Department of Housing & Community Development

Popular Services

What We Do

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is here to improve the lives of Baltimore City residents. Together, we want to build a Baltimore where everyone lives in safe and decent housing in thriving, inclusive and equitable neighborhoods.

Created in 1968, DHCD has just over 400 employees. We work to bring in investors, builders, and homebuyers to our neighborhoods. We help pay for and guide building projects. We also make sure construction follows the rules and that homes are safe. DHCD wants everyone to have a fair chance to find a home, no matter who they are. We follow laws that make sure no one is treated unfairly when it comes to housing or services. These laws affirmatively further fair housing and protect people based on things like race, religion, gender, and more, so everyone can live in safe and welcoming communities.

Our values guide us every step of the way:

Equity and Inclusion
Customer Service
Innovation
Integrity and Transparency
Partnership
Sustainability

Get Help With Home Repairs

DHCD programs help people with low and middle incomes pay for home repairs. This includes fixing roofs and plumbing.

View Homeowner Resources

Current Announcements

LEGACY HOMEOWNERS PILOT PROGRAM EVENT AND INFORMATION - Join DHCD and the Mayor's Office of Older Adult Affairs & Advocacy to learn more about this program and for in-person assistance with applications. View FAQs.

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR INCLUSIONARY HOUSING BOARD POSITION - The Mayor’s Office is seeking interested applicants for one position on its Inclusionary Housing Board. The open position is for a tenant who earns a maximum of 60 percent of the Area Median Income.

MODIFIED OFFICE HOURS FOR THE PERMITS OFFICE
No walk-in assistance will be available in the Permits Office and Plans Review Office on Wednesdays. During this time, staff will be actively focused on processing online permit requests to improve turnaround times. Walk-in assistance remains available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

PERMITS RESOURCES

- E-Permits HELP/Information
- E-Permits Step-by-Step Guides
- Permits Dashboard (real-time data on permit applications- how many have been submitted, their status, and typical time frames involved).

General Agency Notices

Reducing Vacant Properties

Find out how the City is working to fix up vacant buildings and lots all at once.

Buy City-Owned Property

Find out what programs are available to help you buy City-owned buildings.

Building Affordable Housing

Learn how we are helping to bring new life to Baltimore by supporting builders and funding affordable housing projects.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

Learn about the administration of CDBG, HOME, City bond funds, and other creative financing mechanisms.

Permits

The Department of Housing and Community Development handles all building permits online. We can help you find out if you need a permit, explain the rules, and guide you through the application process!

Apply for a Permit