City of Baltimore
Baltimore City Code

Section 302. Definitions

302.1 General.

Except as provided in § 302.3, terms that are used and defined in the International Green Construction Code (2021 Edition) have the meanings given in the International Green Construction Code (2021 Edition).

302.2 Terms defined in other codes.

If a term is not defined in the International Green Construction Code (2021 Edition) and is defined in one or another of the codes listed in § 102.4 {"Referenced codes"} of this Code, the term has the meaning given to it in that code.

302.3 Supplemental definitions.

Notwithstanding any different definition in the International Green Construction Code, the following terms have the meanings given in this § 302.3.

302.3.1 Code official.

"Code official" has the meaning stated in § 101.6 of this Code.

302.3.2 Dwelling unit.

"Dwelling unit" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.

302.3.3 Flood hazard area.

"Flood Hazard Area" means a Regulated Flood Hazard Area established under and regulated by the Flood plain Management Code.

302.3.4 Floodplain.

"Floodplain" has the meaning stated in City Code Article 7 {"Natural Resources"}, § 1-2 {"Definitions – "Accessory structure" to "Floodplain District"}.

302.3.5 Floodplain Management Code.

"Floodplain Management Code" means the Baltimore City Floodplain Management Code, City Code Article 7 {"Natural Resources"}, Division I {"Floodplain Management"}.

302.3.6 Habitable space.

"Habitable space" means space in a structure for living, sleeping, or eating. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces. Kitchens with less than 56 sq. ft. (5.2 sq. m.) of floor area are not considered habitable spaces.

302.3.7 Historic building.

"Historic building" means a building or other structure that is:

1. individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places,

2. individually listed on the City Landmark List,

3. located within a National Register Historic or Landmark District and certified by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historic significance of that district, or

4. located within a City Historical and Architectural Preservation District and certified by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation as contributing to the historic significance of that district.

302.3.8 May not, etc.

"May not", "must not", and "no ... may" are each mandatory negative terms used to establish a prohibition.

302.3.9 Multiple-family dwelling.

"Multiple-family dwelling" means a building or a group of buildings on the same lot that contains or is designed or intended to contain:

1. more than 2 dwelling units,

2. 2 dwelling units and any other residential or commercial occupancy, or

3. any combination of 3 or more rooming units and dwelling units.

302.3.10 Must/shall.

"Must" and "shall" are each mandatory terms used to express a requirement or to impose a duty.

302.3.11 Occupancy.

"Occupancy" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.

302.3.12 Person.

"Person" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.

302.3.13 Premises.

"Premises" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.

302.3.14 Structure.

"Structure" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code and, unless the context indicates otherwise, includes premises and lands.

302.3.15 Zero Energy.

"Zero Energy" power consumption (kWH) shall be determined based on a metered yearly basis at the building meter using net metering and the full yearly energy usage shall be offset in whole by renewable technologies, including, but not limited to, solar photovoltaic (PV), solar water heating, wind generated power, water generated power (hydro and tidal), or similar technologies as approved by the Code Official.

Technologies that include combustion, such as waste gasification, methane capture, or similar technologies, are not considered renewable technologies for the purposes of calculating building Zero Energy goals.

The building project may not include the use of fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, propane, diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, etc.) or other non-renewable fuels for combustion for any building use.

Utility scale steam provided from non-renewable sources shall be considered a non-renewable fossil fuel.

For the purposes of this Zero Energy calculations, on-site solar and community solar of which the property is a member generated within 15 miles of the site may be considered.