Anne Arundel County Code Violations: Critical Area, Grading & Zoning

In Anne Arundel County, code enforcement is driven by the Department of Inspections and Permits (I&P). While they handle standard complaints about trash and tall grass, their most aggressive enforcement targets properties in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.

For 2026, the County continues to crack down on “Unpermitted Disturbance”—specifically cutting down trees or building decks within the 100-foot buffer zone of the water. If you receive a Stop Work Order or a Critical Area Violation, you are not just facing a fine; you are facing a mandatory “Restoration Plan” that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to implement.

This guide explains the 2026 Civil Fine Schedule, the severity of Critical Area violations, and how to sell your house to a cash buyer to resolve these environmental liens immediately.

The 3 Most Common I&P Violations

Anne Arundel County inspectors focus on violations that impact environmental standards and neighborhood zoning.

1. Critical Area & Grading Violations

  • The “Buffer” Rule: You generally cannot cut down trees or disturb the soil within 100 feet of the waterline without a major permit.
  • The Consequence: If caught, I&P issues a Stop Work Order and a Civil Citation. You will be forced to hire an environmental engineer to create a “Restoration Plan” to replant the trees at a 3:1 ratio.
  • The Fine: Fines for Critical Area violations can hit $10,000 per violation depending on the square footage disturbed.

2. Unpermitted Construction (Decks & Basements)

  • What it is: Building a deck, finishing a basement, or installing a shed without a permit.
  • The Risk: In Annapolis and Glen Burnie, unpermitted work often triggers a “Must Remove” order, requiring you to demo the work and expose the framing for inspection.

3. Property Maintenance (Junk & Grass)

  • The Rule: Grass cannot exceed 12 inches, and property must be free of “rubbish, garbage, and inoperable vehicles”.
  • The Fine: These are standard civil fines that escalate if not corrected within the timeframe listed on the correction notice.

The 2026 Civil Fine Schedule

Anne Arundel County uses a tiered system for civil fines. Note that Critical Area fines are significantly higher than standard maintenance fines.

Violation Type1st Offense2nd Offense3rd/Subsequent
Property Maintenance$125$500$1,000
Building Without Permit$500$1,000$1,000
Stop Work Order Violation$1,000$1,000$1,000
Critical Area Disturbance$1,000+$5,000$10,000 Max

Warning: For Critical Area violations, the fine is just the beginning. The “Cost of Restoration” (replanting trees, engineering fees) often exceeds the fine amount by 5x–10x.

Your Options: Restore, Appeal, or Sell?

Option 1: Submit a Restoration Plan (Fix It)

  • For Critical Area: You must hire a licensed landscape architect or engineer to submit a plan to the County. You must then pay for the replanting and usually post a “Reforestation Bond” to guarantee the trees survive for 2 years.
  • For Permits: You must pay double permit fees for “after-the-fact” permits and schedule inspections.

Option 2: Appeal to the Board of Appeals

You can appeal the citation or the Restoration Order to the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals.

  • The Cost: Filing fees are significant, and you typically need an attorney specializing in land use to win against the County attorneys.

Option 3: Sell “As-Is” (Stop the Environmental Liens)

If you cannot afford the $20,000 restoration bond or the fines for unpermitted work, selling to a cash buyer allows you to walk away.

We Buy Anne Arundel County Houses with Violations.

  • We Handle Critical Area Issues: We buy waterfront properties with active environmental violations. We assume the responsibility of the Restoration Plan and the bond.
  • We Resolve Civil Citations: If you have accrued $1,000 fines for a Stop Work Order, we ensure they are paid off at closing.
  • We Buy “Unpermitted” Homes: You don’t have to demo your finished basement. We buy it “as-is” and handle the permits ourselves.

Important Contact Information

  • Department of Inspections and Permits
    • Address: 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
    • Phone: (410) 222-7777
    • Website: aacounty.org/departments/inspections-and-permits
  • Zoning Enforcement
    • Phone: (410) 222-7446

Stop The Environmental Fines. Sell Your House Today.

If you are facing a “Critical Area” violation or drowning in permit citations, fill out the form below. We can make you a cash offer that resolves the I&P violations and puts money in your pocket.

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Areas We Serve in Anne Arundel County

We help homeowners with code violations across the county, including:

More Resources for Anne Arundel County Homeowners

Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice regarding Critical Area defense or zoning appeals. We recommend consulting with an Annapolis land use attorney for legal representation.