# Subtitle 17 – Drainage under Sidewalks

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

## § 17-1 Under-sidewalk construction required.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 17-1 (2026)

All drainage of every character whatsoever within the City of Baltimore, be it from rain-spouts or from any other conceivable source, which naturally or artificially flows outward and across the line of the public sidewalks into the gutter-ways or other means of discharge, shall be conducted under instead of across the surface of said sidewalks.

*History: Ord. 04-111*

## § 17-2 Same.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 17-2 (2026)

The owner, owners, or occupiers of any building or other structure from which the drip or drainage as above described is carried, or is to be carried, across the line of the public sidewalks aforesaid, shall provide underground pipes or other agencies so as to conduct the same under the surface of the sidewalks, as required by <cite data-path="|26|§17-1">§ 17-1 of this article</cite>, the scheme of pipes or other agencies to be subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works.

*History: Ord. 04-111*

*History: Ord. 76-139*

## § 17-3 Approval required.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 17-3 (2026)

No method of conducting drainage under the public sidewalks in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, shall be deemed a sufficient compliance with the terms of this subtitle unless such method is approved and so certified by the Director of Public Works.

*History: Ord. 04-111*

*History: Ord. 76-139*

## § 17-4 Work by City.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 17-4 (2026)

(a) In all cases where the owner, owners, or occupiers of buildings or other structures shall refuse or neglect to make provisions for the discharge of the drip or drainage in accordance with the intent and purpose of this subtitle, the Director of Public Works shall proceed to have the necessary means or appliances properly constructed, having first given at least 3 days’ notice to such owner, owners, or occupiers to comply with the provisions of this subtitle.

(b) The cost of said means or appliance and of the laying and construction thereof shall in such case be charged to the owner, owners, or occupier of the building or other structure from which the drip or drainage is so conducted.

(c) And the said owner, owners, or occupier shall thereupon become indebted to the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore for the full amount expended as aforesaid, and the claim shall become a lien on the entire lot and premises.

(d) Should the indebtedness not be paid to the City within 1 year from incurring the expense, the same shall be placed in the hands of the City Solicitor for foreclosure and recovery of the money, including all costs and interest.

*History: Ord. 04-111*

*History: Ord. 76-139*

## § 17-5

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 17-5 (2026)

Reserved

## § 17-6 Penalties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 17-6 (2026)

Any person or persons violating the provisions of this subtitle shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $50, nor more than $100, to be enforced and collected as other City fines and penalties are enforced and collected.

*History: Ord. 04-111*