Building Setbacks & Zoning in Anne Arundel County, MD (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Anne Arundel County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Anne Arundel County Code Article 18 zoning sets setbacks by district. R1: 40 ft front/15 ft side/40 ft rear typical. Critical Area adds 100 ft tidal buffer on top.

building-setbacks/setback-rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Anne Arundel County Code Article 18 limits residential height to 35 ft or 2.5 stories. Annapolis Historic District: 35 ft or match context. Naval Academy glide slope zones have FAA height limits.

building-setbacks/structure-height-limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Anne Arundel County R1 lots limited to 35% impervious; R2 to 40%; R5 to 50%. Critical Area properties capped at 15% impervious (Resource Conservation Area) or 25% (LDA/IDA).

building-setbacks/lot-coverage

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Anne Arundel County ordinances

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