Annapolis's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Annapolis, Maryland, there are 5 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.

Water Restrictions

Annapolis participates in the Anne Arundel County water system. Outdoor irrigation restrictions activate during drought or water emergency declarations. Chesapeake Bay-friendly landscaping with native plants and rain gardens is strongly encouraged.

Key details: Water Source: AA County system. Drought Rules: Odd/even watering schedules. Critical Area: Bay-friendly plants within 1,000 ft tidal. Incentives: Rain garden Bay restoration credits.

Violation of drought restrictions: warning, then fines. Irrigation in Critical Area buffer without approval: MDE enforcement.

Tree Trimming

Annapolis requires a permit to remove trees over 8 inches DBH on city property and in the Historic District. Street trees are city property and may not be trimmed without city approval. Chesapeake Bay Critical Area buffer trees have heightened protections.

Key details: Permit Trigger: 8 inches DBH in Historic District/Critical Area. Street Trees: City property, approval required. Replacement: Required in Critical Area. Goal: Chesapeake Bay canopy preservation.

Removal of protected tree without permit: fine up to $500 per tree plus replacement cost. Unauthorized street tree trimming: restoration ordered.

Weed Ordinances

Annapolis enforces weed abatement. MD Agriculture Art. §9-401 covers noxious weeds. County health departments handle residential complaints.

Key details: Authority: MD Ag. Art. §9-401. Enforcement: County health / code. Cost: Owner pays abatement. Growth Season: Spring-summer peak.

Notice to abate. County clears at owner’s expense ($200 to $1,000+). Administrative fee + property lien.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tree removal in Annapolis requires permits for trees in the Historic District or Chesapeake Bay Critical Area buffer. Dead or hazardous trees may be removed with notice to the city. Replacement planting required in critical areas.

Key details: Permit Required: Historic District and Critical Area. Dead/Hazardous: Notice to city required. Replacement: 1:1 or higher in Critical Area. Large Projects: Forest conservation plan.

Removal of Historic District or Critical Area tree without permit: fine up to $500 per tree plus required replacement planting. Hazardous tree removal without notice: citation.

Grass Height Limits

Annapolis enforces a maximum grass height of 12 inches for residential properties. Properties in violation receive a notice and must cut within 10 days. The city will cut the grass and bill the owner if not remediated.

Key details: Max Height: 12 inches. Compliance Period: 10 days after notice. City Mowing: Billed to owner if not cut. Native Plants: Approved alternatives exempt.

First notice: 10 days to comply. Non-compliance: city mows and bills owner plus administrative fee. Repeat offenders: escalating fines.

The Bottom Line

Annapolis's landscaping rules 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.

All of the above reflects Annapolis's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.