Annapolis, MD Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Annapolis, MD, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Front setback (R1)
- 30 feet minimum
- Interior side setback
- 8 ft (5 ft in rear quarter)
- Corner side setback
- 20 feet minimum
- Rear setback
- 5 feet minimum
- Use classification
- Accessory use, permitted by right
Summary
Annapolis classifies carports and garages as accessory structures allowed by right, but its bulk regulations table sets numeric yard setbacks for them: in the R1 single-family district: 30 feet front, 8 feet interior side, 20 feet corner side, and 5 feet rear.
Buildings accessory to single-family dwellings, other than as specified elsewhere in this table — Yards (minimum): Front (ft) 30; Interior Side (ft) 8; Corner Side (ft) 20; Rear (ft) 5. Note 3: "Unless the entire structure is located on the rear twenty-five percent of the lot, in which case only five feet is required. See illustration at Section 21.60.100."
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
The city's zoning-use table lists 'Garages and carports' as an accessory use permitted by right in every residential district (Annapolis City Code § 21.48.010), but the bulk regulations table for each district still governs placement. In the R1 District, buildings accessory to a single-family dwelling, including carports, must sit at least 30 feet from the front lot line, 20 feet from a corner side line, and 5 feet from the rear line. The interior side setback is 8 feet, dropping to 5 feet only if the entire structure sits on the rear 25% of the lot (§ 21.60.100). Cornice and ridge heights near the side line are capped and scale up with additional setback.
Violations & Fines
Building without a compliant permit is a Zoning Code violation; absent a specific penalty, § 1.20.010 makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or six months' imprisonment, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a carport in Annapolis?
Can a carport go closer to my side property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
How Annapolis compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.