Anne Arundel County, MD Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot size
- 3 acres
- Setback from residential zoning
- 100 feet
- Operator status
- 501(c)(3) accredited nonprofit only
- Use classification
- Conditional use, not by-right
- Zoning fine range
- $125–$1,000 per violation
Summary
Anne Arundel County allows bird sanctuaries as a conditional zoning use, requiring at least three acres, 100-foot setbacks from residential property, and nonprofit accreditation for anyone who wants to legally operate a licensed bird rescue or sanctuary facility.
A bird sanctuary shall comply with all of the following requirements. (1) The facility shall be located on a lot of at least three acres. (2) Buildings and enclosures for the housing or shelter of birds shall be at least 100 feet from any residentially zoned property and birds may not be housed within the 100-foot setback. ... (4) The bird sanctuary shall be operated by an entity exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and may not be operated for commercial purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Anne Arundel County Code § 18-10-113, a bird sanctuary, defined in § 18-1-101 as "a facility where birds are kept and given care", is a conditional use allowed only on a lot of at least three acres. Bird housing and enclosures must sit at least 100 feet from any residentially zoned property, and birds can't be housed inside that setback. A resident involved in running the sanctuary must occupy a dwelling on the property, and the operator must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit accredited by the American Sanctuary Association or the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, commercial bird-keeping operations don't qualify.
Violations & Fines
Operating a bird sanctuary without conditional-use approval, or breaching its conditions, is a zoning violation; the Office of Planning and Zoning can issue a civil citation carrying fines of $125 to $1,000 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a bird sanctuary on a normal residential lot in Anne Arundel County?
Does this rule apply in unincorporated places like Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.