Anne Arundel County, MD Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard livestock lot minimum
- 40,000 sq ft
- Animal unit example
- 2 horses or 2 cattle = 1 unit
- Small-lot hens
- 4 hens on 10,000 sq ft
- Enclosure rule
- All livestock/fowl must be fenced
- Governs
- All unincorporated county land
Summary
Anne Arundel County ties livestock and fowl to lot size: 40,000 sq ft minimum for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and most poultry, with smaller options for chickens and ducks.
Livestock may be kept on a lot of 40,000 square feet or greater and may not exceed a ratio of one animal unit per 40,000 square feet... Domestic fowl may be kept on a lot 40,000 square feet or greater and may not exceed a ratio of one bird unit per 40,000 square feet... All livestock and fowl shall be kept within a fenced area.
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
County Code § 18-4-104(c) sets a straight lot-size formula for livestock and fowl in residential districts: one "animal unit" (2 horses, 2 cattle, 10 sheep or goats, 8 swine, etc.) per 40,000 sq ft, and one "bird unit" (32 chickens, 16 ducks, 8 turkeys or geese) per 40,000 sq ft. Chickens and ducks get carve-outs down to 20,000 sq ft, and hens-only down to 10,000 sq ft (4 hens) or 15,000 sq ft (6 hens). All livestock and fowl must be fenced; coops for small lots need a secured enclosure. This governs unincorporated Anne Arundel directly, including Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Pasadena, Odenton, and Crofton, none of which have a separate municipal code.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Enforcement (Inspections and Permits) issues notices of violation for exceeding animal/bird unit ratios or unfenced/unenclosed keeping; unresolved violations can lead to civil citations under the County Code's zoning enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens on a small lot in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
How much land do I need to keep a horse in Anne Arundel County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
How Anne Arundel County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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