Regulations
Licensing
The Maryland Department of Commerce has compiled a database of statewide and county level licenses that may be needed to operate your business in Maryland. Browse through the system to get a better understanding of what is required and where you need to go next.
Permitting
An agriculture exemption from building permits does not exempt the builder of those structures from trade permits (plumbing, electrical, mechanical). Contact the Permit Center for information on trade Permits.
A building permit and electrical permits are required for tents larger than 10’ x 20’used for special events, fairs, etc. and for signage. Learn More.
If your building is open to the public, it is highly recommended that you contact the Fire Marshal’s Office to schedule and inspection. 410-222-7884.
If you have any questions about building permit requirements, contact the Permit Center. For questions regarding agricultural buildings, contact the AA Soil Conservation District.
Completed permit applications may be brought to the Permit Center at
2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 222-7410
OR Mailed to: PO Box 2700, Mail Stop 6003, Annapolis, MD 21404
Determine if your agriculture business/enterprise is an allowed use in your zoning district. Contact a zoning analyst in the Zoning Division of the Anne Arundel County Office of Planning & Zoning by calling 410-222-7437.
Soil & Water Quality Plan (Farm Plan)
The Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District (AASCD) provides technical advice and cost share assistance to farms to address concerns, and install and maintain various BMP/Conservation practices that protect and enhance soil, water, and natural resources in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.
Visit the AASCD website or contact the AASCD for additional information on farm plans and other state and federal programs available to agricultural landowners.
Phone: 410-571-6757
Email: [email protected]
Agricultural Buildings – Building & Grading Permits
For help with building and grading permits, the Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District (AASCD) has a Permitting Guide available online.
For assistance in determining whether your structure qualifies for an exemption to the building or grading permit, AASCD has the Landowner’s Worksheet Guide for Agricultural Structures.
Other useful forms
- Standard Grading Plan
- Critical Area Worksheet
- Standard Grading Plan, Resolution 2017-2
- Agriculture Structure Checklist
- MDE Storm water Requirement Plan for Agriculture
Certificate of Use
All Agritourism uses will require a Certificate of Use. The certificate of use takes 3-4 weeks to review for Code Compliance. The application must be mailed or hand delivered with the $50 application fee. The Site Plan can be hand drawn and does not require an engineered drawing.
Temporary Use Permit
Farm or Agricultural Heritage Site Special Events are a use of property where events are conducted on a farm or on an agricultural heritage site where guests assemble for parties, weddings, celebrations, or similar uses for compensation. Anne Arundel County Code, Article 18, Section 2-203 (b) permits farm or agricultural heritage site special events on a property in the RA, RLD, or R1 zoning districts as a
temporary use subject to certain restrictions.
Is Your Property Protected by Land Preservation Programs?
Properties under state and county easements may have additional restrictions or require additional approvals for agriculture/agritourism uses. For additional information on County & State programs, contact:
Anne Arundel County Agricultural & Woodland Preservation Program
Bill Gorski
Tel: (410) 222-2869
Email: [email protected]