BMZA is a quasi-judicial Board that hears appeals from City agencies including the following:
- land use and zoning appeals
- alleyway/footway assessments
- public right-of-way closures
- False Alarm Reduction Program appeals
- miscellaneous administrative agency appeals
In its capacity as a land use regulatory agency and quasi-judicial board, BMZA hears and determines all zoning appeals under the authority granted by the Baltimore City Charter and the Land Use Article of the MD Annotated Code, as well as Maryland common law.
BMZA decisions are based upon local and state law with the overall purpose of promoting the health, security, and general welfare of the community. The Board has these general goals with respect to land use and zoning appeals:
- Prevents the overcrowding of land
- Avoid undue concentration of population
- Provide adequate light and air
- Secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers
- Reduce congestion in the streets
- Help for adequate transportation, water, sewers, schools, parks, and other public services
Public Information Act Requests
BMZA records are public documents subject to open review and inspection during regular business hours. During the current State of Emergency, the Benton Building is closed to the public and inspection of the physical documents in the office cannot be accommodated. The Executive Director of the BMZA is the custodian of records for this entity. If you wish to submit an MPIA request to obtain copies of BMZA records, please complete the MPIA Request Webform or download a PDF version to print, fill out and send by mail to BMZA, Attn: MPIA Request, 417 E. Fayette Street, Suite 922, Baltimore MD 21202. Please allow 10 days from the date your form is received for someone to contact you regarding your request.