# Subtitle 5 – Nonconforming Signs

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

## § 18-501 In general.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 18-501 (2026)

Signs that were lawful when erected but no longer conform to the requirements of this Code must comply with the following regulations.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

## § 18-502 Alterations, replacements, relocations, etc.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 18-502 (2026)

Any nonconforming sign may be structurally altered, reconstructed, replaced, or relocated, as long as the alteration, reconstruction, replacement, or relocation does not result in:

(1) an increase in the area or any dimension of the sign;

(2) an increase in the degree of illumination of the sign;

(3) the addition of:

  (i) any moving, rotating or otherwise animated part; or

  (ii) any flashing, blinking, fluctuating, or otherwise animated light; or

(4) any other increase in the degree of the sign’s nonconformity.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

## § 18-503 Restoration of damaged signs.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 18-503 (2026)

If a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of the sign’s fair market value immediately preceding the damage, the sign may not be repaired or reconstructed unless it will then conform to all applicable regulations for the district.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

## § 18-504 Continuance of certain nonconforming billboards.

Balt., Md., Code art. 32, § 18-504 (2026)

Any legal nonconforming billboard, as of June 5, 2017, may continue to follow the rule in § 11-207(c)(9) and (10) of the Zoning Code of Baltimore City that was in effect on June 4, 2017.

*History: Ord. 16-581*

*History: Ord. 18-216*