Anne Arundel County, MD Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Special event permit, § 11-11-102
- Filing window
- 90 days to 1 year ahead
- Late application fee
- $100, only for waived deadlines
- Vendor licensing
- Vendors need county, state, liquor licenses
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Inspections and Permits
Summary
Anne Arundel County requires a special event permit for any street fair or festival that closes public streets, alleys, or county waters, or requires extra county services, filed at least 90 days before the event.
(a) Required. A person who organizes a special event shall obtain a permit under this title. (b) Duty of venue owner. A venue owner may not allow a special event to occur at the venue if the owner knows or may be reasonably expected to know that the sponsor has not applied for or has not been granted a permit.
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
Anyone organizing a street fair, festival, or parade that closes public streets, blocks normal traffic flow, or requires county services beyond normal operations must get a special event permit under Anne Arundel County Code § 11-11-102 before the event. The application, filed with the county at least 90 days but not more than one year ahead, must list the sponsor, venue, dates, expected attendance, and security plan, and vendors selling food or goods must show all required county, state, and liquor licenses. The County can deny a permit for inadequate security, traffic capacity, or unlicensed vendors.
Violations & Fines
Organizing without a permit, or a venue owner knowingly hosting an unpermitted event, violates § 11-11-102; the County can also revoke a permit and shut an event down immediately for safety risks under § 11-11-108(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a street fair in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
How far ahead must I apply for a street fair permit?
Can vendors sell food or alcohol at the fair?
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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