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.
Anne Arundel County, MD
Anne Arundel County Code §12-4-101(36) defines a dog that continuously barks, howls, or whines causing unreasonable annoyance to neighbors as a public nuisan...
Anne Arundel County, MD
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Anne Arundel County, MD
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Anne Arundel County, MD
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Anne Arundel County, MD
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Anne Arundel County, MD
Anne Arundel County enforces the 2018 IRC Appendix G pool barrier standards as adopted by Maryland — 48-inch barrier, self-closing/self-latching gate with la...
See how Anne Arundel County's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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