# Part 1 – Overview

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

## § 3-1 In general.

Balt., Md., Code art. 7, § 3-1 (2026)

(a)

  (1) In order to prevent excessive damage to structures, all new construction and substantial improvements to existing structures in the Floodplain District must comply with:

    (i) the regulations and restrictions of this subtitle; and

    (ii) except as otherwise provided in this Division I, the design and construction standards of:

      (A) ASCE 24 {“Flood Resistant Design and Construction”}; and

      (B) ASCE 7 {“Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures”}, Chapter 5 {“Flood Loads”}.

  (2) Where flood elevation data are used, the applicant must provide to the Planning Department:

    (i) floodproofing elevations for all new construction and all substantial improvements to an existing structure; and

    (ii) corresponding elevation certificates.

(b) If a proposed structure or substantial improvement is sited in 2 different subdistricts or in a subdistrict with 2 different flood elevations, the most restrictive regulation or higher flood elevation prevails.

(c) For the purpose of applying appropriate requirements, structures are classified according to ASCE 24, Table 1-1 {“Classification of Structures for flood Resistant Design and Construction”}.

*History: Ord. 88-188*

*History: Ord. 11-516*

*History: Ord. 14-208*

*History: Ord. 21-020*