Anne Arundel County, MD Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- § 9-1-704, Loitering
- Trigger
- obstruction plus police notice to move
- First offense
- up to $100 / 30 days
- Repeat offense
- up to $200 / 60 days
- Coverage
- countywide, except Annapolis and Highland Beach
Summary
Anne Arundel County bans loitering that blocks a public sidewalk or street once police give notice and ask the person to move, with fines up to $200 and possible jail for repeat violations.
"Loiter" means for a person to: (1) remain on a public street, sidewalk, or pathway, including one privately owned but used by the public in general, so as to obstruct the free passage of a pedestrian or vehicle after a regular or special police officer has notified the person that the action is unlawful and has requested the person to move... A person who loiters is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both for the first offense.
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
Section 9-1-704 of the county code makes it unlawful to remain on a public street, sidewalk, or pathway - including a privately owned walkway open to the public - so as to obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic, but only after a police officer has told the person the conduct is illegal and asked them to move. It's not a blanket ban on sitting or lying down; the trigger is blocking passage plus a refusal to comply with an officer's request. This applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park that have no local government of their own. A first offense carries up to $100 and 30 days in jail; repeat offenses up to $200 and 60 days.
Violations & Fines
First offense: up to $100 fine and/or 30 days in jail. Subsequent offenses: up to $200 fine and/or 60 days in jail. Enforced by Anne Arundel County Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anne Arundel County police make me move from a sidewalk?
Does this apply in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Is the rule different inside Annapolis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland homelessness & encampment rules overview
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