Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 ft tidal buffer) is THE key rule for Anne Arundel County. Article 18 Sections apply. 100-ft buffer from mean high water. Three designations: RCA, LDA, IDA with strict development caps.
The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Law (MD Natural Resources §8-1801+) applies to all land within 1,000 feet of Maryland tidal waters and tidal wetlands — this covers a significant portion of Anne Arundel County given its extensive Bay, Severn River, South River, West River, Magothy, and Patuxent shorelines. County Code Article 18 implements it. Three designations: Resource Conservation Area (RCA, 15% impervious cap), Limited Development Area (LDA, 25% cap), Intensely Developed Area (IDA, case-by-case). 100-foot Buffer from mean high water — no new structures, vegetation clearing restricted, shoreline armoring reviewed. New development requires Critical Area Commission approval. Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay shoreline are core enforcement zones.
Unpermitted development: $1,000/day plus restoration. Habitat damage: restoration plus fines. Buffer violation: possible removal order.
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis prohibits dogs from continuously barking or making noise that causes unreasonable disturbance. Complaints handled by city police and animal control...
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis prohibits unreasonably loud noise under City Code §11.12.020. Residential quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM under Maryland state dBA standards (55 dBA ...
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis permits construction noise 7 AM to 10 PM under Maryland state standards. Construction sounds may not exceed 90 dBA at the property line. Historic D...
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis requires driveways to connect to the street through approved curb cuts. Historic District driveway alterations require Historic Preservation Commis...
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis has metered parking (2-hour limit) throughout downtown and extensive residential permit parking zones near the Historic District, Naval Academy, an...
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones overnight. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW may not be parked in residential areas except for...
See how Annapolis's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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