Baltimore City Data & API Requests - Records & Bylaws

Technology and Data Maryland 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland publishes many datasets through an official Open Data portal and maintains a municipal code governing records and city operations. This guide explains how to request city data sets, obtain API access, and when to use a formal public-records request. Use the Open Data portal to locate datasets and API endpoints, then follow the official request or appeal paths if data are restricted or require special access.[1]

Before you begin

Identify the dataset name, field list, and desired format (CSV, JSON, GeoJSON). Check licensing, usage limits, and whether the dataset is already public. If you need data not published online, prepare a clear description of records sought and relevant date ranges for any public-records request.

Search the Open Data portal for the exact dataset and API endpoint before filing a formal records request.

How to request datasets and API access

  1. Locate the dataset on the Open Data portal and check the dataset page for an API endpoint, field list, and export options.
  2. If the dataset is public, use the provided API key or endpoint; follow rate limits and terms of use listed on the dataset page.
  3. If the dataset is not published or access is restricted, submit a written request to the city office identified on the dataset page or file a public-records request per city procedures.
  4. If access is denied, use the city appeal route or the Maryland Public Information Act procedures; include dataset identifiers and prior correspondence in any appeal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Baltimore enforces policies on data access, records retention, and misuse through its municipal code and administrative rules. Specific monetary fines or penalty schedules for improper access or tampering with city systems are not uniformly listed on the Open Data pages; relevant ordinance language and enforcement procedures should be checked in the municipal code.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, account suspensions, access revocation, and referral to law enforcement or court action may apply where misuse is found.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Open Data team, Baltimore Department of Information Technology or the designated data steward listed on the dataset page; use the dataset contact or official DoIT contact channels on the city portal.[1]
  • Appeals and review: follow the administrative appeal route listed by the department or file under the Maryland Public Information Act; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If a dataset contains protected personal information, the city will redact or deny access under applicable law.

Applications & Forms

The Open Data portal provides dataset export and API access directly; for unpublished records, submit a public-records request per city guidance. A formal, downloadable form is not consistently published for all data requests; check the dataset page or the department contact for any required request form.[1]

How-To

  1. Search the Baltimore Open Data portal for the dataset name and review the dataset page for API details.
  2. If public, use the API endpoint or export tools; copy the API URL and parameters for your application.
  3. If data are not available, contact the dataset steward listed on the page or submit a written records request describing the data and date range.
  4. If access is denied, follow the department appeal process or pursue a Maryland Public Information Act petition as applicable.

FAQ

How do I find a dataset's API endpoint?
Open the dataset page on the city Open Data portal; the API endpoint and documentation appear under the dataset's access or API section.[1]
What if the data I need is not published?
Contact the listed dataset steward or file a formal public-records request with the appropriate department; the dataset page often lists the responsible office.[1]
Are there published fines for misuse of city data?
The municipal code governs conduct; specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited page—see the municipal code for ordinance language.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Check the Open Data portal first for public datasets and API endpoints.
  • If data are unpublished, submit a clear written request to the responsible department.
  • For denials, follow the department appeal process or Maryland Public Information Act procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Baltimore Open Data portal — datasets & API
  2. [2] Baltimore City Code — Municode library

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