Annapolis's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Annapolis, Maryland, there are 4 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.

Aggressive Panhandling

Annapolis makes aggressive panhandling a misdemeanor, covering threats, harassing language, and demands that make a reasonable person fear for safety.

Key details: Code section: Annapolis City Code § 11.12.068. Offense class: Misdemeanor. Passive begging: Expressly exempt if no vocal ask. Amended: 2011, again March 2022.

Misdemeanor; penalties are set by resolution of the City Council rather than fixed in the code section itself.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Annapolis actively enforces its aggressive panhandling requirements.

Public Urination

Annapolis bans urinating or defecating on any public street, sidewalk, beach, dock, lot or building, or anywhere visible from public property, unless using a designated public restroom.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 11.16.050. Where covered: Public property + visible from public. Exception: Designated public restrooms only. Max penalty: $1,000 fine or 90 days jail.

Misdemeanor: fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, per the city's adopted municipal infraction fine schedule for § 11.16.050(B).

This is one of the stricter rules in Annapolis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Loitering Rules

Annapolis bars loitering that blocks streets, sidewalks or public places, but only after police order the person to move on and disperse; refusing that order is the actual violation, punishable as a misdemeanor.

Key details: Citation: Annapolis City Code § 11.12.060. Trigger: Obstructing a public street or sidewalk. Required step: Police order to move on first. Penalty: Up to $100 fine or 90 days. Classification: Misdemeanor.

Failing to obey a police officer's order to stop and disperse after obstructing a public street, sidewalk or public place; misdemeanor punishable by up to $100 fine or 90 days imprisonment, or both.

Public Alcohol Use

Annapolis bans consuming alcohol or carrying an open or unsealed container on city streets, sidewalks, parking areas, vehicles, and public parks and facilities, with narrow board-approved exceptions.

Key details: Covers: streets, parks, vehicles, parking lots. First-offense fine: up to $100. Repeat-offense fine: up to $500. Market House exception: ABC Board may permit. Enforcing agency: Annapolis Police Department.

Violating § 7.12.100 is a misdemeanor; the code's penalty schedule sets the fine at not more than $100 for a first offense and not more than $500 for a repeat or continuous violation (§ 7.12.100(C)).

The Bottom Line

Annapolis is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Annapolis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.