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Annapolis, MD Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

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

Key Facts

Min. distance from intersections
30 feet
Min. distance from driveways/alleys
15 feet
Min. distance from poles/hydrants
10 feet
General on-center spacing
25 to 50 feet
Planting permit fine
$1,500.00 per day

Summary

Annapolis requires new street trees to sit at least 30 feet from intersections, 15 feet from driveways and alleys, and 10 feet from utility poles or fire hydrants, following the city's master street tree plan under Code of Ordinances Chapter 14.12.

Trees shall be planted at least thirty feet from the street intersections and at least fifteen feet from driveways and alleys. No tree shall be planted closer than ten feet to a utility pole or fire hydrant. ...Generally, all trees shall be planted twenty-five to fifty feet on center.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 14.12.140 sets placement rules for trees planted in the public right-of-way: at least 30 feet from street intersections, 15 feet from driveways and alleys, and 10 feet from utility poles or fire hydrants, with general on-center spacing of 25 to 50 feet depending on species and site. Planting must also conform to the master street tree plan required by § 14.12.100, which the department drafts with the Environmental Commission and which needs Historic District Commission approval for the portions affecting the historic district before City Council adopts it. No one may plant a tree in a public area without prior written department approval under § 14.12.080.

Violations & Fines

Planting or disturbing a tree in a public area without prior department approval under § 14.12.080 is a municipal infraction; the city's penalty schedule sets the fine at $1,500.00 per day for violating § 14.12.080.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to plant a tree along an Annapolis street?
Yes. Under § 14.12.080, no one may plant, remove, or disturb a tree in a public area without prior written approval from the department, except in emergencies like storms.
How far from an intersection must a new street tree go?
At least 30 feet from the street intersection and at least 15 feet from any driveway or alley, per Annapolis City Code § 14.12.140(B).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

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