# Part V – Complete Streets Manual

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

## § 40-36 Director to adopt Complete Streets Manual.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-36 (2026)

The Transportation Director, in consultation with the Complete Streets Advisory Committee, must adopt and may amend from time to time a Complete Streets Manual to carry out this subtitle.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

*History: Ord. 19-332*

## § 40-37 Modal hierarchy.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-37 (2026)

The Complete Streets Manual must include a hierarchy of the various modes of travel, indicating the priority to be given to each mode.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

## § 40-38 Street typologies.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-38 (2026)

(a) The Complete Streets Manual must include Complete Streets street typologies for classifying City streets.

(b) In creating street typologies, the Transportation Director, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, must consider:

  (1) roadway form and function, including traffic volume, speed, and functional classification;

  (2) intersections and crossings;

  (3) bridges and overpasses;

  (4) loading zones;

  (5) overlays, including for transit streets, truck routes, and fire and emergency routes;

  (6) existing land use;

  (7) zoning designations;

  (8) public space guidelines;

  (9) stormwater management;

  (10) green infrastructure;

  (11) “Main Streets”, as part of the Baltimore Main Streets program;

  (12) public art;

  (13) arts districts;

  (14) historic preservation;

  (15) plans formally adopted by the Planning Commission; and

  (16) any other necessary considerations.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

## § 40-39 Project prioritization process.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-39 (2026)

(a) The Complete Streets Manual must include a process for identifying, screening, and prioritizing projects seeking funding through federal or state grants, the City Capital Improvement Program, or other means.

(b) This project prioritization process must include an equity assessment.  The equity assessment must consider transportation disparity trends based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, or income and recommend ways to reverse these trends.  It must assess and recommend ways to eliminate structural and institutional discrimination in transportation based on immutable characteristics.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

*History: Ord. 19-332*

## § 40-40 Project delivery process.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-40 (2026)

(a) The Complete Streets Manual must include a project delivery process.

(b) This project delivery process must include:

  (1) project phases from identification through construction through operation;

  (2) a chart listing the types of projects undertaken by, under the authority of, or under the supervision of the Department, and showing project phases for each type, and steps to complete each project phase, and whether, for each project type, a given step is required, optional, or inapplicable;

  (3) a decision tree showing how street typology, existing and planned land use, modal hierarchy, and any additional factors determine street design, and whether various elements are required, recommended, optional, or not required; and

  (4) a project management checklist.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

## § 40-41 Equity in community engagement.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-41 (2026)

The Complete Streets Manual must include community engagement policies that overcome barriers to engagement associated with race, income, age, disability, English language proficiency, and vehicle access of populations affected by a project, including a means of measuring success in overcoming these barriers.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

## § 40-42 Public comment period.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-42 (2026)

(a) The Transportation Director must publish the proposed Complete Streets Manual or proposed amendment to the Manual by posting a copy of the proposal to the Department’s website at least 45 days before its adoption.

(b)

  (1) A notice of the proposed Manual or proposed amendment to the Manual must also be posted to the Transportation Department’s website, social media, and other channels of distribution available to the Department.

  (2) This notice must include:

    (i) a summary of the proposed Manual or proposed amendment; and

    (ii) information on how a person can:

      (A) obtain a copy of the proposal;

      (B) obtain a schedule of public hearing(s) to be held on the proposal; and

      (C) submit comments before the proposal is finalized and adopted.

(c)

  (1) During the 45-day public comment period, the Director must also advertise and hold 1 or more public hearings on the proposed Manual or proposed amendment.

  (2) At least 1 hearing must be held in whole or in part between 6 pm and 8 pm.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

## § 40-43 Final adoption.

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-43 (2026)

(a) After the 45-day public comment and hearing period, the Director may modify and adopt the Complete Streets Manual.

(b) A copy of the Complete Streets Manual and, from time to time, any amendment to the Manual must be filed with the Department of Legislative Reference before it becomes effective.

(c) DOT guidelines, policies, and procedures must be updated for compliance with the Complete Streets Manual.

*History: Ord. 18-197*

*History: Ord. 19-332*

## §§ 40-44 to 40-45

Balt., Md., Code art. 26, § 40-44 to 40-45 (2026)

Reserved