ADU Rules in Odenton, Maryland

Odenton is an unincorporated planned community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, approximately midway between Baltimore and Washington DC. There is no incorporated City of Odenton. Adjacent to Fort Meade (home of the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command) and the MARC commuter rail Camden Line, Odenton has been one of Anne Arundel County's fastest-growing communities. All zoning and permitting is handled by Anne Arundel County.

CRITICAL: No City of Odenton Government

Odenton is NOT an incorporated city. All ADU permits, zoning questions, and inspections go through:

• Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits
• Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning

On-Base vs. Off-Base (Fort Meade)

• Fort Meade on-base housing: Governed by DoD and Corvias (private housing operator) — civilian ADU rules do not apply
• Odenton civilian properties: Anne Arundel County Zoning Code applies
• Confirm your property is outside Fort Meade's boundaries before using the civilian permit process

Anne Arundel County ADU Rules

Anne Arundel County's Zoning Code governs ADUs in Odenton. Verify current ADU requirements with the Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning.

Permitted ADU Types

Per Anne Arundel County Zoning Code (verify current standards):

• Accessory apartments: Within or attached to primary structure
• Detached ADUs: Subject to Anne Arundel County standards

Verify current provisions with Anne Arundel County Planning and Zoning.

Setbacks

Per Anne Arundel County residential zone:

• Rear: Minimum setback
• Side: Minimum setback

HOA Considerations

Odenton has numerous planned community subdivisions with HOAs. Consult your HOA before applying for permits.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Odenton is in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Anne Arundel County has stormwater management requirements that may apply to ADU construction.

Permit Process

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm your property is in civilian Odenton (not Fort Meade)
2. Check HOA restrictions: If applicable
3. Verify zoning: Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning
4. Submit plans: Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits
5. Building permit and inspections
6. CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: (410) 222-7441 Website: aacounty.org

Disclaimer: There is no City of Odenton — Anne Arundel County governs. On-base Fort Meade follows DoD rules. Verify current ADU standards with Anne Arundel County before starting any project.