Animal Ordinances in Annapolis, MD (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Annapolis, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Annapolis caps backyard flocks at five chickens per property, bars roosters and all other livestock, and requires neighbor notice plus a Planning and Zoning permit before any chickens go in the yard.
Annapolis Backyard Chicken Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 8.04.010
No person shall keep or maintain any mule, cow, calf, cattle, sheep, swine, rooster, or poultry, with the exception of chickens, within the City. A maximum of five chickens are allowed on any one property. All persons shall provide their chickens with a sturdy coop and an attached, secure enclosure set back at least five feet from the property line. Prior to maintaining chickens, a person shall...
Dog Leash Laws
Annapolis has no separate leash ordinance. City Code § 8.04.020 adopts Anne Arundel County's Animal Control Article 12, including its leash and at-large rules, and the County enforces it inside city limits.
Annapolis Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 8.04.020(A)
Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the provisions of the Anne Arundel County Code (1986 edition and supplements), Article 12, Animal Control, as the same from time to time may be amended, are applicable and effective within the City as though those provisions were set forth at length in this chapter. The County shall administer and enforce those regulations in the City in the same ma...
Pet Groomer Rules
Annapolis zoning bars overnight boarding at pet grooming facilities and requires operators to hold an Anne Arundel County grooming parlor license under City Code § 21.64.495, with added floor-area and trash-enclosure rules in the PM2 and PM Districts.
Annapolis Pet Grooming Facility Rules
Some RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 21.64.495
A. Animals may remain within the facility during daytime business hours in conjunction with grooming services rendered. Under no circumstances shall daily or overnight boarding of animals be permitted. B. The operator of a pet grooming facility shall be required to maintain a grooming parlor license issued by the Anne Arundel County Animal Control Agency in accordance with Anne Arundel County C...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Annapolis zoning permits animal hospitals and veterinarian offices outright only in the BCE Business Corridor Enhancement district, requires a special exception in the B3 and B3-CD commercial districts, and bars the use entirely from B1, B2, BR, C2, C2A, PM2 and I1.
Annapolis Veterinary Hospital Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 21.48.020
P = Permitted Use; S = Special Exception Use; -Std = Use Subject to Standards (Chapter 21.64); A = Accessory Use; Blank = Not Permitted [...] Uses|District B1|District B2|District B3|District B3-CD|District BCE|District BR|District C2|District C2A|District PM2|District I1 [...] Animal hospitals, including veterinarian offices|||S|S|P|||||
Looking for Anne Arundel County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Annapolis city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Anne Arundel County →