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Anne Arundel County, MD Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Window coverage limit
30% of window area
Applies to
retail advertising signs in windows
Excludes
Annapolis and Highland Beach
Enforcement
Office of Planning and Zoning
First-offense fine
$125 civil citation

Summary

In unincorporated Anne Arundel County, an advertising sign commonly used in a retail business may fill a display window only up to 30% of the window's area under the County's general sign standards.

City-specific rules exist: Annapolis has its own window signs rules that differ from Anne Arundel County's county-level regulations. If you live in Annapolis, check the city-specific page instead.

(g) Display windows. For a commercial operation, an advertising sign commonly used in a retail business may be in a display window if the sign does not occupy more than 30% of the window area.

View official code

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 Code § 18-3-301(g) caps retail window signage: a commercial operation's advertising sign placed in a display window may not occupy more than 30% of the window area. The rule sits inside the County's broader sign standards at § 18-3-301, which also govern sign materials, lighting, facade projection, and freestanding-sign color. Because this is the only local sign code for the unincorporated county, the limit governs Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Pasadena, Odenton, Crofton, and every other unincorporated community; Annapolis and Highland Beach, which are separately incorporated, apply their own city sign codes instead.

Violations & Fines

The Office of Planning and Zoning enforces the cap; a violation can draw a civil citation with fines of $125 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for any later offense under § 18-17-203, plus a possible order to resize or remove the sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 30% window-sign limit apply in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Yes. Both are unincorporated, so the County Code is their only local sign law, and the same § 18-3-301(g) cap applies directly.
Do I need a permit for a window sign in Anne Arundel County?
A temporary sign is exempt from the general sign permit under § 18-3-302(b)(1), but the 30% display-window coverage cap in § 18-3-301(g) still applies regardless of permit status.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anne Arundel County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsDigital BillboardsSome RestrictionsPolitical SignsSome RestrictionsGarage Sale SignsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Anne Arundel County rules

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Window Signs in Cities Across Anne Arundel County

Annapolis, MD