Accessory Structures in Glen Burnie, MD: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Glen Burnie or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Glen Burnie has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Carport Rules

In unincorporated Glen Burnie, carports are regulated under Anne Arundel County zoning Sec. 18-2-204 (accessory structures) and require a county building permit. Carports within 3 feet of the principal dwelling are treated as attached and need a Single Family Dwelling permit; carports more than 3 feet away are detached accessory structures.

Key details: Zoning Code: Sec. 18-2-204. Attached Threshold: Within 3 ft of dwelling. Attached Permit: Single Family Dwelling permit. Detached Permit: Accessory Structure permit. Same Parcel Rule: Required (Sec. 18-2-204).

Building a carport without the correct attached or detached permit, encroaching into the district setbacks, or placing the carport in a right-of-way setback are zoning code violations enforceable by the Office of Planning and Zoning at (410) 222-7446. Penalties can include stop-work orders, daily fines, and orders to relocate or remove the structure. Properties in the Critical Area face additional civil and criminal penalties for unpermitted construction or unauthorized vegetation removal.

ADU Rules

Anne Arundel County allows ADUs in all residential districts except R22 under Bill 6-23. Detached ADUs are limited to 800 sq ft or 50% of the main dwelling. No additional parking is required. Impact fees are waived for ADUs added to existing homes. For short-term rental of an ADU, the owner must live on site.

Key details: Permitted: All residential districts except R22. Max Size: 800 sq ft or 50% of main dwelling. Parking: No additional parking required. Impact Fees: Waived under Bill 6-23. STR Rule: Owner must live on site for STR.

Unpermitted ADU: building code enforcement. May require legalization or demolition. Occupying unpermitted unit: code violation.

Shed Rules

Residential accessory structures in Anne Arundel County including sheds, garages, and gazebos may require building permits. Setback requirements vary by zoning district. Structures must be on the same parcel as the principal dwelling and incidental to its use. Contact Zoning Administration for property-specific requirements.

Key details: Permit: May be required depending on size. Setbacks: Vary by zoning district. Location: Same parcel as principal structure. Zoning Contact: (410) 222-7437.

Unpermitted structure: retroactive permit with penalty. Non-compliant setback: modification or removal. HOA fines.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions to ADUs are permitted in Anne Arundel County under Bill 6-23. Building permits are required and must meet all applicable construction code requirements. Setbacks follow accessory structure rules for the zoning district. Impact fees are waived.

Key details: Permitted: Yes, under Bill 6-23 ADU provisions. Permit Required: Building permit and inspections. Setbacks: Follow accessory structure rules. Impact Fees: Waived for ADU conversions.

Unpermitted conversion: building code enforcement. Must bring to code or restore. Safety violations: immediate correction.

The Bottom Line

Glen Burnie's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glen Burnie is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Glen Burnie's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.