# Chapter 18 – Special Authorization Requirements

Current through 2024. Source: DLR publication. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## Rule 18-1 “Legislative approval” defined

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-1 (2026)

In this chapter, “legislative approval” means any ordinance that approves, authorizes, or amends a prior approval or authorization for:

(1) a change in the zoning classification of any property;

(2) a conditional use;

(3) an open off-street parking area in a Parking Lot District; or

(4) a hospital or other health facility.

## Rule 18-2 Required plat and statement

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-2 (2026)

(a) In general. Each bill proposing a legislative approval shall, when introduced, be accompanied by:

  (1) the plat required by this chapter; and

  (2) for approval of a change in zoning classification or approval of a conditional use, a copy of the written statement of intent in the form provided by the Department of Legislative Reference.

(b) Inclusion in bill file. The original copies of the plat and the statement shall be added to the bill file.

## Rule 18-3 Plat requirements – In general

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-3 (2026)

(a) Size and scale. Each plat shall be:

  (1) at least 8½" x 11" if printed or 300 dots per inch (dpi) if in a digital image file; and

  (2) prepared on a scale of 1":200'.

(b) Contents. The plat shall contain:

  (1) a graphic bar scale;

  (2) a north point indicator;

  (3) the date when the plat was prepared;

  (4) the name of the person who prepared the plat;

  (5) the name of the applicant;

  (6) the existing classifications of all affected zoning districts;

  (7) the sheet number(s) of the official zoning map(s) to be amended; and

  (8) spaces or blocks for the signatures of the City Council President and the Mayor.

## Rule 18-4 Plat requirements – Open off-street parking generally

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-4 (2026)

(a) Scope of rule. This rule applies to a proposed legislative approval of an open off-street parking area.

(b) Additional contents. In addition to the information specified in Rule 18-3, the plat shall:

  (1) contain a statement of whether the parking will be:

    (i) private parking for tenants, guests, or employees; or

    (ii) public parking for customers or “for hire”; and

  (2) show the location of all:

    (i) parking areas, delineating individual parking spaces;

    (ii) aisles;

    (iii) bumper guards;

    (iv) landscaping, fencing, and screening; RULE 18-5. PLAT REQUIREMENTS – OPEN OFF-STREET PARKING IN PARKING LOT DISTRICT. RULES OF BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL

    (v) lighting;

    (vi) signs; and

    (vii) attendants’ booths.

## Rule 18-5 Plat requirements – Open off-street parking in Parking Lot District

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-5 (2026)

(a) Scope of rule. This rule applies to a proposed legislative approval of an open off-street parking area in a Parking Lot District.

(b) Additional contents. In addition to the information specified in Rule 18-3 of this chapter, the plat shall contain:

  (1) the information specified in Rule 18-4 of this chapter;

  (2) the height, location, and direction of all lighting;

  (3) a description all signs, including their illumination and size; and

  (4) front and side elevations, at an appropriate scale and with all lines properly dimensioned, for:

    (i) landscaped areas;

    (ii) screening walls (brick or block); and

    (iii) attendants’ booths.

## Rule 18-6 Plat requirements – Parking garages

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-6 (2026)

(a) Scope of rule. This rule applies to a proposed legislative approval of a parking garage.

(b) Additional contents. In addition to the information specified in Rule 18-3 of this chapter, the plat shall contain:

  (1) the location, size, and number of stories of all buildings;

  (2) all parking areas, delineating individual parking spaces;

  (3) all landscaping, fencing, and screening;

  (4) the height, location, and direction of all lighting;

  (5) a description of all signs, including their illumination and size;

  (6) attendants’ booths;

  (7) all driveway openings; and

  (8) if the garage will contain a vehicle repair facility:

    (i) the type and location of refuse collection;

    (ii) the hours of operation; and

    (iii) all vehicle storage spaces.

## Rule 18-7 Plat requirements –Drive-in restaurants

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-7 (2026)

(a) Scope of rule. This rule applies to a proposed legislative approval of a drive-in restaurant.

(b) Additional contents. In addition to the information specified in Rule 18-3 of this chapter, the plat shall contain:

  (1) the location, size, and height of all buildings;

  (2) the type and location of refuse facilities;

  (3) the height, location, and direction of all lighting;

  (4) a description of all signs, including their illumination and size;

  (5) the hours of operation;

  (6) all landscaping, fencing, and screening; and

  (7) all driveway openings.

## Rule 18-8 Planned Unit Developments

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-8 (2026)

(a) In general. Each bill proposing the approval or amendment of a Planned Unit Development shall, when introduced, be accompanied by:

  (1) the development plan required by Article 32, § 13-304 {“PUD master plan”} of the City Code; and

  (2) the written statement of intent required by Article 32, § 13-304(b)(4) {“PUD master plan – Plan components”}of the City Code in the form provided by the Department of Legislative Reference.

(b) Inclusion in bill file. The original copies of the plan and the statement shall be added to the bill file.

(c) Contents. In addition to the information required by the Zoning Code, the development plan shall include:

  (1) a location or key map that shows the relationship of the project area to main traffic arteries, existing community facilities, schools, parks, and other areas;

  (2) the ward, section, block, and lot of all property in the project area;

  (3) the names of all persons, as shown on the tax assessment records, who own property abutting the project area;

  (4) the type and location of refuse collection facilities external to a structure;

  (5) truck loading and unloading platforms;

  (6) the height, location, and direction of all lighting;

  (7) a description of all signs, including their illumination and size;

  (8) the hours of operation; and

  (9) all parking areas, delineating individual parking spaces.

## Rule 18-10 Amendments to plat or plan

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 18-10 (2026)

(a) Designation. When a plat or a development plan is amended, the amended plat or plan shall be:

  (1) entitled “Amended Plat No. ” or “Amended Development Plan No. ”;

  (2) numbered consecutively as received; and

  (3) dated with the date on which the amended plat or plan is presented to the City Council or its committee.

(b) Text amendment required. The amended plat or development plan shall be accompanied by an amendment to the bill’s text, indicating that the original plat or development plan has been amended. TABLE 1 RULES OF BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL