Queen Anne's County, MD Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)

Queen Anne's County does not print a numbered strike count for short-term rentals. Section 18:1-58(J)(3) works through the annual zoning certificate instead. Under J(3)(a), a certificate may be suspended, revoked, or not renewed due to documented legal matters, a citation, or a violation based upon noncompliance with the County Code, including violations of the building, electrical, plumbing and fire codes. One documented citation is enough to put the certificate at risk, and the Department of Planning and Zoning decides at renewal.

The consequence of revocation is long. J(3)(b) bars issuance of a short-term residential rental zoning certificate for three years after revocation, both to the former applicant and to any applicant who wants to use the same dwelling unit. A sale of the house does not clear the bar for that unit.

Revocation history also removes the paperwork shortcut. Under J(2)(e)[1], an owner normally self-certifies inspection by affidavit with the annual application, with a County inspection required every five years. Under J(2)(e)[3], self-certification cannot be used for any property that has previously been subject to Subsection J(3). Those owners face a County inspection before the zoning certificate issues. The County also reserves the right to inspect during certificate review.

Access is part of enforcement. Section 18:1-208 authorizes a right of entry for inspection, and J(3)(c) says failure to provide timely access can be the basis for a citation or violation. The Planning Director enforces Chapter 18:1.

The rules cover unincorporated Queen Anne's County, including Kent Island. Centreville, Queenstown and the other incorporated towns have separate codes.