Before You Build in Glen Burnie, MD: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

In Anne Arundel County, fences 6 feet or under in height generally do not require a building permit unless on a corner lot, waterfront property, or associated with a pool installation. Fences over 6 feet require a permit. Barbed wire is allowed on top of chain link fences at least 6 feet high.

Anne Arundel County does not have a state-mandated shared fence cost statute. Maryland law does not require neighbors to share fence costs. Fences should be installed on or within your property line. Disputes are generally resolved through civil court rather than county code enforcement.

Anne Arundel County requires fence permits for fences over 6 feet, corner lots, waterfront properties, and pool barrier installations. Applications are submitted through the Permit Center or Land Use Navigator online system. Standard fences 6 feet or under on interior lots do not need a permit.

Anne Arundel County requires building permits for pool construction. Plans must be submitted to the Permit Center at 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis. Pool barrier violations are investigated by the Dept. of Health within 10 business days of a complaint. Ground clearance under barriers must not exceed 2 inches.

Anne Arundel County requires a 48-inch minimum barrier completely surrounding residential pools. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable. Dwelling walls serving as barriers must have UL 2017 alarmed doors with deactivation switches at 54 inches or higher. Chain link mesh must not exceed 2.25 inches.

Above-ground pools taller than 48 inches are exempt from additional barrier fencing in Anne Arundel County as long as the ladder is detachable. Pools under 48 inches require standard barrier compliance. Spas with safety covers are also exempt from barrier requirements.

Anne Arundel County allows ADUs in all residential districts except R22 under Bill 6-23. Detached ADUs are limited to 800 sq ft or 50% of the main dwelling. No additional parking is required. Impact fees are waived for ADUs added to existing homes. For short-term rental of an ADU, the owner must live on site.

Garage conversions to ADUs are permitted in Anne Arundel County under Bill 6-23. Building permits are required and must meet all applicable construction code requirements. Setbacks follow accessory structure rules for the zoning district. Impact fees are waived.

In unincorporated Glen Burnie, carports are regulated under Anne Arundel County zoning Sec. 18-2-204 (accessory structures) and require a county building permit. Carports within 3 feet of the principal dwelling are treated as attached and need a Single Family Dwelling permit; carports more than 3 feet away are detached accessory structures.

Residential accessory structures in Anne Arundel County including sheds, garages, and gazebos may require building permits. Setback requirements vary by zoning district. Structures must be on the same parcel as the principal dwelling and incidental to its use. Contact Zoning Administration for property-specific requirements.

Recreational fires in Glen Burnie are allowed under Anne Arundel County Code without a license, limited to 1 cubic yard of clean natural wood. Leaf burning is not allowed. A county license is required for burns exceeding the recreational limit. Licensed burns must occur September 1 through May 31.

Backyard fire pits are allowed in Glen Burnie under Anne Arundel County regulations without a license. Recreational fires must be limited to 1 cubic yard or less of clean, natural wood. Household trash, tires, treated lumber, and roofing material may not be burned.

Contracted tree work in Anne Arundel County must be performed by a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 feet from mean high tide), all tree and vegetation removal requires an approved Vegetation Management Plan. Trees must be marked with flagging before inspection.

In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, all tree removal regardless of size requires an approved Vegetation Management Plan from Anne Arundel County. This includes dead trees. Replacement planting with native species is required. Violations may result in civil or criminal prosecution.

Anne Arundel County follows Maryland statewide water conservation guidelines. The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act affects waterfront properties with a 100-foot buffer requirement. Drought restrictions may be imposed by the state MDE or local water utilities. Impervious surface limits apply in Critical Area zones.