Before You Build in Severna Park, MD: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Maryland does not require neighbors to share fence costs. Fences should be installed on or within your property line. Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court. In Severna Park HOA communities, the association's CC&Rs may contain additional fence placement or approval requirements.

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

Anne Arundel County requires fence permits for fences over 6 feet, corner lots, waterfront properties, and pool barriers. Severna Park waterfront properties near the Severn River or Magothy River will likely need permits due to Critical Area regulations. Standard fences under 6 feet on interior lots do not need a permit.

Above-ground pools over 48 inches tall are exempt from additional barrier fencing in Anne Arundel County if the ladder is detachable. Pools under 48 inches require full barrier compliance. Spas with safety covers are exempt from barrier requirements.

Anne Arundel County requires a 48-inch minimum barrier completely surrounding residential pools. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable. Door alarms (UL 2017 listed) are required when dwelling walls serve as part of the barrier, with deactivation switches at 54 inches or higher.

Building permits are required for pool construction in Anne Arundel County. Plans must be submitted to the Permit Center. 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.

Garage conversions to ADUs are permitted in Anne Arundel County under Bill 6-23. Building permits and inspections are required. Setbacks follow accessory structure rules for the zoning district. Impact fees are waived for ADU conversions.

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 main dwelling. No additional parking is required. Impact fees are waived. Short-term rental of an ADU requires the owner to live on site.

Carports in Severna Park are accessory structures under Anne Arundel County Code §18-2-204. They generally must be set back at least 5 feet from any lot line, may not encroach into any setback from a right-of-way, must comply with the underlying zoning district bulk regulations, and require a residential building permit from the County Department of Inspections and Permits.

Residential accessory structures in Anne Arundel County including sheds and garages may require building permits. Setbacks vary by zoning district. Structures must be on the same parcel as the principal dwelling. Severna Park HOA communities may require architectural review approval.

Backyard fire pits are allowed in Severna Park under Anne Arundel County regulations without a license. Recreational fires must use 1 cubic yard or less of clean, natural wood. Trash, tires, treated lumber, and roofing material are prohibited. Cooking fires are also allowed without a license.

Recreational fires in Severna Park are allowed under Anne Arundel County Code without a license, limited to 1 cubic yard of clean natural wood. Leaf burning is prohibited. Larger burns require a county license and must occur between September 1 and May 31.

Anne Arundel County follows Maryland statewide water conservation guidelines. The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act is especially relevant to Severna Park due to proximity to the Severn River and Magothy River. A 100-foot buffer from tidal wetlands is required with native plantings.

In the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (1,000 feet from tidal waters), all tree removal in Severna Park requires an approved Vegetation Management Plan regardless of tree size. This includes dead trees and invasive species. Replacement with native plants is mandatory. Penalties include civil and criminal prosecution.

Contracted tree work in Anne Arundel County must be performed by a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. Many Severna Park properties near the Severn River and Magothy River fall within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, requiring a Vegetation Management Plan for any tree or vegetation removal.