"Bmore FAST" Outlines Path to Reform Permitting System with New Advisory Group to Guide Implementation

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) -- Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott released a framework for a comprehensive overhaul of Baltimore's permitting and approval processes. Over the next several weeks, the administration will release a comprehensive report entitled the Bmore FAST (Facilitating Approvals and Streamlining Timelines) Report which will detail dozens of recommendations to modernize Baltimore's permit and approval processes for development in the City of Baltimore. As part of the reform effort, Mayor Scott announced his intent to form the Bmore FAST Advisory Group, which will bring together diverse stakeholders to guide implementation of these critical reforms.

"Baltimore stands at a historic crossroads with our $3 billion investment plan to transform vacant properties over the next 15 years and significant amounts of investment pouring into every corner of our city," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "To maximize this unprecedented opportunity, we must ensure our development processes don't become roadblocks to progress. The Bmore FAST initiative provides a clear roadmap for making Baltimore's development processes more efficient while maintaining our commitment to safety and community interests."

The reform effort is based on a comprehensive review of Baltimore's development approval process and aims to coordinate across all city agencies involved in development approvals to identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements that can ensure continuous progress in this area.

"The recommendations in this framework represent more than just administrative changes- they're about creating the conditions for Baltimore's renaissance," said Deputy Mayor Justin Williams. "By streamlining our development processes and removing unnecessary barriers, we can help meet the demand for housing, support small business growth, and create jobs across all neighborhoods."

"This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of running city operations more effectively and efficiently," said Chief Administrative Officer Faith Leach. "By modernizing our development processes, we're leveraging city services to directly contribute to Mayor Scott's vision of growing Baltimore. Streamlined development approvals are essential to attracting investment and creating vibrant, thriving neighborhoods across our city."

This initiative complements the broader restructuring efforts being undertaken by Mayor Scott to accelerate his administration's government modernization agenda to improve agency operations and deliver higher quality services to Baltimore residents and businesses.

"Homeowners, business leaders and community members have all been clear that we need a more efficient and transparent permitting process in Baltimore City," said City Council President Zeke Cohen. "Our City Council has worked closely with these stakeholders to find real solutions that can help power the growth our City needs and our residents deserve. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Mayor Scott's administration and the BMore Fast initiative to make these goals a reality for every zip code and community."

Among the key recommendations in the framework are two cornerstone initiatives:

1. Creation of “Director of Permitting and Development Services” Position: This new position in the Mayor’s Office will provide centralized coordination across all agencies involved in development approvals. The position will help foster a culture of facilitation across city agencies, where staff at all levels understand they are contributing directly to Baltimore’s renaissance.
2. Bmore FAST Advisory Group: This diverse body will bring together developers, contractors, architects, lenders, community development experts, and small business representatives to provide practical insights and guide implementation. This stakeholder engagement will ensure reforms address the full spectrum of development needs.

These permit and approval reform efforts are designed to improve the development process across the board, unlocking additional economic potential by cutting project delays and removing artificial barriers to ensure development is happening equitably across all communities in Baltimore. In addition to making it easier to create more housing options at all price points and revitalizing neighborhood commercial corridors, the reforms will help fuel the Mayor's cornerstone vision to end vacants in Baltimore by making it easier to transform tens of thousands of vacant properties and lots into homes, businesses, and usable space.

The Bmore FAST Framework outlines reforms across four key areas:

• Public Engagement & Access: Enhancing transparency and accessibility through initiatives like a centralized information portal and expanded bilingual services.
  • Public Land Use & Liquor License Information Portal: Centralized online resource for tracking development projects, zoning decisions, and public hearings
  • Enhanced Customer Service: Expanding our successful permits call center that raised answer rates from 10% to 98%
  • Bilingual Access Initiative: Making development services accessible to all communities with dedicated Spanish language resources
  • Virtual Office Hours: Direct access to technical staff for guidance on permits and development requirements
  • Permit Review Time Transparency: Publishing standard review times and implementing accountability measures
     
• Developer & Builder Support: Streamlining approvals through self-certification options, improved utility coordination, and third-party review options.
  • Self-Certification and Third-Party Review: Allowing qualified professionals to expedite routine approvals while maintaining safety standards
  • Developer's Agreement Process Reform: Simplifying requirements for work in the public right-of-way
  • Utility Coordination Program: Establishing formal coordination processes with all major utilities
  • Major Projects Coordination Committee: Enhanced support for complex development projects with significant economic impact
  • PermitStat Implementation: Data-driven performance management for development services
     
• Small Business & Emerging Developer Resources: Reducing barriers for smaller participants through pre-approved plans, streamlined variance processes, and enhanced technical assistance.
  • Small and MWBE Developer Support Programs: Enhanced technical assistance for minority and women-owned businesses
  • Pre-approved Plans and Documents: Standard designs for typical renovation projects to reduce costs
  • Streamlined Minor Variance Process: Administrative approval pathway for uncontested minor variance requests
  • Trade Licensure Reform Initiative: Creating appropriately scaled licensing pathways for residential rehabilitation work
  • Business License Coordination: Better alignment of city and state processes to reduce duplication
     
• City Operations & Capacity: Strengthening institutional capacity through better coordination, staffing assessments, and performance management.
  • Centralized Development Leadership: Creating the Director of Permitting and Development Services role
  • Comprehensive Staffing Assessment: Ensuring adequate resources across all development agencies
  • Lien Release Process Reform: Proactive clearing of liens on city-acquired properties
  • Zoning Administrator Reorganization: Embedding the Office of Zoning Administrator within the Department of Planning for better alignment
  • Real Estate Document Processing Assessment: Improving deed processing to support property rehabilitation

Find a summary of the Bmore FAST framework here. Individuals interested in participating in the BMore FAST Advisory Group can submit information on the City's Boards & Commission's webpage.