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Anne Arundel County, MD Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
County Code § 18-2-205
Allowed use
Farming in RA/RLD/R1/R2 zones only
Storage-yard security wire
50-foot setback from residential lots
Electrified fence height
At least six feet, fully enclosed
First offense fine
$125 civil penalty

Summary

Anne Arundel County bans barbed wire and electrified fences in most residential areas, allowing them only for farming in RA, RLD, R1, and R2 districts under strict conditions.

City-specific rules exist: Annapolis has its own material restrictions rules that differ from Anne Arundel County's county-level regulations. If you live in Annapolis, check the city-specific page instead.

Barbed-wire or electrified fences are allowed in RA, RLD, R1, and R2 districts if used in connection with farming.

(2)   Barbed-wire, razor wire, or other such security wire is allowed between two chain link fences or along the top of a chain link or other non- barbed-wire fence, provided all fences are at least six feet in height, to prevent access to a recreational vehicle or watercraft storage facility owned by a community association, provided the storage facility, including the fence, is:

(i)   located on property that is owned by the community association and is shown as community recreation area or open space on the subdivision plat;

(ii)   operated by the community association for use by, and limited to, the subdivision residents; and

(iii)   set back at least 50 feet from all property lines that abut a residential lot.

(3)   Electrified fences are allowed in W1, W2, and W3 districts provided the electrified fence is at least fix feet in height and is completely surrounded by a non-electrified fence or wall that is at least six feet in height.

(b)   Above a chain link or other fence. Up to six strands of barbed wire are allowed along the top of a chain link or other non-barbed-wire fence that is at least six feet in height:

(1)   in a nonresidential zone to secure a warehouse or other storage area; or

(2)   to prevent access to a potentially dangerous use, such as a public

Source: Anne Arundel County Code §18-2-204 / §18-2-205 (Fences)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Anne Arundel County Code § 18-2-205 bars barbed-wire and electrified fencing in residential districts except for farming use. In RA, RLD, R1, and R2 zones, barbed wire or an electrified fence is allowed only when connected to farming. Barbed or razor wire can run atop or between six-foot chain link fences to secure a community association's boat or RV storage yard, set back 50 feet from residential lots, and up to six strands can top a six-foot fence around nonresidential warehouses or hazards like utility sites, construction zones, and pools. Electrified fences in W1, W2, and W3 districts must stand at least six feet and sit inside a six-foot non-electrified enclosure.

Violations & Fines

The Office of Planning and Zoning enforces zoning violations; unauthorized barbed wire or electrified fencing draws a civil fine of $125 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for each violation after that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put barbed wire on my fence in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Only if the property is used for farming and zoned RA, RLD, R1, or R2. Ordinary residential yards without a farm use cannot have barbed wire or electrified fencing under County Code § 18-2-205.
Is electrified fencing ever legal in Anne Arundel County?
Yes, in W1, W2, and W3 districts, if the fence stands at least six feet tall and sits inside a six-foot non-electrified fence or wall, per § 18-2-205(a)(3).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anne Arundel County

All Anne Arundel County rules

Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland fence regulations overview

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