Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Annapolis

Annapolis, MD Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Residential IDA cap
50% of site
Maritime IDA cap
80% of site
I1 industrial IDA cap
95% of site
Old small LDA/RCA lots
15%–25% capped
Permeable paving
can be exempted

Summary

Within Annapolis's Critical Area Overlay, impervious lot coverage is capped by underlying zoning district: from 50% for residential lots up to 95% for I1 industrial, with tighter grandfathered limits on small pre-1985 lots.

D. Lot coverage. Lot coverage in the IDA of the Critical Area shall be limited to the following maximum percentages of the development site: Residential — 50; P, PM, B1, B2, B3, BCE — 60; C1, C1A — 75; Maritime — 80; C2, C2A, C2P, MX — 90; I1 — 95.

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 § 21.54.080(D) caps lot coverage in the Intensely Developed Area of the Critical Area Overlay by zoning district: 50% for Residential, 60% for P, PM, B1, B2, B3 and BCE, 75% for C1/C1A, 80% for Maritime, 90% for C2/C2A/C2P/MX, and 95% for I1. Older small lots in the Limited Development or Resource Conservation Areas face lower grandfathered caps under § 21.54.150(J), 25% for parcels up to a half acre created before December 1, 1985, 15% for larger ones. Coverage is defined at § 21.72.010 to include all structures, parking pads, parking lots and pools; walks, driveways and fences are excluded, and permeable paving can be exempted if the Planning and Zoning Director approves it.

Violations & Fines

No permit issues if a project exceeds its district's cap; the Director of Planning and Zoning must find compliance with Chapter 21.54 before issuing any Critical Area permit under § 21.54.030.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as lot coverage in Annapolis?
Per § 21.72.010, it's the surface area covered by all structures including accessory structures, parking pads, parking lots and pools. Walks, driveways and fences don't count.
Do these percentage caps apply citywide?
No: they apply within the Critical Area Overlay's Intensely Developed Area under § 21.54.080(D). Elsewhere, lot coverage is set by the underlying zoning district's own bulk regulations table.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Lot Coverage Limits in Annapolis, MD changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.