Baltimore Initiated Clear Boarding Pilot for Vacancies

The city has begun securing abandoned rowhomes with durable polycarbonate sheets to boost public safety.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Home Renovation

Bold vector editorial illustration of a clear polycarbonate sheet mounted over an aged brick rowhouse window, signaling urban safety improvements. — Baltimore has launched a pilot program to secure over 10,000 vacant properties with durable polycarbonate boarding, aiming to enhance fire safety and neighborhood visibility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Baltimore city officials have launched a pilot project to install clear polycarbonate boarding on vacant properties, aiming to improve neighborhood aesthetics and discourage trespassing. This initiative seeks to address public safety concerns in a city where over 10,000 properties currently sit empty.

Why it matters

The city implemented clear boarding to reduce fire hazards, as one in three fires in Baltimore occurs in vacant structures. Officials determined these boards provide necessary visibility to identify individuals occupying abandoned homes.

Clear board material costs $3 per square foot compared to $0.80 for plywood, though it is 200 times stronger than plate glass. The city plans to secure 300 city-owned rowhomes in Carrollton Ridge by the end of 2026.

The players

Baltimore City Fire Department

This agency provides fire suppression and emergency rescue services for the city and has developed methods to breach the new polycarbonate boards.

Wes Moore

He is the Governor of Maryland who has pledged to oversee the renewal of 5,000 vacant properties across the state by 2029.

The details

A three-person construction crew drills the clear sheets onto window and door frames to secure the structures. To ensure emergency access, the Baltimore City Fire Department has equipped every truck with rotary grinders capable of breaching the material.

By the end of 2026, the city aims to complete clear boarding for 300 rowhomes.
The city has set a goal to renew 5,000 vacant properties by 2029.
A $3 billion public investment for housing is planned over a 15-year period.

Culture Shift

This transition from traditional plywood to durable polycarbonate boarding reflects a shift toward using long-term structural materials in urban renewal. This pilot follows the city's broader $3 billion vacant housing investment plan intended to revitalize stagnant neighborhoods.

Residents in neighborhoods like Carrollton Ridge will see improved visibility and security around abandoned rowhomes. These upgrades are designed to decrease fire risks and stabilize property aesthetics in the immediate area.

The takeaway

Using clear materials instead of wood allows neighbors to monitor vacant properties for safety issues without compromising structural integrity. This approach provides a practical alternative for cities balancing the cost of boarding with the need for better neighborhood surveillance.