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Annapolis, MD Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Max ADUs per lot
one
Rental license required
under Chapter 17.44
Owner-occupancy
owner must live in ADU or main house
Max size (new build)
850 sq ft livable space

Summary

Annapolis requires a rental license under Chapter 17.44 for any accessory dwelling unit, and the ADU and principal structure must stay in common ownership with the owner living in one of the two units.

F. A rental license for any accessory dwelling unit is required in accordance with Chapter 17.44. G. An accessory dwelling unit and principal structure on any one lot shall be in common ownership and the owner shall reside in either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal structure.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis Zoning Code § 21.64.010 caps every lot at one accessory dwelling unit and requires the ADU to sit within the principal structure or a permitted accessory structure. Subsection F mandates a rental license under Chapter 17.44 before anyone occupies the unit as a tenant. Subsection G goes further: the ADU and the principal structure must remain in common ownership, and the property owner must live in one of the two units, an absentee owner cannot rent out both the house and the accessory unit. Ordinance O-9-21 (Oct. 11, 2021) added these licensing and owner-occupancy requirements, with an amnesty period running through January 10, 2022 that let owners of existing unlicensed units register without penalty.

Violations & Fines

Renting an unlicensed ADU, or renting one where the owner doesn't live on the property, violates § 21.64.010(F)-(G) and Chapter 17.44's licensing rules, exposing the owner to enforcement and license denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent out my Annapolis ADU without living on the property?
No. Zoning Code § 21.64.010(G) requires the owner to reside in either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal structure: owning both without living in either disqualifies the property.
Do I need a license to rent an accessory dwelling unit in Annapolis?
Yes. Section 21.64.010(F) requires a rental license under Chapter 17.44 before you may rent an ADU; renting without one violates the Zoning Code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsADU RulesSome RestrictionsShed & Carport RulesSome RestrictionsADU Owner OccupancySignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

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