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
Anne Arundel County restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zoning districts. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW may not be parked in residential areas...
Anne Arundel County, MD
Anne Arundel County requires electrical permits for Level 2 EV chargers and follows the 2018 IBC/IRC EV-ready provisions adopted statewide. Maryland RP §2-12...
Anne Arundel County, MD
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Anne Arundel County, MD
Anne Arundel County requires building permits for new driveways and curb cuts. Driveways must not block pedestrian access or sight triangles. Impervious surf...
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 Pasadena's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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