Annapolis's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Annapolis, Maryland, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Annapolis follows Maryland's common-law fence rules. The finished side must face neighbors. Boundary fence disputes are civil matters. Maryland has no spite-fence statute; fences built purely to annoy are addressed through common-law nuisance claims.

Key details: Finished Side: Must face neighbors. Spite Fences: Common-law nuisance only. Cost Sharing: Civil matter, no MD mandate. Disputes: Civil court or survey.

Spite fence: possible common-law nuisance claim for injunction and damages. Fence with finished side facing inward: correction notice.

Annapolis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.

Permit Requirements

Annapolis Chapter 17.34 requires a building permit for all fence installations. Historic District fences additionally require Historic Preservation Commission approval before a permit is issued.

Key details: Permit Required: All fence installations. Historic District: HPC approval first. Approved Materials: Wood, wrought iron, brick. Not Approved (Historic): Chain link, vinyl.

Fence installed without permit: stop-work order, permit required retroactively with double fees. Historic District fence without HPC approval: $250 per day and removal order.

Height Limits

Annapolis Code §21.60.070 limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Historic District fences require Historic Preservation Commission review. Finished side must face outward.

Key details: Front Yard: 4 feet maximum. Side/Rear: 6 feet maximum. Historic District: HPC review required. Code: §21.60.070.

Non-compliant fence height: notice to correct within 30 days. Historic District installation without HPC approval: $250 per day. Failure to comply: removal at owner's expense.

The Bottom Line

Annapolis's fence regulations 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 Annapolis is broadly strict or permissive.

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