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Annapolis, MD Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Citation: Annapolis City Code § 21.64.200
State licensing baseline: Educ. Art. § 9.5, COMAR § 13A.16
City add-on: Director-approved drop-off/pick-up site
Religious/school-affiliated centers: Dept. of Planning and Zoning must review
Last amended: May 27, 2025 (Ord. O-1-25)

Summary

Child care centers in Annapolis must meet Maryland's Education Article § 9.5 and COMAR licensing standards, plus a city-specific requirement: a Planning and Zoning Director-approved safe pick-up and drop-off location under the zoning code.

State Requirements. Child care centers shall meet requirements of Education Article § 9.5 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR § 13A.16. Additional City Requirement. Child care centers shall have safe pick-up and drop-off locations, as determined by the planning and zoning director. ... Educational and Religious Affiliated Child Care Centers. 1. The use is subject to review and approval by the Department of Planning and Zoning. 2. A safe on-site drop-off and pick-up area shall be provided.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 21.64.200 requires child care centers to meet Maryland's Education Article § 9.5 and COMAR § 13A.16 licensing standards, then layers on a zoning-specific condition: the Planning and Zoning Director must determine the center has a safe pick-up and drop-off location. Centers affiliated with a school or religious institution face an added requirement, the Department of Planning and Zoning must review and approve the use as sited, and the property must include a safe on-site drop-off and pick-up area. The section was rewritten by Ordinance O-1-25 in May 2025, replacing the former group day-care-center provision.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the Planning and Zoning Director's safe pick-up/drop-off determination, or without Department of Planning and Zoning review for school- or religious-affiliated centers, is a zoning code violation subject to the City's standard zoning enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Annapolis regulate child care centers beyond state licensing?

Yes. Beyond Maryland's Education Article and COMAR licensing rules, the zoning code requires the Planning and Zoning Director to confirm the center has a safe pick-up and drop-off location before it can operate.

Do religious- or school-affiliated child care centers face extra review?

Yes. Under § 21.64.200(B), the Department of Planning and Zoning must review and approve the use, and the site must provide a safe on-site drop-off and pick-up area.

Sources & Official References

[1]Annapolis, MD Code of Ordinances — Municode

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