Accessory Structures in Annapolis, MD (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Annapolis, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Annapolis allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, caps standalone ADUs at 850 square feet, requires a Chapter 17.44 rental license, and requires the owner to live in the ADU or the main house.
Annapolis ADU Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 21.64.010
A. A maximum of one accessory dwelling unit may be established on any one lot. ... E. The maximum size of any accessory dwelling unit that is not established within the existing footprint of the principal structure is eight hundred fifty square feet of livable space. F. A rental license for any accessory dwelling unit is required in accordance with Chapter 17.44. G. An accessory dwelling unit a...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Annapolis requires the property owner to live in either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal structure: an investor-owned ADU rented out while the owner lives elsewhere is not allowed.
Annapolis ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 21.64.010(G)
An accessory dwelling unit and principal structure on any one lot shall be in common ownership and the owner shall reside in either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal structure. (Ord. No. O-9-21, § I, 10-11-2021) Editor's note— Section III of Ord. No. O-9-21, adopted Oct. 11, 2021 provides that this ordinance shall take effect from the date of its passage; provided, that there sha...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Annapolis requires a rental license under Chapter 17.44 for any accessory dwelling unit, and the ADU and principal structure must stay in common ownership with the owner living in one of the two units.
Annapolis ADU Rental License Rules
Significant RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 21.64.010(F)-(G)
F. A rental license for any accessory dwelling unit is required in accordance with Chapter 17.44. G. An accessory dwelling unit and principal structure on any one lot shall be in common ownership and the owner shall reside in either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal structure.
Shed & Carport Rules
Annapolis classifies carports and garages as accessory structures allowed by right, but its bulk regulations table sets numeric yard setbacks for them: in the R1 single-family district: 30 feet front, 8 feet interior side, 20 feet corner side, and 5 feet rear.
Annapolis Carport Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 21.50.010
Buildings accessory to single-family dwellings, other than as specified elsewhere in this table — Yards (minimum): Front (ft) 30; Interior Side (ft) 8; Corner Side (ft) 20; Rear (ft) 5. Note 3: "Unless the entire structure is located on the rear twenty-five percent of the lot, in which case only five feet is required. See illustration at Section 21.60.100."
Looking for Anne Arundel County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Annapolis city rules.
Accessory Structures in Anne Arundel County →