Glen Burnie Zoning Regulations & Building Permits Guide
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 72,891
- State building code:
- Maryland Building Performance Standards (based on 2021 IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- Yes — Maryland SB 891 (2025, Chapter 196, signed into law) establishes statewide policy promoting accessory dwelling units and requires counties and municipalities to authorize ADUs on lots with a single-family detached primary dwelling. The law took effect October 1, 2025, with local jurisdictions required to adopt conforming ordinances by October 1, 2026.
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View local zoning map
Before you apply
- Call the Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning: 410-222-7450
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the local zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Glen Burnie and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Glen Burnie
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Maryland
- Building Code: 2015 IBC (Maryland amendments)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Maryland Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations)
County — Anne Arundel County
- Role: Zoning and land use regulation
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Statewide Context (Maryland)
Local data for Glen Burnie is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Maryland and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- Maryland Building Performance Standards (based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- Yes — state law overrides local rules
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
ADU Rules in Glen Burnie
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft OR 50% of principal dwelling (whichever is smaller)
- Max Height
- Per zoning district
- Rear Setback
- Per zoning district
- Side Setback
- Per zoning district
- Parking
- NO additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Owner-occupancy or rental restrictions may apply
- Permit Timeline
- Consult Planning Department
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Glen Burnie permit information →Official Sources
City-specific