Glen Burnie's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Glen Burnie, 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.

Height Limits

In Anne Arundel County, fences 6 feet or under in height generally do not require a building permit unless on a corner lot, waterfront property, or associated with a pool installation. Fences over 6 feet require a permit. Barbed wire is allowed on top of chain link fences at least 6 feet high.

Key details: No Permit Needed: 6 feet or under (most lots). Permit Required: Over 6 feet, corner lots, waterfront, pools. Barbed Wire: Up to 6 strands on 6-foot chain link. Front Yard: Fences allowed in front yard setback.

Code compliance notice with correction period. Modify or remove non-compliant fence. Spite fence: civil action.

The rules around height limits in Glen Burnie lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Anne Arundel County does not have a state-mandated shared fence cost statute. Maryland law does not require neighbors to share fence costs. Fences should be installed on or within your property line. Disputes are generally resolved through civil court rather than county code enforcement.

Key details: Shared Cost: No state requirement to share costs. Property Line: Install on or within your property. Disputes: Resolved through civil court. Survey: Recommended before installation.

Civil remedy for disputes. Spite fence: common-law nuisance action. District Court for small claims.

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

Permit Requirements

Anne Arundel County requires fence permits for fences over 6 feet, corner lots, waterfront properties, and pool barrier installations. Applications are submitted through the Permit Center or Land Use Navigator online system. Standard fences 6 feet or under on interior lots do not need a permit.

Key details: Permit Triggers: Over 6 feet, corner lots, waterfront, pools. Under 6 Feet: No permit for most interior lots. Application: Permit Center or Land Use Navigator. Permit Center: 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis (410-222-7730).

Unpermitted construction: stop-work order. Retroactive permit with penalty. HOA fines per CC&Rs.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Glen Burnie gives residents more room on fence regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Glen Burnie's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.