Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Annapolis, MD

If you live in Annapolis or are thinking about moving there, sidewalk & pedestrian rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Annapolis has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sidewalk & pedestrian rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Sidewalk Repair

Annapolis, not the abutting owner, repairs and reconstructs sidewalks on the right-of-way once the Director of Public Works finds repair necessary for public safety, funded by an annual fee owners pay into the Sidewalk Fund.

Key details: Repairs/reconstruction: City repairs, per § 14.04.010(B). Funding: Annual Sidewalk Fund fee, owners. Owner duty: Clear debris/snow, notify Director. Self-repair option: Owner may repair at own expense. First installation: Owner's duty when Director orders.

Failing to keep a sidewalk clear, barricade a hazardous section, or notify the Director of needed repair is a municipal infraction with a fine set annually by the City Council (§ 14.04.070(A)).

Encroachment Permits

Annapolis bars steps, porches, bay windows and similar building parts from projecting more than one-quarter of the sidewalk's width, unless the City Council waives it by resolution for a fee.

Key details: Standard limit: 1/4 of building-line-to-curb distance. Waiver route: City Council resolution + paid consideration. Removal notice: 48 hours before infraction. Enforcing office: Director of Public Works. Fine: $100.00 per day.

Municipal infraction; fine set by City Council resolution ($100/day per the code's penalty schedule); Director of Public Works can remove the encroachment and lien the property for the cost if not corrected.

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.

Obstruction Rules

Annapolis bars obstructing any public street, alley, sidewalk or footway without a permit from the Director of Public Works, who sets the conditions and time limit for each permit granted.

Key details: Permit issuer: Director of Public Works. Fine: $100 per day. Covers: streets, alleys, sidewalks, footways. Permit fee: nonrefundable.

Obstructing a street, sidewalk, alley or footway without a permit is a municipal infraction under § 14.20.010(C), fined $100 per day the violation continues.

The Bottom Line

Annapolis's sidewalk & pedestrian 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.

Keep in mind that Annapolis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.