Baltimore City requires an alarm system contractor, monitor, and user to register with the Police Commissioner each year. There is no fee for users to register an alarm. However, contractors and monitors must register and pay the appropriate fee. 

Contractors and Monitors 

A contractor is any person who installs, maintains, alters, inspects, administers, sells or services alarm systems.   

A monitor is any person who is in the business of monitoring alarm systems for the purpose of reporting an alarm system’s activation to the Police Department.  

Contractors and monitors must register and pay the appropriate fee ($50 per year) for each alarm system. 

Information for Alarm Contractors and Monitors 
Download the Alarm Company Registration Form here 

Users 

A user is the owner or lessee of any alarm system; the owner or lessee of any dwelling unit, place of business, or other premises that have been equipped with an alarm system; or any other person that uses an alarm system.  

There is no fee for users to register an alarm. 

Application Form:

Download the Alarm Registration Form (residential and commercial)

Resources: 

Information for Alarm Users 
Baltimore City Code, Police Ordinances Article 19, Subtitle 8, 

A Metal Detector Permit is required for individuals who wish to use metal detectors in Baltimore City Parks. Issued by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, the permit allows users to search for coins and artifacts while ensuring compliance with park regulations.

Permit Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old and present a government-issued photo ID.
• Completion of a training session from a recognized metal detecting club is mandatory.
• A $25 fee (payable via Money Order or Credit/Debit Card) is required for issuance and yearly renewal.

Key Rules & Restrictions:

• Metal detecting is allowed only during park operating hours.
• Digging deeper than 8 inches is prohibited, and all holes must be properly restored.
• Certain locations, including Carroll Park, Federal Hill Park, and the Inner Harbor, are off-limits.
• Metal detecting is prohibited in July and August each year.

Failure to comply with the rules may result in permit revocation. The permit must be carried at all times while using a metal detector in city parks.

For more details, applicants can contact the Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Permit Office at (410) 396-7070.

Application Form:

Download Metal Detecting Permit Application form

A Temporary Noise Exemption Permit allows organizations to exceed standard noise restrictions for public events such as fundraisers, carnivals, and special gatherings. It is issued by the Baltimore City Health Department and requires applicants to provide event details, community support documentation, and any additional permits (e.g., street closure or park use).

Applications must be submitted at least 20 days before the event 

Requirements to Apply

1. Complete Application
   • Provide details about the applicant, event, and expected impact on the surrounding area.
   • List instruments, equipment, or devices producing sound.
   • Specify event date, time, and exact location.
   • If the event takes place in a City Park, a Special Events Permit from the Department of Recreation and Parks is needed.
   • If a street closure is required, a Street Event Permit from the Department of General Services is required.
2. Community Support Documentation
   • Applicants must provide evidence of community support, such as:
     • Letters from adjacent residences
     • Letters from the Community Association in the area
3. Additional Permits (if applicable)
   • If the event takes place in a City Park, a Special Events Permit from the Department of Recreation and Parks is required.
   • If the event requires a street closure, a Street Event Permit from the Department of General Services is needed.
   • If food will be served/sold, a Temporary Food Service Facility License from the Baltimore City Health Department is required.

How to Apply?

• Submit the completed application & community support documents to:
  Baltimore City Health Department
  Bureau of Environmental Health
  1001 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
  • Or fax to: (410) 396-5986
  • For questions, call (410) 396-4427

Approval Process

• The Baltimore City Health Commissioner will review the application and approve/disapprove it.
• Once approved, the applicant must comply with all Baltimore City Code regulations and other applicable laws.

Application Form:

Download Temporary Noise Exemption Application form

Any discharger of non-residential wastewater into the City sanitary sewer system must apply for a Wastewater Discharge Permit from the City.

Article 25 of the Baltimore City Code, as amended, regulates sewage disposal. Any discharger of non-residential wastes into the City wastewater system is required to obtain a Wastewater Discharge Permit from the City. The information requested in this application will determine if a "Permit" is necessary and the category designation.

Application Types

• Permit Application Form A may be used for industrial or commercial facilities that discharge or have the potential to discharge priority or prohibited pollutants into the sanitary sewer.
• Permit Application Form B may be used for restaurants, carry-outs, and similar food service facilities, or for service stations and other types of vehicle maintenance establishments. Form B may be required for other commercial facilities on a case-by-case basis.
• The Scavenger Vehicle Permit Tag Application is for commercial waste haulers proposing to discharge wastewater at the Septage Receiving Station located at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant (or other discharge points as designated by DPW.)