Automotive Repair Business Guide

• Before purchasing a property or investing in a business, the first step is to verify that the use is allowed under the City Zoning Code. Although a business is operating or has operated in a certain location, does not mean that it has done so with the proper approvals.
• It is recommended to verify the building’s existing legal use and occupancy by calling the Baltimore Housing – Office of the Zoning Administrator at 410-396-4126 before purchasing a property.
• You may check the location's zoning district online by searching for parcel designation on the CityView map, then check whether automotive uses are permitted or conditional in the Zoning Code (by Zoning District in Titles 4-7). If the property is located in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) additional conditions may apply.
• To change the zoning or use, file an Appeal Application to the Board of Municipal Zoning & Appeals (BMZA) if it is a conditional or nonconforming use at that location.   A nonconforming use is generally any lawfully existing use of a structure or of land that does not conform to the applicable use regulations of the district in which it is located. To find out more about the nonconforming status of a property, contact the Office of the Zoning Administrator. 
• If you are planning to construct a new project it is recommended that you first schedule a pre-development meeting with Department of Planning staff. Using the new online pre-development form, now you can submit your proposed development project and request a pre-development meeting online. After a simple login process, you can organize your contacts and project information all in one location and access it as needed. You will also have critical property information and links to development resources at your disposal prior to your meeting.

• If your business is located in an Urban Renewal Plan (URP) area, you may need to comply with certain reviews and standards. In some cases the URP may also prohibit a certain business use. To determine if your business is located in an URP area, search the property address on the CityView map and look for the URP designation under the parcel information. If you need assistance, please contact your Community Planner at the Department of Planning for more information. Copies of the URPs are available online. You can find your Community Planner by visiting the Comprehensive Planning Division web page or by calling 410-396-7526 (PLAN).

• The City Zoning Code provides certain requirements for off-street parking for certain business uses (cf. §10-405.21). Your business may need to provide a certain number of parking spaces on private property in order to conform to the Zoning Code. In some cases, a Variance can be granted by the Board of Municipal Zoning & Appeals (BMZA). Long-term leases for private off-site parking spaces can also be considered in meeting Parking Requirements. It is best to discuss your situation with the Baltimore Housing – Office of the Zoning Administrator at 410-396-4126.
• In addition to vehicular parking, for every ten (10) off-street parking spaces at your establishment, you must provide at least one (1) bicycle parking space with appropriate equipment, such as a bicycle rack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The Baltimore Development Corporation’s (BDC) mission is to serve as a catalyst for continued economic growth, job creation, and revitalization in Baltimore City. The BDC can assist you with questions about starting a business in Baltimore City and provide information on City incentives that may apply, or help guide you to other resources
• Depending on your business location and type of business, you may qualify for certain tax credits and/or other financial incentives, including Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and Facade Improvement Grants. To determine if you qualify for certain tax benefits or other incentives contact the BDC at 410-837-9305 or visit the BDC website for more information.
• The Enterprise Zone (EZ) tax credit program is one of the most widely available and used tax credit programs in the City and is administered by the BDC. A business is eligible for the program if it makes a capital investment in its property (i.e., constructs or renovates a building, or expands an existing facility) or hires at least one new employee in the Enterprise Zone. An automotive repair facility is an eligible use under the program. Detailed instructions on how to determine if you qualify can be found here.
• BDC offers Façade Improvement Grants to businesses in certain business districts. The purpose of the grant is to assist business owners as well as creating a more inviting business district. The grant requires a minimum 50% match from the applicant and the maximum grant is $3,000 per front façade. Business owners must apply for the grant prior to beginning work on the façade.
• The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore also operates a Façade Improvement Program. Downtown Partnership’s Façade Improvement Program is a matching grant initiative aimed at encouraging and assisting property and business owners to restore and improve the appearance of the facades of their buildings.  The program is open to landlords and businesses located in Downtown Baltimore’s West Side Neighborhood.  The grant requires a minimum 50% match from the applicant, and the maximum grant is $20,000 per building. For details, contact the Downtown Partnership at 410-244-1030.  

• Retail Business District License (RBDL) areas are designated commercial areas in which the City collects annual license fees (on a square footage basis) from every business owner. The City disburses 97% of the fees to the local business association, which in turn uses the money for marketing, promotions, special events, and beautification.
• To determine if your business is located in a RBDL area, search the property address on the CityView map and look for the Retail Business District License area designation under the parcel information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Special Benefit Districts are citizen-governed authorities created by property owner referendum. Properties within Special Benefit Districts pay an additional special benefits district tax for enhanced safety, sanitation, and other district services.
• Properties within a special benefit district automatically receive an annual Special Benefit District bill shortly after July 1st. Special Benefit District taxes are due September 30th. The tax bills are administered by the Baltimore City Department of Finance on behalf of the Districts.
• There are currently four Special Benefits Districts in Baltimore City.  The districts are Downtown, Waterfront, Midtown, and Charles Village. Each district annually sets its own tax rate.
• To determine if your business is located within a Special Benefits District, search the property address on the CityView map and look for the Special Benefits District area designation under the parcel information.

• If your business is located in a Historic District or a Historic Landmark, you may need to comply with certain architectural reviews and standards. In Baltimore there are two types of Historic Districts – National and Local. A National Register Historic District is a distinction created by the National Park Service. Local Historic District designation is created by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, and is generally requested by the residents of a community. Historic Districts are overseen by the Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP).
• To determine if your business is located in a Historic District or a local Landmark, visit the CHAP web page, which provides a City-wide map of the Districts and individual maps of each District. You may also search the property address on the CityView map. Look for the Historic District designation under the parcel information on the left hand side of the screen.
• The CHAP website also provides information on procedures and guidelines to architectural design and preservation. In certain cases, historic tax incentives may also be applicable.
• For more information contact CHAP at 410-396-PLAN (7526).

• All building permit applications are submitted to Baltimore Housing – One Stop Permit Center. Depending on the type of construction, plans will automatically be routed to the appropriate agencies, including, but not limited to, Health, Fire, Transportation, General Services, Zoning, and Planning, for review and approval.
• For questions regarding building permits, including what work requires a permit and what must be submitted for review (i.e. professional stamped plans) contact the One Stop Permit Center at 443-984-1809 or via email at DHCD_Permits@baltimorecity.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To install a driveway or vehicular entrance to a business, a curb cut is required. A “curb cut” is a section of the curb that has been graded down from the top surface of a sidewalk to the surface of an adjoining street. For businesses, it is typically used for vehicular access into the adjoining street or the entrance to a parking area.

A permit issued by the Department of General Services is required to install a curb cut.  Since most curb cuts will require construction work, a building permit from Baltimore Housing is also required. For residential, commercial and industrially-zoned properties, curb cuts will only be considered under the certain conditions. If you are submitting plans for a new development, curb cut and driveway locations will be reviewed when your construction permits are review, but a permit application must still be submitted to the Department of General Services.It is suggested that you schedule a pre-development meeting or site plan review meeting with the Department of Planning for new development projects. If you are installing a new driveway at an existing business, complete the Driveway Installation application from the Department of General Services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• A Use and Occupancy (U&O) permit must be issued before you can operate your business. The U&O is issued after construction has been completed and the proper building inspections, including an inspection by the Fire Marshal, have been completed.
• If no construction is taking place and the business is only changing ownership, a U&O permit still must be issued under the new ownership's name.
• For information on how to obtain a U&O permit contact the Office of the Zoning Administrator at 410-396-4126 or via email at DHCD_Zoning@baltimorecity.gov.

 

 

 

 

• In some circumstances you may need to utilize City Right-of-Way (ROW) on a temporary basis for scaffolding, construction dumpsters, excavation or other temporary conditions. In order to use City ROW you must received a Temporary Use of Right of Way permit issued by the Department of General Services.
• Longer term use of City ROW for situation such as outdoor seating, awnings and/or signage requires a Minor Privilege Permit also issued by the Department of General Services (Please see “Step 4 – Open for Business” for more information on Minor Privilege Permits).

 

 

 

 

Article 25 of the Baltimore City Code, as amended, regulates sewage disposal. Any discharger of non-residential wastes into the City wastewater system is required to obtain a Wastewater Discharge Permit from the City. The information requested in this application will determine if a permit is necessary and the category designation.

• Wastewater Discharge Permit Application Form B may be used for auto repair facilities. Application must be mailed or faxed because an original signature is required.
• Permits are issued by the Department of Public Works Pollution Control Section.
• The Wastewater Discharge Permit is required to be renewed on an annual basis. For any questions or additional information contact the Pollution Control Section at 410-396-9695.

In addition, the Pollution Control Section is part of the Building Permit Application Plans Review process for new construction or renovations involving necessary environmental compliance devices like grease interceptors.

• Plans are routed by Baltimore Housing - One Stop Permit Center via a City courier. However, “walk-through” plans review may be requested by scheduling an appointment with the Pollution Control Section at 410-396-9695. The office is located in the Administration Building of the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant at 8201 Eastern Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21224. Reviews are typically completed in about 30 minutes.

• You will need to obtain a federal tax ID number (also called an Employer Identification Number, or EIN) and register your business entity (trade or corporate name) with the State Department of Assessments & Taxation.
• New corporations need to file Articles of Incorporation.

You will need to set up various tax and insurance accounts:

• Sales & Use Tax (State of Maryland Comptroller)
• Income Tax Withholding (State of Maryland Comptroller)
• Unemployment Insurance (Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation)
• Workers Compensation Insurance (State Department of Assessments & Taxation)
• Personal Property Tax (State Department of Assessments & Taxation)
• Income Tax (IRS)
• Unemployment Insurance (IRS)
• Social Security (IRS) and Federal Withholding

For assistance or more information, contact the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and/or the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Automotive Related Certifications

Master Certified Emissions Technician Certification The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) certifies automotive repair technicians to perform emissions related repairs after they have successfully earned certain Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. This license improves the quality of emissions related repairs on citizens’ vehicles. More information is available from theMaryland Department of the Environment Certified Emissions Repair Facility Certification This certification ensures that motor vehicle repair facilities that meet minimum requirements established by the State are available to the general public to adequately perform engine repairs to ensure healthy air quality. This voluntary certification may be sought by owners or operators of vehicle repair facilities.More information is available from theMaryland Department of the Environment. For more information on state or federal licenses, visit the Maryland’s Business License System (BLIS) for a full listing of requirements.

 

 

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) coordinates workforce development initiatives responsive to the needs of businesses and jobseekers to promote the local economy. MOED’s Business Services division provides no-cost recruitment, training funds and other services to assist businesses with their workforce development.

To post job openings and for more information, call 443-984-3014 or email bmore@oedworks.com.

 

 

 

Overview

• A Minor Privilege permit is required if the encroachment projects into the City Right of Way (ROW), including the sidewalk.
• Signage could mean an awning, a canopy, an electrical sign, a non-illuminated sign, or a flat sign attached to the building. A Minor Privilege is not required if the signage is painted on the building.
• Each type of signage has its own criteria for cost found within the Minor Privilege Schedule of Charges and Regulations.
• There is no application fee.
• The Minor Privilege is a lien on the real property where the privilege is located.
• All projections into the public right of way may require a Minor Privilege permit.
• The permit is renewed each year without any further action by the applicant by sending an invoice for payment.

Minor Privilege Requirements

• Minor Privilege requests usually require additional approvals or permits such a building permits, Use & Occupancy (U&O) permits, zoning approvals, Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals (BMZA) approvals, etc.. The applicant should initiate the typical building permit process through Baltimore Housing – One Stop Permit Shop. The applicant should file for these permits or approvals before filing for the Minor Privilege permit. This way the applicant will be informed of any regulations or codes they must follow. The applicant should be notified at that time whether they will need to obtain a Minor Privilege permit. The applicant can also call the Minor Privilege Office at (410) 396-3346 to verify if a permit is required.
• Once the building permit or U&O permit application is submitted, an applicant can apply for the Minor Privilege permit. The Minor Privilege Office can work concurrently with the building permit process.
• The applicant will need to meet with the Minor Privilege Office staff for an initial review, which will help to determine if drawings are needed, the allowable area of use, and other items that will allow an applicant to have a complete application.
• Applicant must notify the adjoining property owners by certified mail. The Minor Privilege Office will verify who is to be notified, and will supply this information to the applicant. The certified return receipts demonstrating notification was made or attempted must be submitted to the Minor Privilege Office at least 2 weeks prior to the Board of Estimates meeting.
• Once the Minor Privilege referrals (if required) are completed, staff will prepare the documentation needed to place the application on the Board of Estimates agenda.
• After the Board of Estimates has approved the Minor Privilege application, and all other City agencies have completed their reviews, the applicant is notified and is requested to come back to the Minor Privilege Office to pay for the Minor Privilege Permit and be directed back to Baltimore Housing to obtain any additional permits.
• The permit will not be issued until all other agencies have completed their reviews. The Minor Privilege Office will work with the applicant to secure any necessary agency sign-offs.
• The average time frame is 2 to 3 weeks for approval of Minor Privileges for awnings and signage.

• All dumpsters in Baltimore City must be permitted by the Health Department. Typically, the waste removal company providing the dumpster applies for and receives a Waster Hauler License. Please note, if a dumpster is not properly licensed, a fine may be assessed to the property-owner where the dumpster is located.  Licenses must be renewed annual basis. 
• If a dumpster must be located within the City Right-of-Way (i.e. an alley or sidewalk) on a permanent basis (i.e. not for temporary construction use), the business owner must apply for a Minor Privilege Permit through the Department of General Services for a dumpster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your place of business has an alarm system, the Baltimore City Code, Police Ordinances Article 19, Subtitle 8, requires an alarm system contractor, monitor and user to register with the City annually. The program is aimed at reducing the number of false alarms to improve public safety. The annual registration fee is $20.00 and the program is managed by Baltimore Housing. For more information visit Baltimore Housing's Alarm and Property Registration website www.baltimorehousing.org/property_registration or call 410-396-3575.

 

 

 

If your business establishment is in need of a Truck Loading Zone for deliveries, you can request an investigation by a Parking Specialist to determine if installation is possible. Truck Loading Zones are for shared public use and are not for specific use for a particular business establishment. To make a request for the installation of a Truck Loading Zone, submit a request form or contact the Parking Authority of Baltimore City at 443-573-2800, or visit the Parking Authority website.