Anne Arundel County requires an electrical permit for hot tubs and, for tubs 24+ inches deep, the same barrier rules as pools under IRC Appendix G — unless the unit has an ASTM F1346 safety cover.
Anne Arundel County regulates hot tubs and spas under the Maryland Building Performance Standards (2018 IRC and IECC). An electrical permit is required for the 240V/50A GFCI-protected feeder, and a disconnect must be installed within sight and between 5 and 10 feet of the tub. Hot tubs with a water depth of 24 inches or more are considered pools under IRC Appendix G and must either be surrounded by a compliant 48-inch barrier with self-closing/self-latching gate, or have an ASTM F1346-compliant lockable safety cover that acts as the barrier. Location must meet Article 18 accessory-structure setbacks, commonly 5 feet to side/rear property lines in R1/R5 zones. Indoor spas require moisture-resistant finishes and mechanical ventilation. Critical Area properties may require buffer replanting if decking disturbs the 100-foot tidal buffer. Drainage (up to 400 gallons on typical units) must be dechlorinated and routed to the sanitary sewer or a gravel dry well — not to storm drains, neighboring lots, or tidal waters.
Unpermitted electrical: stop-work, double-fee permit, and fines up to $1,000. Missing safety cover or barrier: order to cease use until compliant. Draining to storm drain or tidal water: MDE illicit-discharge citation up to $10,000.
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See how Anne Arundel County's hot tub rules rules stack up against other locations.
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