Commercial Revitalization Programs

Prior to Applying

All applicants are required to meet with staff prior to submitting applications.

Baltimore County's 23 officially designated commercial revitalization districts offer a shopping and entertainment experience where family-owned businesses and national retail chains are neighbors. The Departments of Planning and Economic and Workforce Development manage the programs. This joint administration provides a range of services aimed at maintaining the health and vitality of our neighborhood commercial areas.

CHECK IF YOUR BUSINESS IS IN A COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION DISTRICT

To see if your business is located in a Commercial Revitalization District:

  1. Visit My Neighborhood.
  2. Enter your address and select "search."
  3. The commercial revitalization district will be listed under the "economic" heading on the left side of the page.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Learn more about the following programs and resources.

Program DetailsContact Information
Architect on Call (AOC)
The program offers services to owners of commercial properties located within Commercial Revitalization Districts. It provides up to 10 free hours of professional architectural design services for exterior improvements. After an initial site visit and meeting, the architect prepares a digital rendering of the building with design recommendations and a rough-cost estimate. This service is free when improvements are certified as complete within six months. Learn more about the Architect On Call program.		Iyad Abdi
planningaoc@baltimorecountymd.gov
Building Improvement Loan Program (BILP)
A $60,000 interest-free loan which can be used for exterior improvements such as awnings, landscaping and signage. This loan program is managed by the Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) and can be combined with other economic development incentives for larger projects. Some minor interior and equipment improvements may also be financed. Contact businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov to get more information and download an application.		Department of Economic and Workforce Development
businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov
Commercial Revitalization Tax Credit
For larger projects, this benefit provides a five-year real property tax credit if physical improvements increase the assessed property value by $100,000 or more. A 10-year credit is available if improvement costs exceed $10 million. Applicants must apply within 120 days of the completed project in order to receive credit for the next tax year. This program is managed by the Office of Budget and Finance. Contact taxcredits@baltimorecountymd.gov to get more information and download an application.		Office of Budget and Finance
taxcredits@baltimorecountymd.gov
Commercial Revitalization Action Grant (CRAG)
A $10,000 grant awarded annually to business associations for projects that benefit the overall districts. Examples include holiday lighting, welcome signs, website development, street trees, security cameras, farmers markets and more.		Domenico Romeo
dromeo@baltimorecountymd.gov

DISTRICTS, MAPS AND STAFF CONTACTS

Development projects within some commercial revitalization districts may be subject to review and approval by the Design Review Panel. The commercial Design Review Areas include Arbutus, Catonsville, Essex, Loch Raven, Perry Hall, Pikesville and Towson.

OUR PARTNERS

Learn more about our partners below.