Design Standards.
COBRA, 14.03.04.05
in effect.05 Design Standards.
A. A permit holder shall adhere to the following fire safety guidelines:
(1) A curbside facility built primarily out of untreated wood or other flammable material shall be built a minimum distance of ten feet from a building; and
(2) A curbside facility built primarily out of fire-resistant material such as treated wood shall be built a minimum distance of five feet from a building.
B. BCDOT may not approve a curbside facility that:
(1) Functions as an indoor area;
(2) Is within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;
(3) Is within 15 feet of a pull-in bus stop;
(4) Is within 15 feet of dumpster;
(5) Is on a street with a running slope of five percent or more;
(6) Is on a street with a posted speed limit above 30 miles per hour;
(7) Is located in or interferes with the functions of forbidden road space;
(8) Intrudes on the sidewalk;
(9) Is not ADA compliant;
(10) Is more than one level;
(11) Obstructs visibility of a traffic control sign or street sign;
(12) Blocks stormwater drainage; or
(13) Permanently restricts access to utilities.
C. A curbside facility shall:
(1) Fit within the width of the parking lane;
(2) Use a protective railing or barrier which does not obstruct visibility above three feet, as determined by BCDOT;
(3) Provide for a minimum seven feet of clearance between the ground plane and overhead elements;
(4) Have an entrance which:
(a) Is accessible via the abutting sidewalk,
(b) Is at least 48 inches wide,
(c) Is flush with the curb, and
(d) Meets ADA compliance standards;
(5) Feature protective vertical elements within the parking lane which separate the curbside facility from forbidden road space;
(6) Be free of any tripping or slipping hazards; and
(7) Incorporate lighting and reflective elements.
D. A permit holder may incorporate the following weather mitigating elements:
(1) Canopies;
(2) Umbrellas;
(3) Transparent igloos or bubbles; and
(4) Other protective elements approved by BCDOT.
E. An elevated curbside facility built flush with the curb shall be designed to support a minimum of 100 pounds per square foot.
F. A curbside facility may be constructed using modular design practices.
G. A curbside facility shall adhere to local design standards and adherence shall be reviewed on an annual basis.
H. A curbside facility located within a floodplain district may be required to implement additional safety measures.
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/cobra/14.03.04.05Fetched: 10/25/2026