Baltimore housing context
These U.S. Census Bureau estimates describe Baltimore city, Maryland during 2020–2024. They provide context for discussing a property; check the actual building, occupancy and ownership before defining work.
| Measure | Estimate | 90% margin of error |
|---|---|---|
| All housing units | 295,032 | ± 179 |
| Occupied housing units | 255,668 | ± 1,367 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 121,471 | ± 2,110 |
| Renter-occupied homes | 134,197 | ± 2,410 |
| One-unit detached homes | 43,373 | ± 1,257 |
| One-unit attached homes | 148,790 | ± 2,016 |
| Median year built | 1947 | ± 2 |
Housing units by construction period
| Year built | Units | 90% margin of error |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 or later | 1,693 | ± 389 |
| 2010 to 2019 | 12,578 | ± 964 |
| 2000 to 2009 | 12,471 | ± 1,037 |
| 1990 to 1999 | 12,527 | ± 990 |
| 1980 to 1989 | 14,969 | ± 983 |
| 1970 to 1979 | 17,187 | ± 1,108 |
| 1960 to 1969 | 24,603 | ± 1,335 |
| 1950 to 1959 | 42,568 | ± 1,708 |
| 1940 to 1949 | 34,094 | ± 1,694 |
| 1939 or earlier | 122,342 | ± 2,217 |
Source tables: Housing totals · Tenure · Building types · Year built · Median year built. Survey estimates and their margins of error are shown as published; these are not October 2026 counts. The separate population reference uses Census Vintage 2025.
For a rented home, confirm who can authorize alterations. In a shared building, ask about access and work rules. A citywide construction period does not establish the age, condition or safety requirements of an individual home; check the property records and the specific project.
Choose the work you need to plan
Use the project guides to identify the work, then check listings against the property’s city and state. A guide link does not mean a provider is available for every task or address.
Drywall Repair
View task guide and location listingsDoor and Window Repair
Choose a project guideAssembly and Outdoor Equipment
Choose a project guideInterior Painting
View task guide and location listingsFixture Installation
Choose a project guideHome Safety Improvements
Choose a project guideGeneral Home Repairs
Choose a project guideGutter and Exterior Maintenance
Choose a project guideOther cities in Maryland
Select the city of the actual property; these links do not establish provider coverage between cities.
Baltimore repair planning: local decisions
Confirm the Baltimore property’s local preservation status
Baltimore’s official historic-district notice describes CHAP Authorization to Proceed for applicable exterior alterations at properties in local preservation districts or on exterior landmark and potential-landmark lists. It distinguishes that authorization from the building-permit process. Ask the city to confirm the property’s actual designation and how the proposed exterior work is reviewed.
The question concerns the specific property, not every older Baltimore home. Do not infer local designation from a rowhouse appearance, a general historic neighborhood description or an unrelated listing. Keep the address and the relevant designation reference together so a question about material or color reaches the office with enough context to be answered.
Ask about CHAP authorization before exterior finish decisions
For painted exterior trim, show the existing finish and the area affected. Distinguish repairing a damaged component, repainting the existing surface and changing the color or material. If a porch detail would be replaced, photograph a sound matching section and note the profile and dimensions. These observations make the proposed alteration visible without assuming the appropriate treatment.
Ask about authorization before purchasing products whose selection depends on that answer. A contractor’s estimate can describe an option, but it does not replace the city’s determination. If the office requests supporting information, keep it with the proposal. Do not treat work at the rear or away from a street as automatically outside the review question.
Compare matching work with proposed changes to the frontage
Compare the same retained and replaced pieces across provider responses. Ask whether the scope includes removal, preparation, matching details, finishing and cleanup. Identify who will provide the city-reviewed description or documents to the person performing the work, and who will resolve a proposed substitution if the original material cannot be obtained.
If the plan changes, update the written scope before materials are ordered. Confirm the business’s actual Baltimore service address and accepted task directly, using its published official source as a starting point. A profile does not establish CHAP approval, a current permit or suitability for every specialty component. Keep those questions attached to the property and the actual work.
Local resources: Baltimore official historic-district notice.
Questions for Baltimore project planning
Is a Baltimore building permit the same as CHAP Authorization to Proceed?
No. The city’s official notice distinguishes CHAP authorization from the permit process for applicable regulated exterior alterations. Ask the city about the property designation, proposed work and required sequence.
Does every older Baltimore home automatically require CHAP review?
No. Age alone does not establish local preservation-district or exterior-landmark status. Confirm the actual designation and proposed scope with the city before choosing the review route.