Anne Arundel County, MD Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt deck size
- 200 sq ft or less
- Exempt deck height
- 30 in above grade max
- Attachment rule
- Must be detached from dwelling
- Critical Area
- Permit always required
- Exempt patio height
- 8 in above grade max
Summary
Anne Arundel County exempts decks of 200 square feet or less, under 30 inches high, and detached from the house from a building permit: anything bigger, higher, or attached needs one, and decks in the Critical Area always need one.
105.2.1.1.3 Decks not exceeding an area of 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point within 36 inches horizontally or any edge of the deck, and are not attached to a dwelling or structure if accessory to a residential structure, except that permits are required for decks located in the critical area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Anne Arundel County requires a building permit before constructing, altering, or repairing a deck or patio (Construction Code § 105.1). A deck skips the permit only if all three conditions hold: it is 200 square feet or smaller, rises no more than 30 inches above grade within 36 inches of any edge, and is not attached to the dwelling or another structure (§ 105.2.1.1.3). A ground-level patio is exempt if it sits no more than 8 inches above adjacent grade, isn't over a basement, and isn't part of an accessible route (§ 105.2.1.5). Any deck in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area needs a permit no matter its size. Permits are issued by the Department of Inspections and Permits.
Violations & Fines
Building a deck or patio without a required permit is a Class D civil offense under § 15-5-102(d): $125 for a first violation, $500 for a second, $1,000 for a third or later, plus a possible stop-work order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small deck need a permit in Anne Arundel County?
Is a patio exempt from permitting?
What's the penalty for building without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
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