What Severna Park Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Severna Park, Maryland may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 40 tracked ordinances across 12 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Severna Park is an unincorporated CDP in Anne Arundel County, so the County's Title 13A (Short-Term Residential Rentals) controls. Title 13A defines a short-term rental as accommodation of transient guests for no more than 120 consecutive days in a calendar year and requires County registration; it does not impose a fixed county-wide per-bedroom occupancy cap, but the County's adopted property maintenance and building codes still set minimum habitable space and bedroom-occupancy thresholds..

Also covered: Taxes & Fees (moderate), Insurance Requirements (permissive), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Severna Park for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Carports in Severna Park are accessory structures under Anne Arundel County Code §18-2-204. They generally must be set back at least 5 feet from any lot line, may not encroach into any setback from a right-of-way, must comply with the underlying zoning district bulk regulations, and require a residential building permit from the County Department of Inspections and Permits..

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Severna Park for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 feet from tidal waters), all tree removal in Severna Park requires an approved Vegetation Management Plan regardless of tree size. This includes dead trees and invasive species.

Also covered: Water Restrictions (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Severna Park for details.

Fence Regulations

Neighbor Fence Rules: Maryland does not require neighbors to share fence costs. Fences should be installed on or within your property line.

Also covered: Height Limits (permissive), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Severna Park for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Anne Arundel County requires a 48-inch minimum barrier completely surrounding residential pools. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable.

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Safety Rules (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Severna Park for details.

Noise Ordinances

Barking Dogs: Under Anne Arundel County Code Section 12-4-903, it is unlawful to permit an animal to disturb the quiet of a person or neighborhood. Continual barking, howling, or whining causing unreasonable disturbance is a public nuisance.

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Construction Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Severna Park for details.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Under Anne Arundel County Code Section 18-17-103, vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR may not be parked on residentially zoned lots except for temporary service. The same restriction applies on public roads for vehicles used for commercial purposes..

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Severna Park for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Severna Park enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours..

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Anne Arundel County requires dogs to be leashed and under control when off the owner's property. Animals at large are prohibited.

Also covered: Beekeeping (permissive), Breed Restrictions (permissive), Exotic Pets (strict). See the full animal ordinances guide for Severna Park for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Possession and discharge of fireworks is illegal in Anne Arundel County without permits from the State Fire Marshal and county Fire Marshal. Only hand-held sparklers (non-chlorate), party poppers, snap caps, and ground-based sparkling devices are legal without a permit..

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (permissive), Outdoor Burning (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Severna Park for details.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Anne Arundel County allows home occupations in all zoning districts as a conditional use under Article 18-10-134. A Zoning Certificate of Use is required.

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Signage Rules (moderate). See the full home business guide for Severna Park for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Severna Park has FEMA-mapped flood zones, particularly near the Severn River and Magothy River waterfront areas. The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act applies to properties within 1,000 feet of tidal waters.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Severna Park. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.