Subtitle 1 – Advertising Circulars
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. 19, § 1-1 (2026)
§ 1-1 Definitions.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)Advertising circular.
“Advertising circular” means any printed or written circular, notice, or other item the predominate purpose of which is:
(1)
to advertise one or more products, services, or other things for sale, lease, or trade;
(2)
to direct attention to one or more businesses, commodities, services, events, or other activities for which a fee is charged or solicited; or
(3)
otherwise to promote activity of a business or commercial nature.
(c)Vehicle.
“Vehicle” means:
(1)
any self-propelled vehicle; and
(2)
any other vehicle required to be registered under the laws of this State.
History: Ord. 87-890
History: Ord. 06-205
History: Ord. 22-125
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 1-2 (2026)
§ 1-2 Placement prohibited without permission.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
A person may not affix, place, or cause to be affixed or placed any advertising circular:
(1)
in or on any vehicle in the City, except with the express permission of the owner or operator of the vehicle; or
(2)
in or on any residential property in the City (whether in or on a fence, railing, door, porch, lawn, sidewalk, or otherwise), except:
(i)
with the express permission of the owner or occupant of that property; or
(ii)
by placing the advertising circular into a door slot or a nonlockable bin consistent with federal law.
(b)Lack of permission presumed.
In a civil proceeding, an advertising circular found on an unattended property or vehicle is presumed to have been placed there without permission unless the person responsible for its placement can affirmatively establish otherwise.
History: Ord. 87-890
History: Ord. 06-205
History: Ord. 07-507
History: Ord. 11-523
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 1-3 (2026)
§ 1-3 Persons responsible.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
The person whose name, event, business, location, or merchandise is advertised on a circular affixed or placed in violation of this subtitle is presumptively responsible for the violation and subject to the penalties imposed under this subtitle.
(b)Overcoming presumption.
The burden of overcoming the presumption is on the contesting party.
History: Ord. 07-507
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 1-4 (2026)
§ 1-4 Enforcement by citation.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
In addition to any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement procedure, this subtitle may be enforced by issuance of:
(1)
an environmental citation under City Code <cite data-path="|1">Article 1</cite>, Subtitle 40 {“Environmental Control Board”}; or
(2)
a civil citation under City Code <cite data-path="|1">Article 1</cite>, Subtitle 41 {“Civil Citations”}.
(b)Process not exclusive.
The issuance of a citation to enforce this subtitle does not preclude pursuing any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement action authorized by law.
History: Ord. 06-205
History: Ord. 07-507
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 1-5 (2026)
§ 1-5 Penalties.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
Any person who violates a provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each offense.
(b)Each circular a separate offense.
Each advertising circular affixed or placed in violation of this subtitle constitutes a separate offense.
History: Ord. 87-890
History: Ord. 06-205
History: Ord. 07-507