Advertising Circulars

Baltimore City Code art. 19, subtit. 1

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 1-1 Definitions.

§ 1-1. Definitions. (a) In general. In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated. (b) Advertising circular. “Advertising circular” means any printed or written circular, notice, or other item the predominate purpose of which is: (1) to advertise one or more products, services, or other things for sale, lease, or trade; (2) to direct attention to one or more businesses, commodities, services, events, or other activities for which a fee is charged or solicited; or (3) otherwise to promote activity of a business or commercial nature. (c) Vehicle. “Vehicle” means: (1) any self-propelled vehicle; and (2) any other vehicle required to be registered under the laws of this State. (Ord. 22-125; Ord. 06-205; Ord. 87-890.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 1-2 Placement prohibited without permission.

§ 1-2. Placement prohibited without permission. (a) In general. A person may not affix, place, or cause to be affixed or placed any advertising circular: (1) in or on any vehicle in the City, except with the express permission of the owner or operator of the vehicle; or (2) in or on any residential property in the City (whether in or on a fence, railing, door, porch, lawn, sidewalk, or otherwise), except: (i) with the express permission of the owner or occupant of that property; or (ii) by placing the advertising circular into a door slot or a nonlockable bin consistent with federal law. (b) Lack of permission presumed. In a civil proceeding, an advertising circular found on an unattended property or vehicle is presumed to have been placed there without permission unless the person responsible for its placement can affirmatively establish otherwise. (Ord. 11-523; Ord. 07-507; Ord. 06-205; Ord. 87-890.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 1-3 Persons responsible.

§ 1-3. Persons responsible. (a) In general. The person whose name, event, business, location, or merchandise is advertised on a circular affixed or placed in violation of this subtitle is presumptively responsible for the violation and subject to the penalties imposed under this subtitle. (b) Overcoming presumption. The burden of overcoming the presumption is on the contesting party. (Ord. 07-507.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 1-4 Enforcement by citation.

§ 1-4. Enforcement by citation. (a) In general. In addition to any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement procedure, this subtitle may be enforced by issuance of: (1) an environmental citation under City Code Article 1, Subtitle 40 {“Environmental Control Board”}; or (2) a civil citation under City Code Article 1, Subtitle 41 {“Civil Citations”}. (b) Process not exclusive. The issuance of a citation to enforce this subtitle does not preclude pursuing any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement action authorized by law. (Ord. 07-507; Ord. 06-205.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 19, § 1-5 Penalties.

§ 1-5. Penalties. (a) In general. Any person who violates a provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for each offense. (b) Each circular a separate offense. Each advertising circular affixed or placed in violation of this subtitle constitutes a separate offense. (Ord. 07-507; Ord. 06-205; Ord. 87-890.)

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/19/1Fetched: 10/25/2026