Annapolis, MD Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- For-sale bonus
- 15% above zone's maximum density
- Rental bonus
- 10% above zone's maximum density
- Dimensional tolerance
- Up to 20%, Director's discretion
- Historic District
- Tolerance provision does not apply
- Prerequisite
- MPDU set-aside under § 20.30.050
Summary
Annapolis grants a 15% density bonus for for-sale MPDU projects and 10% for rental MPDU projects above the zone's maximum, plus discretionary code tolerances up to 20% outside the Historic District.
A. An applicant who complies with Section 20.30.050 of this chapter may earn a density bonus for for-sale housing of fifteen percent above the maximum amount permitted in a zone, provided that the development complies with all other provisions of Title 21. B. An applicant who complies with Section 20.30.050 of this chapter may earn a density bonus for rental housing of ten percent above the maximum amount permitted in a zone, provided that the development complies with all other provisions of Title 21.
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
Under City Code § 20.30.160, a developer who meets the moderately priced dwelling unit (MPDU) set-aside in § 20.30.050 can build 15% more units than the zone's maximum density if the units are for sale, or 10% more if they're rental, so long as the project still meets every other Title 21 zoning standard. The Planning and Zoning Director may also grant up to a 20% tolerance on related dimensional rules, lot size, yards, height, bulk, parking, loading, after making public-welfare and neighborhood-character findings, but that discretionary tolerance does not apply inside the Historic District.
Violations & Fines
A project that doesn't meet the MPDU set-aside or Title 21's other standards isn't entitled to the extra density: building beyond the zone's base maximum without qualifying is a zoning violation subject to standard code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Annapolis development qualify for the density bonus?
Can the Historic District get the extra dimensional tolerance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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