Business Licensing & Operations in Annapolis, MD (2026)
4 verified business licensing & operations rules for Annapolis, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Annapolis confines adult bookstores to a Board of Appeals special exception in just three commercial districts, B3, B3-CD, and BCE, with accessory video sales allowed only as part of that exception.
Annapolis Adult Bookstore Zoning
Significant RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code §§ 21.48.020, 21.64.020, 21.72.010
21.64.020 - Adult bookstores. Video sales may be permitted as an accessory use to the special exception. ... "Adult bookstore" means any commercial establishment which includes in its stock books, periodicals, photographs, drawings, sculpture, motion pictures, films or other visual representations which depict sadomasochistic abuse, sexual conduct or sexual excitement...and which otherwise does...
Massage Establishments
Annapolis requires a City license to operate a massage parlor, with a background investigation by police and health officials and set business hours before an owner can legally open the doors.
Annapolis Massage Parlor License
Significant RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 7.32.020
A person may not operate or maintain a massage parlor in the City without first having obtained a license under the provisions of this chapter.
Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers must file a sworn application with the City Clerk, pass a Chief of Police background investigation, and post a $3,000 bond before Annapolis will issue a license.
Annapolis Pawnbroker License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 7.36.020
Applicants for a pawnbroker's license shall file with the City Clerk a signed application, under oath, setting forth the following information: A. The name, local and permanent addresses and local telephone number of the person proposing to conduct the place of business...
Towing Companies
Annapolis requires a City license or signed agency contract before any company may tow disabled, illegally parked, or scofflaw vehicles from city streets, with police vetting and a $25,000 bond.
Annapolis Towing Company License
Significant RestrictionsAnnapolis City Code § 7.52.030
Towing disabled, illegally parked, or scofflaw vehicles in the City of Annapolis is prohibited without a license or signed contract to be an agent of the City.B.Licensed or contracted towing companies shall not tow vehicles while their license is suspended or if the license is revoked.C.Towing company shall tow only disabled, illegally parked, and scofflaw vehicles as defined in this chapter.D....
Looking for Anne Arundel County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Annapolis city rules.
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