Baltimore Mural Program

The Baltimore Mural Program has produced more than 250 murals across the city, creating an outdoor public museum for the enjoyment of the people of Baltimore. We work with local mural artists who have experience working with communities.

The process for getting approval for a mural is not difficult, but it has a few steps and can take some time.  Mural costs may depend on the size and condition of the wall, the artist’s fee, cost of sundries, supplies and installation equipment rentals. The following are the steps for mural design and site approval:

1.  A muralist designs and produces the work, usually in conjunction with a community or neighborhood association.   A mural artist usually works under a contract with the community association or the building owner.

2.  The building owner must provide written acceptance of the mural (called a Right of Entry).  If the property is owned by the city, you must have a Right of Entry from Baltimore Housing, Office of Legal Affairs.

3.  If the building is in a historic district, the building and design must undergo a review by the Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP).  The CHAP review ensures that the wall and the design are both appropriate for a historic district.

CHAP   
417 East Fayette St., 8^th floor
(410) 396-4866

4.  If the building is not in a historic district or once the CHAP review is completed and the mural has been approved, the design must be presented to the Zoning Office for their review.  They will ensure that the mural does not contain an advertising message.

Zoning Office
417 East Fayette St., Room 147
410-396-4126

5.  A mural requires an exterior painting permit.  The fee for the permit is $25 per site. The application is filed with the One – Stop Shop.  You will need 2 copies of the mural image pictured on the intended wall (either 8½” X 11” or 11” X 17”).  The application process takes 48 hours.  Once the application process is completed, the fee for the permit will be determined.

One-Stop Shop
417 E. Fayette St., Room 100
410-396-3360

6.  With the artist, you must determine if the project requires scaffolding or a boom lift.  If either of these devices obstructs a public way (sidewalk or street), you must obtain a Temporary Use of Right of Way (ROW) permit from the Department of Transportation. DOT does not issue ROW permits for alleys.

Department of Transportation
City Hall – Room 250
100 N. Holliday Street
 

If you have any questions, contact the Baltimore Mural Project at the Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts at 410-752-8632.