Anne Arundel County, MD Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Any right-of-way occupancy or use
- Issuing agency
- Dept. of Public Works
- Permit fee
- $35 per permit
- Duration
- 90 days, extendable for cause
- First-offense fine
- $500 civil fine
Summary
Anne Arundel County requires a Department of Public Works permit before anyone occupies, uses, or works in a county right-of-way, including sidewalks: permits run $35 each, last 90 days, and cannot be transferred.
(a) When required. Except as provided in subsection (b), a person may not occupy, use, or engage in any activity in a right-of-way without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Public Works.
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
Under County Code § 13-3-201, a person may not occupy, use, or engage in any activity in a right-of-way, defined in § 13-3-101 to include the County's dedicated alleys, boulevards, lanes, roads, sidewalks, and streets, without a Department of Public Works permit. No permit is needed for minor work that makes no material change to a facility's footprint or the right-of-way and does not disrupt traffic. Permits cost $35 (or $10 per activity under a utility maintenance permit), expire 90 days after issuance unless extended for good cause, and are non-transferable under § 13-3-204.
Violations & Fines
Occupying or working in a right-of-way without a permit is a Class C civil offense under § 9-2-101: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a repeat violation. The Director may also issue a stop-work order, or suspend, condition, or revoke the permit under § 13-3-502.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to work in the right-of-way in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
How long does an Anne Arundel County right-of-way permit last?
What's the penalty for encroaching on a right-of-way without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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