Showing ordinances that apply to Riva, MD
Riva is an unincorporated community (population 4,257) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Because Riva is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Anne Arundel County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The heritage & protected trees rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Anne Arundel County designates Specimen Trees (30+ inch DBH) under Article 17. Annapolis has its own Tree City USA program with landmark designations. Removal requires extensive justification.
Under Anne Arundel County Code Article 17 and Maryland Forest Conservation Act, 'specimen trees' are defined as trees with 30-inch or greater diameter at breast height, or outstanding examples of species. Specimen trees require extensive Forest Stand Delineation (FSD) review before any removal. Replacement ratios for specimen tree loss: 3:1 or higher. City of Annapolis is a designated Tree City USA and maintains a street tree inventory; significant historic trees (including some Naval Academy specimens) receive enhanced protection. Chesapeake Bay Critical Area specimen trees face strictest rules — removal only for imminent hazard.
Unauthorized specimen removal: $5,000-$25,000 plus replacement. Construction damage: $2,500-$15,000 plus remediation costs.
See how Riva's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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