Anne Arundel County, MD Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Approval needed
- Special exception use
- Enclosed animal housing setback
- 50 ft from residential zoning
- Unenclosed coops/runs setback
- 100 ft from residential zoning
- Setback rule
- No animal housing in required yard
- Governs
- County incl. Glen Burnie, Severna Park
Summary
Animal hospitals and veterinary clinics need special exception approval in Anne Arundel County, with animal housing kept 50 to 100 feet from residential zoning.
An animal hospital or veterinary clinic shall comply with all of the following requirements. (1) All structures, enclosed coops, and enclosed runs for the housing or shelter of animals and fowl shall be located at least 50 feet from residentially zoned property. (2) Unenclosed coops and runs shall be located at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property. (3) The housing of animals may not be located in a required setback. (4) The facility may not be noxious, offensive, or otherwise objectionable to surrounding residential uses.
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 zoning treats animal hospitals and veterinary clinics as special exception uses under § 18-11-103. Any structure, enclosed coop, or enclosed run housing animals or fowl must sit at least 50 feet from residentially zoned property; unenclosed coops and runs need 100 feet. Animal housing can't sit inside a required yard setback, and the facility can't be noxious, offensive, or otherwise objectionable to nearby residential uses. This applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park; Annapolis and Highland Beach run their own zoning codes.
Violations & Fines
A special exception use approved without meeting these siting standards is subject to enforcement by the Office of Planning and Zoning, and the county can pursue a zoning violation for noncompliant animal housing setbacks or a use found to be a nuisance to surrounding residential property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a veterinary clinic anywhere in Anne Arundel County?
How far must animal kennels or runs be from a neighbor's residential lot?
Does this apply in 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
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