Mayor Scott Signs Controversial Housing Laws to Boost Growth
Four major housing and zoning reform bills were signed into law in Baltimore by Mayor Brandon Scott during a City Hall ceremony on Monday. Once considered ambitious, these new laws are now official policy aimed at revitalizing the city’s housing landscape.
Main Provisions of the New Laws
- Elimination of off-street parking requirements for new developments.
- Permission to construct buildings closer to property lines.
- Removal of the rule mandating more than one stairwell in new buildings between four and six stories.
Supporters’ Perspective
Proponents argue that these changes will promote higher housing density, greater availability, and improved affordability. They believe the reforms could help reverse Baltimore’s decades-long population decline—from nearly 950,000 residents in 1950 to about 568,000 in 2024, based on U.S. data.
“This is particularly meaningful because redlining was signed into law in this very building, at the desk where I sit each day,” Mayor Scott said. “But it isn’t just about rewriting wrongs of the past. It’s about building a stronger future and continuing the momentum we’ve already created.”
Criticism and Concerns
The legislation has faced strong opposition from critics who warn that the reforms might accelerate gentrification and negatively affect long-time Black residents in Baltimore’s neighborhoods.
Author’s Summary
The new Baltimore housing laws aim to fuel growth and repair historic inequities, yet they spark debate over potential gentrification and the city’s social balance.