Moving to Annapolis, MD? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Annapolis, Maryland may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 40 tracked ordinances across 12 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Annapolis enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours..

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Annapolis requires STR operators to register through the city's Citizen Self-Service portal. The City Council passed a 10% per-block density cap on non-owner-occupied STRs.

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (moderate), Occupancy Limits (moderate), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Annapolis for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Annapolis treats carports as accessory structures under Title 21 (Planning and Zoning), Chapter 21.64. They must comply with the underlying district setbacks, height, and lot coverage in Chapter 21.50 (Bulk Regulations Tables) and require a building permit from the Department of Planning and Zoning before construction..

Also covered: Shed Rules (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Annapolis for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Annapolis participates in the Anne Arundel County water system. Outdoor irrigation restrictions activate during drought or water emergency declarations.

Also covered: Tree Trimming (moderate), Weed Ordinances (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Annapolis for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Annapolis has metered parking (2-hour limit) throughout downtown and extensive residential permit parking zones near the Historic District, Naval Academy, and State House. Boat Show and special event restrictions activate seasonally..

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Annapolis for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Annapolis follows Anne Arundel County animal code prohibiting wild, exotic, and vicious animals as pets. Skunks, raccoons, and opossums are specifically prohibited.

Also covered: Beekeeping (moderate), Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Breed Restrictions (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Annapolis for details.

Fence Regulations

Neighbor Fence Rules: Annapolis follows Maryland's common-law fence rules. The finished side must face neighbors.

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Annapolis for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Annapolis follows Maryland's pool barrier law requiring fences at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Building permits required.

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Annapolis for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Annapolis prohibits unreasonably loud noise under City Code §11.12.020. Residential quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM under Maryland state dBA standards (55 dBA nighttime).

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Annapolis for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Consumer fireworks are banned statewide under Maryland Code, Public Safety §10-101. Annapolis Code reinforces the ban.

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Outdoor Burning (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Annapolis for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Annapolis prohibits all external signage for home occupations in residential zones. Historic District sign rules are among the strictest in Maryland — all signs in the district require Historic Preservation Commission approval..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (strict). See the full home business guide for Annapolis for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Annapolis has significant flood exposure as a tidal capital city on the Chesapeake Bay. Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) require flood insurance and must meet floodplain development rules.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Annapolis. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.