Commercial Revitalization Program

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

Baltimore County's 18 officially designated Commercial Revitalization Districts are the "front doors" to our desired established communities. They offer a shopping and entertainment experience where family owned business and national retail chains are neighbors. Each district is staffed by a planner who works closely with the business and property owners, business associations and the local communities to provide a range of services aimed at maintaining the health and vitality of our neighborhood commercial areas.

Visit My Neighborhood to see if your business is located in a Commercial Revitalization District. In My Neighborhood, enter your address and select "Search". The Commercial Revitalization District will be listed under the "Economic" heading on the left side of the page. Download a brochure (PDF) about the resources available in the Commercial Revitalization Districts.

Resources Available

Architect-On-Call

Architect-On-Call offers up to 10 free hours of professional architectural design services to businesses improving the exteriors of their buildings. After an initial site visit and meeting, the architect prepares a digital rendering of the building with design recommendations and a rough cost estimate. The service is free when improvements are certified as complete within six months. Download an application (PDF).

Architect-On-Call Contact: Bill Skibinski, Commercial Revitalization Specialist
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: wskibinski@baltimorecountymd.gov

Building Improvement Loan Program (BILP)

A $30,000 interest-free loan which can be used for exterior improvements such as awnings, landscaping, and signage. This loan can be combined with the other economic development incentives for larger projects. Some minor interior and equipment improvements may also be financed. Download an application (PDF).

BILP Contact: Josephine Selvakumar, Commercial Revitalization Specialist
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: jselvakumar@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. Learn more about the Commercial Revitalization Tax Credit and how to apply.
Note: Applicants must apply within 120 days of completed project in order to receive credit for the next tax year. Download an application (PDF).

Tax Credit Contact: Bill Skibinski, Commercial Revitalization Specialist
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: wskibinski@baltimorecountymd.gov

Commercial Revitalization Action Grant (CRAG)

A $10,000 grant awarded annually to business associations for projects that benefit the overall Commercial Revitalization Districts. Examples include: holiday lighting, welcome signs, website development, street trees, security cameras, farmers markets and more. 

CRAG Contact: Bill Skibinski, Commercial Revitalization Specialist
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: wskibinski@baltimorecountymd.gov

Commercial Revitalization Districts 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.

Western Sector

Eastern Sector

Agency Partners

• Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce
• Baltimore County Council
• Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development
• Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission
• Baltimore County Revenue Authority
• Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
• Maryland Department of Transportation

Business Association Partners

• Greater Arbutus Business Association
• Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce
• Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce
• Liberty Road Business Association
• Overlea-Fullerton Business and Professional Association
• Parkville-Carney Business Association
• Perry Hall White Marsh Business Association
• Pikesville Chamber of Commerce
• Northwest Chamber of Commerce
• Security Woodlawn Business Association
• Towson Chamber of Commerce