Anne Arundel County, MD Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- grass/weeds 12 inches or higher
- Modification authority
- Director of Public Works
- Natural-area carve-out
- wooded, open space, erosion-control growth
- Compliance window
- 7 days after written notice
Summary
Anne Arundel County bans weeds or grass over 12 inches on most properties, but the Director of Public Works may modify that limit for natural wooded areas, covenanted open space, and plantings needed for soil stabilization or erosion control.
(b) Modification. The Director may modify the provisions of this section for agricultural property, natural wooded areas, areas publicly owned and maintained as natural areas, open space areas covenanted with the County as open space, open areas, or recreational areas, and areas where a growth of grass or weeds is necessary for soil stabilization and erosion control.
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 § 13-6-103 prohibits an owner from allowing "rank vegetation" (weeds or grass 12 inches or higher) or noxious weeds on their property, and applies countywide except to open space zoning districts, most RA-zoned parcels, unimproved lots of three acres or more, and government or association-owned parcels. Subsection (b) lets the Director of Public Works modify the standard for agricultural property, natural wooded areas, publicly maintained natural areas, covenanted open space, and areas where grass or weed growth stabilizes soil or controls erosion: the route for a native or naturalized planting bed to stay compliant. Noxious weeds must be destroyed by cutting, removal, or plowing under, not chemical spraying, except in the Critical Area where the Department of Public Works must approve the removal method.
Violations & Fines
Complaint-driven: Public Works investigates and, if it finds a violation, serves 7-day written notice to cut, trim, remove, or destroy the growth; unresolved violations let the County do the work and bill the owner, collectible like unpaid taxes if unpaid after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow a native meadow or naturalized bed instead of mowed lawn in Anne Arundel County?
Does this rule apply in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
What happens if I ignore a rank vegetation notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.