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Anne Arundel County, MD Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permit trigger
40+ person gatherings need written permission
Enforcing agency
Director, Recreation and Parks
Penalty
Class E civil offense
Also requires permission
Camping, fires, sound equipment, selling

Summary

Anne Arundel County requires written permission from the Recreation and Parks Director for any organized gathering of 40 or more people in a county park, plus separate permits for camping, fires, or amplified sound.

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

A person may not hold an organized gathering of 40 or more individuals in a park without written permission from the Director.

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

Under Anne Arundel County Code § 14-2-109, a person may not hold an organized gathering of 40 or more individuals in a park without written permission from the Director of Recreation and Parks; the Director may also close a meeting that deprives the public of reasonable use of the park. The Director sets general park-use rules under § 14-1-102 and may charge participation fees under § 14-1-104. Separate written permission from the Director applies to camping, fires, fireworks, model rockets, picnicking outside designated areas, selling, and sound amplification equipment, each covered by its own section in Article 14, Title 2.

Violations & Fines

Holding an unpermitted gathering of 40 or more people, or unpermitted camping, fires, amplified sound, or selling in a park, is a Class E civil offense under § 14-3-101, and the Director may bar the violator from County park facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a birthday party or picnic in an Anne Arundel County park?
Only if 40 or more people will attend, which needs written permission from the Recreation and Parks Director under § 14-2-109. Picnicking outside a designated area also needs permission under § 14-2-111.
What happens if I hold an unpermitted large gathering in a county park, including in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
It's a Class E civil offense under § 14-3-101. There is no separate municipal code for these unincorporated communities: the county Director of Recreation and Parks is the sole permitting authority.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anne Arundel County

All Anne Arundel County rules

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