Anne Arundel County, MD Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
- Citation
- § 15-2-103, Anne Arundel County Code
- Enforced by
- Department of Inspections and Permits
- Penalty
- Class D civil offense, up to $1,000
- Does not apply in
- Annapolis and Highland Beach (own codes)
Summary
Anne Arundel County requires all new construction and major renovations to meet the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, enforced by the Department of Inspections and Permits alongside the county's Building Code inspections.
The "2021 International Energy Conservation Code", as published by the International Code Council, Inc., is adopted by reference as part of this Building Code with the additions, insertions, omissions, and changes set forth in the Supplement. (1985 Code, Art. 20, § 2-105) (Bill No. 75-91; Bill No. 72-94; Bill No. 46-03; Bill No. 1-12; Bill No. 123-15; Bill No. 60-20; Bill No. 25-24)
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's Building Code adopts the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code by reference, and it applies to new construction and major renovation projects across the county, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie, Severna Park, and Odenton that have no municipal code of their own. The Department of Inspections and Permits reviews plans and performs inspections for compliance, alongside inspections for the adopted International Building and Residential Codes. Annapolis and Highland Beach, the county's only incorporated municipalities, enforce their own separate building codes and are not covered by this provision.
Violations & Fines
Violating the Building Code, including the adopted Energy Conservation Code, is a Class D civil offense: $125 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or later violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the energy code apply in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
What happens if I build without meeting the energy code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland building safety overview
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