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Anne Arundel County, MD Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Signs allowed
1 freestanding sign
Max area
2 sq ft
Max height
5 feet
Enforcing agency
Office of Planning and Zoning
First-violation fine
$125

Summary

A home occupation in unincorporated Anne Arundel County may post just one freestanding sign, capped at 2 square feet and 5 feet tall.

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

(f) Home occupation signs. One freestanding sign that does not exceed two square feet in area or a height of five feet is allowed to identify a home occupation.

Source: Anne Arundel County Code Art. 18 (Zoning) — home-occupation signsView 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

County Code § 18-3-307(f) allows a home-based business to identify itself with a single freestanding sign, no larger than 2 square feet in area or 5 feet in height. This applies throughout unincorporated Anne Arundel County, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Pasadena, Odenton, Crofton, and every other community without its own government, since the county code is their only local zoning law. Annapolis and Highland Beach set their own sign rules under separate city codes. There is no provision for window signs, wall signs, or multiple freestanding signs for a home occupation under this section.

Violations & Fines

Zoning violations are enforced by the Office of Planning and Zoning under § 18-17-201 through an administrative order or civil citation; fines run $125 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for any subsequent violation under § 18-17-203.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a home business in Glen Burnie put up a bigger sign?
No. Glen Burnie is unincorporated and governed by this county code, which caps a home occupation sign at 2 square feet and 5 feet tall countywide.
What happens if the sign exceeds the limit?
The Office of Planning and Zoning can issue an administrative order or civil citation; fines start at $125 for a first violation and rise to $1,000 for repeat violations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anne Arundel County

All Anne Arundel County rules

Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland home business overview

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