(b)

  (1) The Program shall be available to all qualified residential blocks and areas of the City.

  (2) In order to qualify for the Program, such blocks and areas shall meet the criteria set forth in this subtitle and any rules and regulations established by the Police Commissioner in consultation with the Director of Transportation and the Director of Finance under the requirements of this subtitle.

(c) This procedure shall be as follows:

  (1) In order to be considered for the Neighborhood Block Watch Sign Program, a neighborhood group, group of residents, or community association shall submit an application through the Police Commissioner to the Director of Transportation indicating the collective desire of at least 60% of the households in the block or area to have signs placed.

  (2) The boundary of the block and area within the Neighborhood Block Watch block or area shall be clearly identified on the application.

  (3) Upon receipt of a valid application, the Police Commissioner, in consultation with the Director of Transportation, shall review the block or area identified and any other information required by the Police Commissioner necessary to the completion of the application.

  (4) The Police Commissioner, in consultation with the Director of Transportation, shall approve or deny the application.

  (5) When an application is denied, the Police Commissioner or his designee shall state the reasons for the denial.

  (6) The Director of Transportation shall authorize the installation of Neighborhood Block Watch Signs in the block or area from which the application was approved.

*History: Ord. 82-696*

*History: Ord. 15-435*

## § 21-4 Signs.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 21-4 (2026)

The neighborhood group, group of residents, or community association which has received approval for the installation of the Neighborhood Block Watch sign shall purchase signs approved by the Police Commissioner and all other material necessary to the installation of the signs.  The signs shall be installed by the Department of Transportation.  Any person(s) or organizations may volunteer to pay the fee.

*History: Ord. 82-696*

*History: Ord. 15-435*

## § 21-5 Administration of program.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 21-5 (2026)

The Police Commissioner, in consultation with the Director of Transportation and the Director of Finance, shall promulgate rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.  The Police Commissioner shall also administer the program.

*History: Ord. 82-696*

*History: Ord. 15-435*