Anne Arundel County, MD Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Dept. of Inspections and Permits
- Filing deadline
- At least 90 days before event
- Fee
- $100 only if deadline waived
- Decision window
- Within 30 days of filing
- Fee waiver
- Available for community associations, nonprofits
Summary
Closing a county street for a block party requires a special event permit filed 90 days ahead through Inspections and Permits, since the event needs exclusive street use.
"Special event" means an activity, athletic event, concert, parade, or public assembly, that does not have regularity or permanence throughout the year... for which: 1. specific and exclusive use of public streets, alleys, rights-of-way, county waters, or other public property is required...
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 treats any activity needing "specific and exclusive use of public streets, alleys, rights-of-way, county waters, or other public property" as a special event requiring a permit, which covers a residential block party that closes a street. The sponsor must apply through the Department of Inspections and Permits at least 90 calendar days (but not more than one year) before the event, unless the County waives that deadline. The application fee is $100 only when the deadline is waived; the County may exempt community associations and nonprofit sponsors from fees and cost-recovery charges. The County must grant, deny, or request changes within 30 days of filing and decide at least 30 days before the event date.
Violations & Fines
Violating the special events title is a Class D civil offense: $125 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or later violation under the County's general civil fine schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small neighborhood block party need a county permit?
How far ahead do Glen Burnie or Severna Park residents need to apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland special events & permits overview
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