General Services / Alley Gating & Greening Program

Did you ever dream about creating a quiet space or a green space in your alley? While not possible everywhere, many of our citizens have asked City Government to give them the legal tools to make this happen where it can happen. We listened and reacted with the Alley Gating and Greening Program.

Before

After

Baltimore has approximately 600 miles of alleys; some private, most public.

Public alleys are used for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, recycling and trash collection, utility connections, drainage, car washing and game playing.

Some residents wish to limit access to their alley with locked gates. They wish to eliminate the cars, the noise, the littering or the loitering. This is called ALLEY GATING.

Other citizens wish to create a green oasis for their neighborhood by taking this one step further: ALLEY GATING AND GREENING.

THE LAW

The Gating and Greening Alleys Ordinance allows the Department of General Services (DGS) to receive, evaluate and process requests for alley gating and/or greening.

Generally, alleys are eligible if the adjacent structures are mostly residential; the alley is no longer needed for through pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and the gating and/or greening will promote public health, safety or welfare.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

First talk to your neighbors to see if this is something they would like to do. After all, this is your project and you will have to bear all the costs.

Once everyone is in agreement, you will need to take the following steps:

THE PROCESS

1. Send us a written request to evaluate your alley. Include a map and photographs. You can email these to: alley.gating@baltimorecity.gov or send them to: ALLEY GATING/GREENING Department of General Services Right-of-Way Services Division Room 204, 200 Holliday St. Baltimore, MD 21202
2. Once preliminary approval is given, you may request an application. Complete and return it either on-line or to the address listed above. Forms can be obtained by calling 311, 410-396-4283 or by email at alley.gating@baltimorecity. gov. You should include alley photographs. A $250 processing fee is also required.
3. Your application will be reviewed. Please keep in mind that the interests of all legal users of the alley must be considered. Public safety is the first and foremost consideration in the approval process.
4. All property owners abutting your alley will be asked to sign a consent form. Your community will enter into a lease agreement with the City. Approval from your local fire station will also be required.
5. Alley greening projects require engineering drawings. Before any work begins, your contractor will be required to obtain the necessary right-of-way permits from the DGS Right-of-Way Services Division, along with a DGS approved developer’s agreement for alley greening.
6. Other steps in this process include public notice, a public hearing and approval by the Baltimore City Board of Estimates.
7. Begin your project!

THE JOY!

Your work is done. Enjoy your new surroundings. To apply by phone call: 410-396-GATE (410-396-4283) For additional information, please dial 311.