5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Anne Arundel County updated its ADU rules in 2023 to allow ADUs in most residential districts without additional parking requirements. ADUs require a building permit and must not exceed 800 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling. No parking requirement for most ADUs.
Anne Arundel County requires building permits for sheds over 144 sq ft. Sheds must meet zoning setbacks (typically 5 feet from rear and side lines). Not permitted in front yards. HOA approval typically required in organized communities.
Anne Arundel County allows garage conversions to habitable space with a building permit. Conversions creating a separate dwelling unit are classified as ADUs. Off-street parking replacement may be required if parking was part of zoning compliance.
Carports in Anne Arundel County require a building permit and are subject to Article 18 accessory-structure setbacks. Detached carports must typically be set back 5 feet from side/rear lines; attached carports follow the primary dwelling setbacks.
Anne Arundel County treats foundation tiny houses under IRC Appendix Q (min. 70 sq ft habitable room) and under the Maryland HB 20 (2024) statewide ADU mandate. Tiny houses on wheels are RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings except in licensed RV parks.
3 cities in Anne Arundel County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Anne Arundel County Ordinance Hub →