# Subtitle 10 – Rowhouse Mixed-Use Overlay Districts

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

## § 12-1001 Applicability.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1001 (2026)

(a) A Rowhouse Mixed-Use Overlay District may be applied to rowhouse dwellings in the R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-9, R-10, and OR Districts.  This Overlay District allows the rowhouse dwelling to be used for 1 of the non-residential uses listed in <cite data-path="|32|§12-1003">§ 12-1003 {“Use regulations”} of this subtitle</cite>.

(b) A rowhouse dwelling’s initial conversion from a residential use to a non-residential use listed in <cite data-path="|32|§12-1003">§ 12-1003 {“Use regulations”} of this subtitle</cite> requires conditional-use approval by the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

*History: Ord. 17-015*

## § 12-1002 Minimum size of district.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1002 (2026)

An R-MU Overlay District may only be applied to a minimum of:

(1) 50% of the blockface; or

(2) two opposing corner lots.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

*History: Ord. 17-015*

## § 12-1003 Use regulations.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1003 (2026)

(a) In an R-MU Overlay District, 1 (but no more than 1) of the following non-residential uses is permitted on the ground floor of a rowhouse structure:

  (1) Art gallery.

  (2) Arts studio.

  (3) Day-care center: Adult or child (See § 14-309 for use standards).

  (4) Office.

  (5) Personal services establishment.

  (6) Restaurant.

  (7) Retail goods establishment – no alcoholic beverage sales.

(b) In an R-MU Overlay District, the following uses are conditional uses requiring approval by the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals:

  (1) Outdoor Dining (<em>See </em>§ 14-329 for use standards).

  (2) Initial conversion of a rowhouse dwelling from a residential use to a non-residential use listed in subsection (a) of this section.

  (3) Use of upper floor for a non-residential use listed in subsection (a) of this section.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

*History: Ord. 17-015*

## § 12-1004 Bulk and yard regulations.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1004 (2026)

(a) The bulk and yard regulations for rowhouses in the underlying zoning district apply to a Rowhouse Mixed-Use Overlay District, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to the minimum lot area for a non-residential use that was converted under this subtitle from a residential use.  In that case, the minimum lot area requirement for the prior residential use applies.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

*History: Ord. 17-015*

## § 12-1005 Design and performance standards.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1005 (2026)

(a) The design standards for rowhouse dwellings in the underlying zoning district apply to a Rowhouse Mixed-Use Overlay District.

(b)

  (1) Conversion of a rowhouse to a use allowed by <cite data-path="|32|§12-1003">§ 12-1003 {“Use regulations”} of this subtitle</cite> requires design review.  This conversion is subject to the following design and performance standards.

  (2) The ground floor of the structure may be used for a non-residential use listed in <cite data-path="|32|§12-1003">§ 12-1003 {“Use regulations”} of this subtitle</cite>.  The upper floors of the structure may be used for office uses related to that ground-floor business, as long as the upper floors are not open to the public.  For all other non-residential uses, conditional-use approval by the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals is required for the use of the upper floors of a structure for the non-residential uses listed in <cite data-path="|32|§12-1003">§ 12-1003 {“Use regulations”} of this subtitle</cite>.

  (3) The residential form of the building must be generally maintained.  However, ground-floor windows and doors may be enlarged for improved visibility and access.

  (4) The principal entrance must be a direct entry from the primary abutting street.

  (5) No additional off-street parking is required.

  (6) Outside storage or display is prohibited.  All business, servicing, processing, and storage uses must be located within the structure.

  (7) Signs are limited to wall, projecting, window, awning, and temporary a-frame signs only.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

*History: Ord. 17-015*

*History: Ord. 18-216*