City of Baltimore
Baltimore City Code

Section 1511. Rooftop Structures

1511.1 to 1511.8 {As in IBC}

1511.9 Rooftop decks.

Rooftop decks must comply with this § 1511.9 and with Chapter 16 {"Structural Design"} of this Code.

1511.9.1 Materials.

Rooftop decks must be constructed with approved materials in accordance with Chapters 19 through 26 of this Code.

1511.9.2 Notice to adjoining owners.

If a rooftop deck is to be supported by party walls:

1. the owners of the adjoining properties must be notified in writing, and

2. evidence of this notice must be submitted with the construction documents.

1511.9.3 Construction documents.

Construction documents for all rooftop decks must:

1. include dimensional setbacks, and

2. be signed and sealed by a professional architect or engineer licensed in Maryland.

1511.9.4 Clearances.

All rooftop decks must maintain all clearances otherwise required by this Code, including Chapter 8 {"Chimneys and Vents"} of the International Mechanical Code and § 230.24 {"Clearances"} of the National Electrical Code.

1511.9.5 Height.

No rooftop deck may be raised more than 2 feet (0.61 m) above the plane that is midway between the lowest and the highest points of the roof surface supporting the rooftop deck.

1511.9.6 Setbacks.

A rooftop deck must comply with:

1. the minimum setbacks specified in § 1511.9.6.1, and

2. any greater or additional setback requirements established by or under the Baltimore City Zoning Code and any applicable Urban Renewal Plan.

1511.9.6.1 Minimum setbacks.

A rooftop deck must comply with the following minimum setbacks:

Front
Flat Roof – 8 feet (2.44 m) from face of building wall
Gabled Roof – 6 feet (1.83 m) behind ridge line
Mansard Roof (steeply pitched front slope followed by flat roof) – 6 feet (1.83 m) behind ridge line
Sides and Rear None