Public Restrooms

Baltimore City Code art. 15, subtit. 43

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Article 15, § 43-1 Definitions.

§ 43-1. Definitions. (a) In general. In this title, the following terms have the meanings indicated. (b) Gender-inclusive signage. “Gender-inclusive signage” means a sign identifying a restroom that does not indicate a specific gender, such as “Restroom,” “Bathroom”, “Toilet”, or a symbol indicating the restroom’s availability for use by any individual regardless of gender. (c) Place of public accommodation. “Place of public accommodation” has the meaning stated in State Government Article, § 20-301 {“‘Place of public accommodation’ defined”}. (d) Public single-user restroom. (1) In general. “Public single-user restroom” means a single-occupancy restroom for public use with at least one water closet and with an outer door that can be locked by the occupant. (2) Exclusions. “Public single-user restroom” does not include: (i) any private restroom in a residence, apartment, hotel, or hospital; or (ii) a restroom only accessible from a private room or office. (Ord. 19-265.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 15, § 43-2 {Reserved}

Baltimore City Code, Article 15, § 43-3 Requirements for single-user restrooms.

§ 43-3. Requirements for single-user restrooms. Any public single-user restroom in a commercial or industrial establishment, a place of public accommodation, or a City-owned or -occupied building must be: (1) made available for use by individuals of any gender; and (2) identified with gender-inclusive signage. (Ord. 19-265.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 15, § 43-4 Agencies to enforce.

§ 43-4. Agencies to enforce. Enforcement of this subtitle shall be conducted by “Code Enforcement Officers” and “Enforcement Officers” (as defined in City Code Article 1, § 40-1(c) and § 41-1(c), respectively) who are employed by any of the following agencies: (1) Department of Health; (2) Department of Housing and Community Development; (3) Department of Public Works; (4) Department of Recreation and Parks; (5) Department of Transportation; (6) Fire Department; (7) Police Department; and (8) any other agency with 1 or more employees who are in a “position of trust” and authorized to serve as a “Code Enforcement Officer” in accord with City Code Article 1, § 40-1(c)(3). (Ord. 19-265.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 15, § 43-5 Enforcement by citation.

§ 43-5. Enforcement by citation. (a) In general. (1) Prerequisite to issuance. A citation under this section may only be issued after the issuance of a written warning and a failure to correct the violation within 30 days of the date of the warning. (2) Authorization to issue. 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. (c) Each day a separate offense. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. (Ord. 19-265.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 15, § 43-6 Criminal penalties.

§ 43-6. Criminal penalties. (a) In general. Any person who violates any 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 day a separate offense. Each day that a violation continues is a separate offense. (Ord. 19-265.)

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/15/43Fetched: 10/25/2026