Baltimore City Council Advances Transform Baltimore Zoning Amendments for Inner Harbor Revitalization

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore City Council Land Use Committee voted to advance key zoning amendments to the city’s Transform Baltimore Comprehensive Zoning Code (Title 32), approving updated height and maritime land-use classifications for the Inner Harbor West master revitalization.

Revitalizing Baltimore's Iconic Waterfront Promenade

The zoning legislation replaces aging 1970s commercial pavilion zoning with a flexible mixed-use maritime district, enabling the construction of 900 residential apartments, 200,000 square feet of waterfront retail, and 12 acres of dedicated continuous public parklands and boardwalk amphitheaters. Council members stated that reimagining the Inner Harbor is crucial to restoring downtown vitality, tourism, and municipal tax revenues.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott affirmed that the reimagined Inner Harbor will be an open, vibrant civic space that serves all Baltimore residents and attracts global visitors.

Community Coalitions and Environmental Design Oversight

Waterfront environmental federations secured commitments for living shorelines and native oyster reef installations along the public piers.

Downtown business federations commended the project for creating 3,500 construction and hospitality jobs.

Full Council Vote Date

The zoning text amendments proceed to the full Baltimore City Council for second and third readings in September 2026.