# Subtitle 12 – Adult Use Overlay District

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

## § 12-1201 Applicability

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1201 (2026)

The Adult Use Overlay District may be applied only within the C-5 District.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

## § 12-1202 Use regulations.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1202 (2026)

(a) All permitted uses in the underlying zoning district are allowed as permitted uses within the Adult Use Overlay District.

(b)

  (1) All conditional uses in the underlying zoning district are allowed as conditional uses within the AU Overlay District.

  (2) In addition, the following uses are conditional uses, requiring approval by the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals:

    (i) Adult uses (<em>See </em>§ 14-301 for use standards).

*History: Ord. 16-581*

## § 12-1203 Bulk and yard regulations.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1203 (2026)

The bulk and yard regulations of the underlying zoning district apply to the AU Overlay District.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

## § 12-1204 Establishment of adult use.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 12-1204 (2026)

(a)

  (1) The establishment of an adult use within the City is a 2-step process:

    (i) First an area must be zoned as an Adult Use Overlay District, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, the zoning amendment process of Title 5, Subtitle 5 {“Legislative Authorizations”} of this Code, and the additional approval standards of subsection (b) of this section.

    (ii) Once the area is rezoned, a conditional use may be applied for to establish the adult use, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, the conditional use process of Title 5, Subtitle 4 {“Conditional Uses”} of this Code, and any additional use and development standards of this Code.

  (2) A conditional use may be applied for to establish an adult use in an area already zoned as an AU Overlay District.

(b)

  (1) In addition to the general standards for zoning map amendments, as set forth in § 5-406 {“Approval standards”} of this Code, the following standards must be met.

  (2) The adult use must be so designed, located, and operated so that the public health, safety, and welfare will be protected.

  (3) The adult use may not unduly increase traffic congestion in the public streets of the area in which it is located.

  (4) The adult use may not cause additional public expense for fire or police protection.

  (5) No adult use may be conducted in any manner that permits the observation, from any public way or adjacent property, of any material that depicts, describes, or relates to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.  This applies to any display, decoration, sign, show window, or other opening.

(c) Adult uses must meet the standards of § 14-301 {“Adult uses”} of this Code.

*History: Ord. 16-581*