Wharfage and Other Regulations

Baltimore City Code art. 10, subtit. 6

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-1 Charges.

§ 6-1. Charges. (a) Wharfage rates. (1) The wharfage rates per calendar day, or for any fractional part thereof, for all goods, wares, merchandise, or other articles landed at or upon and shipped from any public wharf shall be the same as those which are in effect on June 12, 1950. (2) The rates on all goods shipped from one vessel to another shall be ½ the rates above prescribed and shall be paid by the vessel shipping the goods. (3) The Harbor Master may require anything landed on any public wharf to be removed within 24 hours after landing the same, or subject the same to a daily penalty of 50¢ for each foot occupied of the length of the wharf. (b) Dockage rates. (1) No dockage shall be collected on any barge or scow lying at any City wharf, dock, or bulkhead, upon which wharfage is collected in excess of $2 per diem, or part thereof. (2) All vessels, including barges and scows lying at any City wharf, dock, or bulkhead that are allowed free wharfage, shall pay the dockage rates per calendar day, or part thereof, which are in effect on June 12, 1950. (3) Double said dockage rates shall be paid for all vessels for every day above 6 and treble for every day above 12 that they shall remain at any wharf, dock, or bulkhead aforesaid, unless allowed to remain longer by the Harbor Master, who is hereby authorized to extend the time for said vessels in all cases when he may think the public interest is promoted thereby, but no light-vessel, barge, or scow may remain at any public wharf, dock, or bulkhead. (4) If the Harbor Master serves notice on the captain, owner, consignee, or stevedore of any vessel, barge, or scow, to remove same from any City wharf, dock, or bulkhead, and the same is not removed within 2 hours after such notice has been served, the Harbor Master shall collect from the captain, owner, consignee, or stevedore, $2 for the 1st day or part thereof, and $2 additional for each and every day or part thereof, that such vessel, barge, or scow shall remain at any City wharf, dock, or bulkhead, 2 hours after notice to remove same has been issued by the Harbor Master. (c) Change in rates. The Board of Estimates shall have the power, from time to time, to increase, reduce, or eliminate any of the wharfage or dockage rates as herein provided for and may include and change, from time to time, rates for other articles not included in the above-mentioned schedules. (d) Posting and filing. The schedule of the above rates shall be posted in the office of the Harbor Master and a copy thereof filed with the Department of Legislative Reference within 1 week after June 12, 1950, and any changes or additions in said rates which shall be made by the Board of Estimates shall be filed with the Harbor Master and the Department of Legislative Reference on or before the time when such rates shall become effective. (Ord. 50-1246; Ord. 48-472; Ord. 23-041; Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-2 Inspection of license, bills of lading, etc.

§ 6-2. Inspection of license, bills of lading, etc. (a) In general. (1) The master of any vessel lying at any public wharf shall: (i) exhibit to the Harbor Master, upon request, the enrollment or license of such vessel showing her proper tonnage; and (ii) furnish to the Harbor Master the manifest or bills of lading of cargo landed or received at said wharf. (2) The person who inspects lumber on any public wharf or the owner or agent of lumber landed at such wharf shall furnish to the Harbor Master a certified copy of the certificate of inspection or the tally sheets showing the number of feet in each pile of such lumber. (b) Penalties. The master of any vessel or other person who violates this section shall pay a fine of $20. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-3 Permission to enter public dock.

§ 6-3. Permission to enter public dock. (a) In general. (1) No vessel shall enter any public dock without permission from the Harbor Master, who shall prescribe: (i) the manner in which all vessels shall lie at any public wharf, so that the facilities for discharging and receiving cargoes may be afforded as generally as possible and the public interest most promoted; (ii) the time vessels may occupy any public dock; and (iii) the terms and conditions upon which they may load and discharge cargoes therein. (2) All anchorages shall be in charge of and subject to regulation by the Harbor Engineer. (b) Penalties. The master of any vessel who refuses to obey the regulations or requirements of the Harbor Master or of the Harbor Engineer, as the case may be, in carrying out this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $50 for each and every hour the offense continues. (Ord. 50-1223; Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-4 Retailing goods at City wharf.

§ 6-4. Retailing goods at City wharf. (a) In general. No vessel shall lie at any of the City wharves for the purpose of retailing any goods, wares, or merchandise, or produce, except the same has been brought into port by said vessel, nor shall any vehicle or booth or structure of any kind, stand on any City wharf for the purpose of retailing fruit or other articles therefrom. (b) Penalties. The master of a vessel or any other person violating this section shall pay a penalty of $20, and a further penalty of $5 for every hour the offense continues. (Ord. 50-1239; Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-5 Sale of seafood.

§ 6-5. Sale of seafood. (a) In general. No vessel shall be permitted to lie at any of the City docks or wharves for the purpose of selling fish, either at wholesale or retail, or other seafood, except oysters, therefrom at any time. (b) Penalties. The master of any vessel violating this section shall pay a penalty of $20 and a further penalty of $5 for every hour the offense continues. (Ord. 31-032.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-6 Removal of unclaimed merchandise.

§ 6-6. Removal of unclaimed merchandise. Whenever the owner or agent of any merchandise on any City wharf cannot be ascertained by the Harbor Master, after the same has been thereon 48 hours, the Harbor Master may remove and sell the same, upon giving at least 10 days’ notice, but perishable articles may be sold at the discretion of the Harbor Master, and any owner or agent of said merchandise who shall claim the same before the sale thereof, may take the same upon paying the wharfage and all other expenses. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-7 Removal of nuisances.

§ 6-7. Removal of nuisances. (a) In general. The Harbor Master shall cause all watermelons and other fruit, fish, vegetables, and refuse to be removed from any wharf whenever they shall become a nuisance. (b) Penalties. The owner of any such watermelons or other fruit, fish, or vegetables, shall pay a penalty of $10 for every day the same shall remain after notice to remove the same has been given to the owner by the Harbor Master. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-8 Removal of sunken vessels.

§ 6-8. Removal of sunken vessels. (a) Notice to remove. The Harbor Engineer shall cause to be removed, in such time as he may think reasonable, all vessels which may be sunk in the harbor or port of Baltimore. (b) Penalties. The owner or owners of such sunken vessels, who refuse or neglect to remove the same when directed to do so by the Harbor Engineer shall pay a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $100 per day for every day the said vessel shall remain after due notice as aforesaid. (c) Removal by Harbor Engineer. (1) In case the owner or agent of such sunken vessel cannot be found, then the Harbor Engineer shall proceed to remove said vessel and pay the cost thereof out of any appropriation to his Bureau or from any funds which the Board of Estimates may make available for such purpose. (2) As soon as the owners or agents of such sunken vessel so removed shall be found, the Mayor shall proceed to recover by law the amount expended for the removal of said vessel and also such fine as may be recovered under this section. (Ord. 50-1223; Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-9 Removal of obstructions.

§ 6-9. Removal of obstructions. (a) In general. (1) The Harbor Engineer shall: (i) have secured or removed all obstructions to navigation that may be found drifting about, or otherwise obstructing navigation; and (ii) notify the owner or agent of same that the said obstruction has been so secured or removed and held at his expense. (2) If not claimed within 10 days: (i) the Harbor Engineer shall sell the same; and (ii) any balance after the expense of securing or removing same has been paid, shall be held by the Director of Finance to be paid to the owner if claimed within 12 months. (b) Penalties. Any person who shall cast loose, set adrift or place any object likely to become a nuisance or an obstruction to navigation shall pay a fine not exceeding $200. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-10 Removal of deposits.

§ 6-10. Removal of deposits. The Harbor Engineer shall remove all deposits from the harbor and docks into which said deposits empty, whenever he may deem it right and proper to do so without serious interference with the main work of harbor improvement. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-11 Permission to put material in Patapsco River.

§ 6-11. Permission to put material in Patapsco River. (a) In general. (1) No material, refuse, or matter of any kind shall be thrown into, deposited in, or placed where the same may fall or be washed into the Patapsco River, or any of its tributaries, without written permission from the Harbor Engineer, who is hereby authorized to employ supervisors to see that any material permitted to be deposited is placed where directed by said Engineer. (2) The person applying for or receiving said permission shall pay for the services of said supervisors such rates as the Harbor Engineer may deem proper. (b) Penalties. Any person violating this section shall pay a fine of not more than $200 and the Harbor Engineer and the Harbor Masters are specially charged with the execution of this section. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-12 Gas tar, dregs, etc.

§ 6-12. Gas tar, dregs, etc. If any gas company, or any other company, or person shall discharge or cause any water to flow into the harbor or any stream or sewer running thereinto in which water there may be any gas tar, or other lees or dregs, the company or person so offending shall pay a fine of $20 for each offense and a further fine of $20 for every day the offense continues. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-13 Ice boats.

§ 6-13. Ice boats. (a) In general. Subject to the provisions of §§ 321 to 326 inclusive, of the City Charter (1949 Ed.) {repealed by Chapter 29, Laws of Maryland 1969} and such ordinances as may be ordained by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, the Harbor Engineer shall control and manage the iceboats and shall have no power to permit the use of said boats for any other purpose than to aid the commerce and navigation of the port and to keep the harbor and the approaches thereto free from obstruction by ice, in such manner as the Harbor Engineer may deem best. (b) Charges. In all cases of special use of the boats, in the way of relief or otherwise, the Harbor Engineer may make such charges for said use as he may deem proper, and apply the sum received for the same toward the expenses of the boats. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-14 Speed of vessels.

§ 6-14. Speed of vessels. (a) In general. (1) No vessel shall move in the harbor at a greater rate of speed than: (i) 7 nautical miles an hour westward of a line from Henderson’s Wharf to the foot of Hull Street; and (ii) 9 nautical miles an hour eastward of said line. (2) No vessel shall move in the Patapsco River or tributaries within a distance of 300 feet from any pier or bulkhead at a greater rate of speed than 8 nautical miles an hour. (b) Penalties. The master of any vessel violating this section shall pay a fine of not exceeding $100 for the 1st offense and not less than $50 nor more than $200 for each subsequent offense. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-15 Gang planks; hand rails.

§ 6-15. Gang planks; hand rails. (a) In general. (1) All vessels (except tugs) carrying passengers shall be provided with a gang-plank at least 4 feet wide, with a hand rail on each side thereof 4 feet high. (2) The space between the hand rail and the gang-plank to be so enclosed so as to prevent any person passing over said gang-plank from falling overboard. (3) Said gang-plank to be used by said vessel at all times upon making fast to any wharf or pier in the City of Baltimore for the purpose of embarking or debarking passengers. (b) Penalties. The master of any vessel violating this section shall pay a fine of $50. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-16 Yards, rig, anchor.

§ 6-16. Yards, rig, anchor. (a) In general. It shall be the duty of the person having in charge any vessel lying at any of the public wharves or docks to top the yards, rig in the jib-booms, and place the anchor or anchors on the deck of said vessel, whenever required so to do by the Harbor Master or the occupier of any wharf or his agent. (b) Penalties. Any person having charge of any vessel who shall neglect or refuse to obey directions as aforesaid shall pay a penalty of $5. (Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-17 Smoking, etc., near explosives.

§ 6-17. Smoking, etc., near explosives. (a) In general. It shall be unlawful for any person to smoke, carry, or have any lighted match, pipe, cigar, or cigarette, or carry or use any portable open light in or upon any wharf, shed, pier, or warehouse on any wharf or pier, or on the deck of any vessel lying at or along side of any wharf or pier or on or near any vessel loading or unloading explosives lying at or along side of any wharf or pier. (b) Penalties. Any person violating the provisions of this section or of any other provisions of §§ 1-1 through 6-17, inclusive, of this article, for which no penalty is prescribed, shall, upon conviction thereof, be liable to a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $25. (Ord. 44-140; Ord. 44-096; Ord. 41-594; Ord. 09-293.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-18 Bridges.

§ 6-18. Bridges. (a) Harbor engineer to control and maintain. The Harbor Engineer shall control and maintain all bridges of the City over navigable waters in and adjacent to the City of Baltimore, subject to the provisions of Article 26, § 14-1 of the City Code. (b) Regulations. (1) Subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations”} of the City General Provisions Article, the Harbor Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to make, and from time to time amend the same, rules as to the safe use of each of the bridges under his jurisdiction and control. (2) Immediately after the adoption of such rules as to a particular bridge the same shall be posted in a conspicuous manner on said bridge so as to be easily seen by all persons using said bridge. (c) Penalties. Any person violating any rule of the Harbor Engineer as to the use of a bridge after said rules shall have been posted on said bridge as aforesaid, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $50 for each offense, said fine to be collected as other fines for violations of City ordinances are collected. (Texts Conformed 02/18/21; Ord. 48-513; Ord. 22-715.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-19 Discharge containing oil, etc.

§ 6-19. Discharge containing oil, etc. (a) In general. The owner, master or person in charge of any boat, vessel, barge, or water craft in the harbor of Baltimore, and the owner, tenant, or occupant of any land, premises, pier, wharf, or warehouse on or adjacent to the harbor of Baltimore, or his agents, shall not allow to be pumped, discharged, flow into, or in any manner whatsoever escape into the water of the harbor of Baltimore from said boat, vessel, barge, or water craft, or from said land, premises, pier, wharf, or warehouse, or on or upon any pier or wharf in said harbor any bilge water, waste water, or drainage in which there is oil, naptha, benzine, or gasoline. (b) Penalties. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500, ½ of said fine to go to the informer, or in the discretion of the Court, may be imprisoned in the Baltimore City Jail for 30 days, or may be subjected to both said fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 23-826; Ord. 21-644; Ord. 20-378.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-20 Inspection of vessels.

§ 6-20. Inspection of vessels. (a) In general. The Harbor Engineer, or any assistant designated by him, shall have the authority and power to board and inspect vessels located in the Baltimore Harbor for the purpose of seeing whether the laws and ordinances of the City relative to the discharge of bilge water, oil, or other waste material in the Harbor and the requirements for fire protection and other safety provisions are being complied with. (b) Penalties. Any officer, agent, or employee of any vessel interfering with the inspection of vessels for the purposes of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $100 for each and every such violation. (Ord. 48-476.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, §§ 6-21 to 6-24 {Reserved}

Baltimore City Code, Article 10, § 6-25 Obstructing Harbor Master or Harbor Engineer.

§ 6-25. Obstructing Harbor Master or Harbor Engineer. (a) Penalties. Any person who shall obstruct the Harbor Engineer, Harbor Master, and/or their assistants, in the performance of his or their lawful duties shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of $20 for each and every such offense. (b) Recovery of fines. All fines imposed for the violation of any of the provisions of this article shall be recovered as other fines imposed by ordinance are recoverable; all of said fines when collected to be paid to the Director of Finance. (Ord. 50-1244; Ord. 48-513; Ord. 09-293.)

Source: City of Baltimore Department of Legislative Reference, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov; Open Law Library bulk XML)URL: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/10/6Fetched: 10/25/2026