Subtitle 11 – Registration of Vacant Lots
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 11-1 (2026)
§ 11-1 Definitions.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)Building.
“Building” means a structure or edifice of any kind constructed for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or operations.
(c)Lot.
“Lot” means an individual parcel of real property or a portion of a block that is identified by a symbol in accordance with <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="VII|§116|(k)">City Charter Article VII, § 116(k)</cite> and shown on a block plat filed among the records of the Department of Transportation.
(d)Owner.
(1)
“Owner” has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|VII">Property Maintenance Code</cite>, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2)
“Owner” does not include a governmental entity or an instrumentality or unit of a governmental entity.
(e)Vacant.
“Vacant” means unimproved by an assessed building.
History: Ord. 82-642
History: Ord. 04-832
History: Ord. 09-217
History: Ord. 13-093
History: Ord. 15-427
History: Ord. 15-435
Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 11-2 (2026)
§ 11-2 Registration required.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Owner to register annually.
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, by September 1 of each year, the owner of a vacant lot that is assessed for $100 or more must file a registration statement with the Commissioner on a form to be provided by the Commissioner.
(b)Registration fee.
(1)
The annual registration fee is $25 for each vacant lot, with a maximum fee of $5,000 for all lots titled to the same owner of record.
(2)
This fee must be paid at the time of registration.
(c)Purchaser to register on acquisition.
A new owner of a vacant lot must, at the time of acquisition:
(1)
file a registration statement; and
(2)
pay the annual registration fee, unless that fee already was paid by the prior owner.
(d)Exceptions.
This section does not apply to a vacant lot that:
(1)
adjoins a non-vacant lot that is titled to the same owner of record as the vacant lot and is the owner’s primary residence;
(2)
contains a parking pad that complies with the surface requirements of Baltimore City <cite data-path="|building-codes|II">Building Code</cite> <cite data-path="|building-codes|II|3116">§ 3116</cite> {“Parking Lots, Driveways, and Other Paved Surfaces”} and is actively used by a person whose primary residence is within 100 feet of the pad; or
(3)
extends beyond City limits.
History: Ord. 82-642
History: Ord. 04-832
History: Ord. 10-269
History: Ord. 13-093
History: Ord. 20-361
Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 11-3 (2026)
§ 11-3 Information required with registration.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
The registration statement shall contain the following information:
(1)
a description of the premises by street number or otherwise, in such manner as to enable the Commissioner to find the same;
(2)
the name and address of the owner of record, and in addition, if the owner is a corporation, the name and address of the resident agent thereof; and
(3)
the name and residence or business address of a natural person 18 years of age or older, who is customarily present in an office in the City for the purposes of transacting business or who resides within the City, and who shall be designated by the owner as his authorized agent for receiving notices of violations relating to the property and for receiving court process on behalf of such owner in connection with the enforcement of ordinances relating to the property.
(b)Owner-agent.
An owner who is a natural person and who meets the requirement of this section as to location of residence or place of transacting business, may designate himself as agent.
(c)Post-office box insufficient.
For purposes of this section a post office box does not suffice as an address.
(d)Notice of change of agent or address.
The Commissioner must be notified within 10 days of any change in the agent designated in accordance with subsection (a) above or in the agent’s address.
History: Ord. 82-642
History: Ord. 22-124
Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 11-4 (2026)
§ 11-4 Interest and late fees.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
If an owner fails to pay the registration fee imposed by this subtitle within 30 days of the date on which it is due, the owner is liable for the following, in addition to the registration fee:
(1)
interest at the rate of 1% for each month or fraction of a month that the registration fee is overdue; and
(2)
a late fee at the rate of 1% for each month or fraction of a month that the registration fee is overdue.
(b)Remedy not exclusive.
The interest and late fee imposed by this section are in addition to any other penalties authorized by law.
(c)Unpaid sum a personal debt and lien.
(1)
All registration fees, interest, and late fees provided for in this section are a personal debt owed by the owner of the vacant lot.
(2)
These fees and interest:
(i)
are a lien in favor of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore on the vacant lot; and
(ii)
may be collected or enforced the same as any other debts or liens due to or in favor of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore.
History: Ord. 82-642
History: Ord. 04-832
Balt., Md., Code art. 13, § 11-5 (2026)
§ 11-5 Criminal penalties.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
Any violation of the provisions of this subtitle shall be deemed a misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefor, any such owner shall be punishable by a fine of up to $300 for each day of violation.
(b)Notice not required.
Any owner of a vacant lot subject to this subtitle, who shall fail to file a registration statement as required by this section, shall be liable for said penalty without notice.
History: Ord. 82-642