Anne Arundel County, MD Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- 12 inches or higher
- Notice period
- 7 days to abate
- Large-lot exemption
- unimproved lots ≥ 3 acres
- Unpaid abatement bill
- due in 30 days
- Enforcing office
- Dept. of Public Works
Summary
Anne Arundel County bans rank vegetation and noxious weeds over 12 inches tall on most vacant and improved property, with a 7-day notice-to-cut before the County abates and bills the owner.
An owner, occupant, or person in control of real property may not allow or maintain on the property a growth of noxious weeds or rank vegetation. ... "rank vegetation" means any growth of weeds or grass to a height of 12 inches or higher.
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 any owner, occupant, or person in control of real property from allowing a growth of "rank vegetation" (weeds or grass 12 inches or higher) or noxious weeds. The ban applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park, but exempts open-space and RA-zoned districts, unimproved lots of three acres or more (except a 25-foot buffer strip), and land titled to a government or community association. The Director of Public Works can also modify the rule for agricultural, wooded, or erosion-control areas.
Violations & Fines
On a substantiated complaint, the Director serves written notice requiring abatement within 7 days; if the owner does not comply, the County cuts or removes the growth itself and bills the owner for the cost, including overhead and administrative charges, due within 30 days (§ 13-6-105).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply if my lot is in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
What happens if I ignore the County's notice to cut weeds?
Is my large undeveloped parcel exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland property maintenance overview
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