Baltimore Multi Family

[Mark Cruse]

I’m thinking about picking up a property in Baltimore that may be able to convert to 2 units. The lady told me most of the properties around there operate this way. With this one, it used to be metered separately but they converted to single some time ago. Before I get it, is there anything special I need to consider before converting it? Are there protocols or some for of licensing I have to initiate? I’m sure it’s some paperwork somewhere knowing Baltimore. LOL

Thanks

Mark

[Lisa S.]

And then did some more searching, and found the actual zoning code relating to conversions. Good to read this (it's § 3 305 in the city zoning code) 

http://legislativereference.baltimorecity.gov/site...

§ 3-305. Conversion of single- or two-family dwellings. 

(a) Prohibited conversions. 

(1) Except as otherwise specified in this section, in all districts: (i) no building used as a single-family dwelling may be altered or changed to be used for occupancy by more than 1 family; and (ii) no building used as a two-family dwelling may be altered or changed to be used for occupancy by more than 2 families.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, an empty building is considered to be a single-family dwelling unless it was last lawfully used, in compliance with the normal bulk requirements of the district in which it is located, as a dwelling for 2 or more families. 

(b) Conditional use conversion — authorized. 

(1) (i) In all districts except the R-2, R-4, R-5, and R-6, the Board may authorize, as a conditional use, the conversion of a building for use by more than 1 family, as long as the number of dwelling and efficiency units to be allowed conforms with the applicable principal-permitted-use bulk regulations for the district in which the building is located. (ii) When authorizing a conversion, the Board may impose conditions and restrictions under § 14-103 that include a limit on the number of occupants. 

(2) In the R-7 and R-8 Districts, the conversion of a 1- or 2-family dwelling to additional dwelling or efficiency units may be authorized only by a conditional-use ordinance and only as long as the number of dwelling and efficiency units to be allowed conforms with the applicable principal-permitted-use bulk regulations for the district in which the building is located. 

(c) Conditional use conversion — procedures. 

(1) In addition to the requirements of Title 14 {“Conditional Uses”} of this article, the following procedures apply to a conditional use requested under this section. 

(2) When the application is filed, the applicant must submit to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Planning plats and construction and floor plans adequate for the Department’s review. 

(3) The Department of Housing and Community Development must submit to the Board a written advisory recommendation. However, the Board may proceed without that recommendation if the Department fails to submit it within 3 weeks of the date the Department received the plats and plans.

(4) The Department of Planning must submit to the Board a written advisory recommendation on the effect of the proposed conversion on the neighborhood. However, the Board may proceed without that recommendation if the Department fails to submit it within 3 weeks of the date the Board asked for it. (City Code, 1976/83, art. 30, §2.0-12.) (Ord. 99-425; Ord. 99-547; Ord. 99-537; Ord. 02-475; Ord. 11-525; Ord. 12-040; Ord. 14-219.)

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So the way I interpret this (please note, I am not a lawyer, this is not legal advice) is that they MAY approve your conversion based on a "conditional use", which is based on a number of things, including but not limited to the neighborhood prevalence of multi-unit apartments, etc.  

Here's a site with all of the city codes - very easy to navigate: http://legislativereference.baltimorecity.gov/city-codes