In a move to break down barriers to affordable housing in Baltimore, Mayor Brandon M. Scott has rolled out the Housing Options and Opportunity Act. This new legislation, City Council Bill 25-0066, introduces a "low-density, multi-family housing" category to create more housing opportunities. According to a press release from the Baltimore City Mayor's Office , this bill is poised to revise zoning laws that have historically excluded particular demographics from housing options in Baltimore.

Baltimore City Mayor Scott elucidated the purpose of the bill at a press conference, flanked by officials including Council President Zeke Cohen and developer Rian Hargrave, saying, "This bill creates a new category of 'low-density, multi-family housing,' which will make it possible to build the types of housing that exclusionary zoning has long prohibited, expanding housing options in neighborhoods where racist zoning laws dictate who can live there, and how." Keen on dismantling the shadows of racially discriminatory practices, this legislation aims to make housing more accessible across the board. While making it possible for families of various sizes and financial backgrounds to find suitable homes in the city.

The Housing Options and Opportunity Act is the centerpiece of a broader legislative package targeting outdated housing protocols. Among the suite of reforms is City Council Bill 25-0062, which revises building code mandates for multiple staircases in buildings over three stories in height. The bill allows six-story buildings to have a single staircase, simplifying construction while upholding fire safety. Another bill, City Council Bill 25-0063, relocates the Zoning Administrator from the Department of Housing and Community Development to the Department of Planning for better coherence in zoning law application.

Further changes include updates to residential zoning district standards from City Council Bill 25-0064 and the elimination of parking minimums through City Council Bill 25-0065, which addresses often unnecessary and costly off-street parking space requirements.