Glen Burnie, MD Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Glen Burnie carports are governed by Anne Arundel County's Article 18 zoning code and the residential construction code. Sec. 18-2-204 (Accessory Structures) classifies a carport as an accessory structure that must be on the same parcel as the principal dwelling, must be incidental to the principal use, and must comply with the yard and setback requirements of the underlying residential zoning district (R1, R2, R5, R10, RA, RLD, etc.), which the Zoning Administration Section sets based on the property's specific district. Sec. 18-2-204 also prohibits an accessory structure from sitting in a setback from a right-of-way line. The county Department of Inspections and Permits classifies a carport based on proximity to the house: a carport within 3 feet of the principal structure is considered attached and requires a Residential Single Family Dwelling permit covering the addition, while a carport more than 3 feet from the dwelling is considered detached and requires a Residential Accessory Structure permit. Both permit paths require submission to the Permit Center at 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis (410-222-7730), and trigger zoning review for setback compliance, dimensional limits, and impervious-surface checks. In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 feet from mean high tide), additional review and impervious-surface limits apply, and a Vegetation Management Plan may be required if any tree removal accompanies the project. Electrical work serving the carport requires separate trade permits.