Severna Park's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Severna Park, 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

Maryland does not require neighbors to share fence costs. Fences should be installed on or within your property line. Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court. In Severna Park HOA communities, the association's CC&Rs may contain additional fence placement or approval requirements.

Key details: Shared Cost: No state requirement. Property Line: Install on or within your property. HOA Approval: May be required in HOA communities. Disputes: Resolved through civil court.

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

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

Height Limits

In Anne Arundel County, fences 6 feet or under generally do not require a permit unless on a corner lot, waterfront property, or associated with a pool. Fences over 6 feet require a building 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.

County code violation: 30-day notice. HOA violation: per covenant enforcement. Critical Area violation: state penalties.

Severna Park is more permissive than most cities when it comes to height limits. 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 barriers. Severna Park waterfront properties near the Severn River or Magothy River will likely need permits due to Critical Area regulations. Standard fences under 6 feet on interior lots do not need a permit.

Key details: Permit Triggers: Over 6 feet, corner lots, waterfront, pools. Waterfront: Likely needed near Severn/Magothy Rivers. Under 6 Feet: No permit for most interior lots. 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, Severna Park 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.

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