Anne Arundel County, MD Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- No permit needed (§ 18-3-302(b)(1))
- Size limit
- 9 sq ft residential, 24 sq ft elsewhere
- Height limit
- 12 feet maximum
- Fine
- $125 per violation (§ 18-17-203)
Summary
Political signs are treated as temporary signs under county code: no permit needed, but size caps to 9 or 24 square feet, a 12-foot height limit, and removal deadlines apply, with a $125 fine per violation.
(1) A temporary sign is allowed in all zoning districts. (2) A temporary sign on property that 500 feet or more of road frontage ... may have a maximum area of 64 square feet. Otherwise, a temporary sign shall have a maximum area of nine square feet in residential districts and 24 square feet in all other districts. (3) The height of a temporary sign may not exceed 12 feet above grade level. ... (6) A temporary sign that is related to an event may not be displayed for more than 60 days before the start of the event and shall be removed within 7 days after the conclusion of the event.
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
Anne Arundel County's sign code has no separate category for political or campaign signs, they fall under the general 'temporary sign' rule at § 18-3-306. No permit is required under § 18-3-302(b)(1). A sign on a lot with at least 500 feet of road frontage may reach 64 square feet; otherwise the cap is 9 square feet in residential districts and 24 square feet elsewhere. Height cannot exceed 12 feet, and a property may not display more than four temporary wind signs at once. A sign tied to an event, including an election, may go up 60 days before the vote and must come down within 7 days after. This rule applies countywide outside Annapolis and Highland Beach.
Violations & Fines
$125 civil fine per violation under § 18-17-203(b) for posting a noncompliant temporary sign; the Office of Planning and Zoning may issue a citation or administrative order, and the County can remove a sign posted in a right-of-way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Anne Arundel County?
How big can a political sign be on my Anne Arundel County property?
How long can a political sign stay up before an election in Anne Arundel County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland sign regulations overview
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