My Neighborhood Interactive Map
Use My Neighborhood to find zoning classification, view prior zoning cases, and access other land use data. Zoning Review does not confirm zoning classification via phone or email.
Baltimore County Zoning Regulations (BCZR)
Here you can find the entire library of zoning regulations.
Residential Zones
New residential dwelling permits require an engineer-scaled and sealed site plan. The plan can be sealed by a professional engineer, surveyor or landscape architect.
Residential zoning includes single-family dwellings, multi-family houses, apartments and condos. Residential zones are either Density Residential (DR), Resource Conservation (RC) and Residential Office (RO).
Setbacks
Refers to the distance that the house or structure must be from the front, sides and rear property line. Setback requirements for principal dwellings can vary based on several factors (FDP, vested plat, variance, development year, etc.). View the setback requirements:
Accessory Structure/Building
Any structure on the same property as a principal dwelling, which is incidental to the use of the principal dwelling. Accessory structures/buildings require a minimum 2.5 feet setback from the rear and side property lines. The maximum height of an accessory structure/building, without a variance, is 15 feet. A side yard placement is allowed in RC6, RC7, and RC8 zones only. Accessory structures/buildings includes, pools, sheds, pole barns, and, fire pits. Read more on accessory structures/buildings.
Nonconforming Use
Nonconforming uses, or uses that existed lawfully prior to the current Baltimore County Zoning Regulations but are no longer permitted, or do not comply with current zoning regulations. A public hearing maybe required to confirm the existence of a nonconforming use.
Fence Requirements
Learn more about fence requirements.
Business and Manufacturing Zones
Below are a few common zoning classifications and the BCZR Section Number.
- Residential Office (RO)—Section 204 OR-1 (Office Building-Residential) Section 205
- Business, Local (BL)—Section 230 B.M. (Business, Major) Section 233
- Business, Roadside (BR)—Section 236M.L.R. (Manufacturing, Light Restrictive) Section 248
- Manufacturing, Light (ML)—Section 253 M.H. (Manufacturing, Heavy) Section 256
Permitted Uses: BCZR allows a use as either permitted by right or by special exception. If a use is not listed under either, it is prohibited.
Parking Requirements
Regulations that prescribes a specific amount of parking spaces to be provided based on the use of the property. See the BCZR for list of required parking spaces by use.
Sign Permits
Sign Permits are issued through and reviewed by the Zoning office. View the sign regulations.
Explore Zoning Review
To convert an existing dwelling into a multifamily the property must comply with this table of the BCZR. Use My Neighborhood to obtain zoning classifications or lot size.
CZMP takes place every four years on an exact schedule specified in the County Code. Any citizen may request a zoning change on any property in the County.
The devolution of title is often required for properties with no development plan, plat or known development history.
List was compiled as a courtesy to assist citizens with finding an engineer or surveyor. Zoning does not attest to the work of any person on this list.
FDP checklist is a Zoning document required for all residential zone properties. The FDP must be approved and signed by Zoning. The Notice Of Conveyance is a document informing all buyers that an FDP or plan exist for the property.
The front yard depth of any building hereafter erected shall be the average of the front yard depths of the lots immediately adjoining on each side. Requirement applies to D.R.2, D.R.3.5, D.R.5.5, B.L., B.M. and B.R. Zones
The subdivision of a plot of land into three or fewer parcels. View the minor subdivision checklist.
Both can be done as a walk-in service during normal business hours. The fee is $100 and we accept check, payable to Baltimore County, and credit or debit at the counter. If out of state, mail your trader/business license application to Baltimore County Office Building, 111 West Chesapeake Avenue Room 124, Towson, Maryland 21204. Please include an address to mail the completed application back to.
Home Occupation of trader/business license is acceptable under some circumstances a Zoning Home Occupation Use Permit/Affidavit for Traders License will be required.
If your MVA request is for a wholesale dealer, an Automotive Wholesale Dealer's License Zoning Use Permit must be approved.
Zoning cannot approve any MVA forms or any automotive related uses for a residential zoned property.
- Trucking Facility I—Primary purpose is to accommodate the transfer of goods or chattels from trucks or truck trailers to other trucks or truck trailers or to vehicles of other types, in order to facilitate the transportation of such goods or chattels.
- Trucking Facility II—A trucking facility other than a Class I trucking facility, including a truck yard (the primary purpose of which is to accommodate the parking or storage of trucks, truck trailers or truck tractors.
View the trucking facility checklist.
These diagrams are to be used as a guide in determining divisional property lines on waterfront construction.
View a complete list of every Baltimore County zoning classification.
An official zoning letter that provides a comprehensive overview of a property, including zoning classification, zoning cases history and code and zoning violations. If requesting a Zoning Verification Types, Guidelines and Requirements that confirms a permitted use, please provide full detail of your proposed use.