Annapolis, MD Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard limit
- 1/4 of building-line-to-curb distance
- Waiver route
- City Council resolution + paid consideration
- Removal notice
- 48 hours before infraction
- Enforcing office
- Director of Public Works
- Fine
- $100.00 per day
Summary
Annapolis bars steps, porches, bay windows and similar building parts from projecting more than one-quarter of the sidewalk's width, unless the City Council waives it by resolution for a fee.
No person shall erect or build, put or place any step, porch, portico, bay window, cellar door or other permanent part or portion of a building upon or over any sidewalk, so that it encroaches upon or projects over the sidewalk more than one-quarter the distance between the building line of the street or alley and the curb; provided, that the City Council, by resolution passed by a favorable vote of the majority of the entire membership, and upon receipt of adequate consideration by the City, may waive this provision and permit an encroachment upon or over a sidewalk for any distance. The Director of Public Works shall give notice to any person violating this section to remove an obstruction. If the obstruction is not removed within forty-eight hours after the notice, the person is guilty of a municipal infraction and is subject to a fine as established by resolution of the City Council.
(Ord. O-5-04 § 1 (part), 2004: Ord. O-28-91 § 1 (part): revised during 1985 codification; prior code § 19-16)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Annapolis City Code § 14.20.080 prohibits erecting or building any step, porch, portico, bay window, cellar door, or other permanent part of a building upon or over a sidewalk beyond one-quarter of the distance between the building line and the curb. The only way around the limit is a City Council resolution, passed by a majority of the full membership, that waives the provision after the City receives 'adequate consideration': payment, not a routine administrative permit. The Director of Public Works enforces the section and must give 48 hours' notice to remove any unlawful encroachment before a municipal infraction citation issues; a companion section, § 14.20.100, lets the Director remove the structure and lien the property after 30 days if the owner still refuses.
Violations & Fines
Municipal infraction; fine set by City Council resolution ($100/day per the code's penalty schedule); Director of Public Works can remove the encroachment and lien the property for the cost if not corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a routine permit to build a porch over the Annapolis sidewalk?
What happens if I don't remove an illegal sidewalk encroachment in Annapolis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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