Package of Bills Introduced by Mayor and City Council Will Bring Equity to Baltimore's Housing Laws, Create Opportunities to Grow Affordable Housing

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, May 12, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the introduction of the Housing Options and Opportunity Act, a bill that will lower the cost of housing in Baltimore by expanding access to multi-family homes. The bill, City Council Bill 25-0066 establishes a new category of "low-density, multi-family housing" that will expand access to affordable housing. Mayor Scott made the announcement at a City Hall press conference joined by Council President Zeke Cohen, Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton, Councilman Ryan Dorsey, Councilman Paris Gray, Councilman Zac Blanchard, and developer Rian Hargrave.

"Today, I am proud to announce the introduction of City Council Bill 25-0066 - The Housing Options and Opportunity Act," said Mayor Scott. "This bill creates a new category of 'low-density, multi-family housing,' which will make it possible to build the types of housing that exclusionary zoning has long prohibited, expanding housing options in neighborhoods where racist zoning laws dictate who can live there, and how."

"It will allow everybody to find a home in Baltimore that meets their needs. Families looking for more space, empty nesters and retirees looking to downsize, young people looking for their first place on their own or with their friends."

During his remarks, Mayor Scott highlighted how the bills seek to actively undo the legacy of racist zoning laws that dictated access to opportunity.

"What we see today in many parts of Baltimore are enclaves of Black excellence and success, built in spite of exclusion and injustice," continued Mayor Scott. "So I want to be very clear: This is not about pushing anyone out of their neighborhood, especially those who live in those enclaves of Black excellence. This is not about erasing what you've built."

The introduction of the Housing Options and Opportunity Act comes alongside a common-sense package of five bills that will make housing more abundant and affordable in Baltimore. The other four bills are:

• City Council Bill 25-0062 will update outdated building code requirements that mandate two staircases in all residential buildings over three stories. By allowing buildings up to six stories to be safely constructed with a single staircase, while maintaining strong fire safety standards, this bill will reduce construction costs and make it easier to build affordable apartments.
• City Council Bill 25-0063 will move the Zoning Administrator from the Department of Housing and Community Development to the Department of Planning. Since Planning is responsible for writing the City's zoning code, it only makes sense they also be the ones to administer it. This change will ensure greater consistency and efficiency in how our zoning laws are applied.
• City Council Bill 25-0064 will make modest but meaningful updates to our bulk and yard standards in residential zoning districts. This will give homeowners and builders more flexibility to improve and adapt their properties.
• City Council Bill 25-0065 will eliminate outdated parking minimums that require new buildings to include a certain number of off-street parking spaces, even when it doesn't make sense. These mandates drive up construction costs, limit what can be built, and often stand in the way of the development our communities need.

The text of these bills can be found here after today's council meeting.

"Baltimore is writing the greatest comeback story in American history. To make that true we need to address outdated requirements that keep our communities from building new housing and creating new options and opportunities for Baltimoreans," said Council President Zeke Cohen. "Our City Council is excited to partner with Mayor Brandon Scott and his administration to unlock new opportunities and options for every community."

"The transition of the Zoning Administrator from the Department of Housing to the Department of Planning is beneficial for Baltimore City because it streamlines the decision-making process and aligns zoning regulations more closely with urban development goals," said Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton. "By placing the Zoning Administrator within the Department of Planning, the city can ensure a more cohesive approach to land use, allowing for more strategic growth for legacy homeowners, community trust, and development. "

"Housing is a human right, and our housing policies should expand access, not pose a barrier to it," said Councilman Ryan Dorsey. "These bills will grow our city the right way by making it more affordable, equitable, and prosperous."

"This bill empowers homeowners, especially in our Black middle-class communities, to have more say over their property," said Councilman Paris Gray. "It updates outdated zoning rules so families can build and adapt their homes more freely, while still protecting legacy residents."

"From Birmingham to Buffalo, cities across the United States have eliminated parking mandates in order to make homeownership more attainable and rent more affordable," said Councilman Zac Blanchard. "These bills will do the same for Baltimore."