FAQs • Annapolis, MD • CivicEngage

Can an upper floor over a garage be remodeled to be used as a sewing room?: In most cases a sewing room would be acceptable. There are different requirements depending on whether or not the garage is attached to the principal structure. Fire rated separation between the garage and occupied space is required. Contact Planning and Zoning at 410-263-7961 for more details.

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Development Review and Zoning

1. If someone is interested in building a new house on a vacant lot recently purchased, which city agencies would be involved in the review process of this permit application?: The application will be reviewed by the Department of Public Works, the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Stormwater Management Engineer, Tree Environmentalist, and Plans Reviewer, with a final review by Planning and Zoning. If the structure is more than 2 stories, sprinkling will be required and the Fire Marshal will be involved in the review process. If the property is in a neighborhood conservation district, site design review may be required.

2. I live in Eastport and want to add a family room and a second floor bedroom to my newly purchased dwelling. What should I do?: Contact the Department of Planning and Zoning to determine if the addition is permitted, and if the property line setback and height requirements meet Code requirements. Also the property may require site design review since much of Eastport lies within the R2-NC (Neighborhood Conservation District).

3. I have my eye on a commercial building for a possible coffee shop but am apprehensive about signing a tenant lease. What should I do?: Contact Planning and Zoning to determine if a coffee shop is permitted at this location and to see if there are any other zoning requirements. Iron out all details with the landlord as to who will be responsible for furnaces, termites, roof leaks, toilets, etc. You should then schedule a Pre Application Conference Committee (PACC) meeting by contacting the Office of Economic Development. In addition, you will have to fill out a Pre-application form prior to the scheduled meeting. When you attend the PACC meeting various departments will be present to discuss your project requirements. In addition, you are required to contact the Health Department concerning food related equipment and their requirements.
Please note: in most cases a food handling establishment will require industrial pretreatment (outdoor in-ground grease interceptor) as determined by the wastewater pretreatment inspector.

4. Can an architect or engineer licensed in Virginia design and certify drawings for a project in Maryland?: Architects and/or engineers must hold a current State of Maryland license.

5. Can an upper floor over a garage be remodeled to be used as a sewing room?: In most cases a sewing room would be acceptable. There are different requirements depending on whether or not the garage is attached to the principal structure. Fire rated separation between the garage and occupied space is required. Contact Planning and Zoning at 410-263-7961 for more details.

6. Can an owner add on to their house for their elderly mother-in-law?: Yes, in most cases, but contact Planning and Zoning at 410-263-7961 first. The in-law addition may have a sitting room, bath, bedroom, separate entrance, but no kitchen facilities. A separate entrance is allowed as long as there is an entrance from within the principal structure as well.

7. What is zoning?: Zoning is the public regulation of land use. It involves the adoption of ordinances that divide the City into various districts or zones. Each district allows certain uses of land within that zone, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. Zoning regulations address such features as building height, bulk, lot area, setbacks, parking, signage, density as well as many other land use issues.

8. What are setback requirements for dwellings and storage sheds?: Setbacks for dwellings depend on the zoning district for side and rear setbacks. Generally, the front setback and the waterway yard (if the house is waterfront) are based on averages of neighboring properties. Setbacks for storage sheds and other accessory structures are based on a minimum setback, plus additional distance depending on the height of the structure. Contact a current planner for more information about a specific property.

9. What is an administrative adjustment?: An administrative adjustment is the determination by the Department of Planning and Zoning to vary the regulations of the Zoning Code upon finding that the specific standards it outlines concerning "practical difficulties" and "unique conditions" are met. Permitted administrative adjustments include reduced setbacks; increased parking distanced and increased lot coverage. An administrative adjustment can be granted for not more than 20% of specific requirements by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

10. What is a variance?: A variance is a process through which setbacks and other zoning requirements can be reduced by more than 20%. Variances are acted upon by the Zoning Board of Appeals after the Board holds a public hearing. Variances cannot be granted to allow land uses not permitted in a zoning district.

11. What does "Critical Areas" under zoning mean?: All property within 1,000 feet of a shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries lies within the "critical area." These areas have been identified by State law and under Annapolis zoning. They are classified as restricted for development, mainly in terms of the maximum amount of "lot coverage" per zoning lot, though there are other environmental restrictions that must be met. These regulations are in the form of an overlay zone which applies to a property in addition to those regulations of its underlying zoning classification. Contact a current planner to discuss specifics on lot coverage and other critical area regulations.

12. Are temporary signs or banner signs permitted in the City?: Signage is controlled by the specific district of a site and requires approval and issuance of a sign permit before installation. Portable signs are not permitted. In some cases temporary banner signs can be used as long as they meet all required standards. Temporary banners or signs for businesses require written approval from the Director of Planning and Zoning.

13. Are off-site signs permitted?: No. The Zoning Code permits advertising, identification and/or directional signs only on the site proper of a business or land use in accordance with that zoning district's specific signage regulation.

14. What is a Planned Development?: A Planned Development allows greater flexibility than is generally possible under conventional zoning district regulations. This is done in order to encourage more creative design, to protect significant natural resources, and to promote development that is compatible with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. There are three types of planned developments: residential planned developments, business planned developments, and special mixed planned developments. See City Code Chapter 21.24 for more information.

15. I would like to do some renovations to my house. Are there any programs that can assist me?: Yes. The Community Development Division administers a Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Program. Various loans are budgeted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are available to eligible homeowners. The program addresses major systems deficiencies and corrects those conditions which are hazardous or may endanger the health and welfare of the occupants. Please contact Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (410- 222-7600) to see if you are eligible for the program.