Last Updated 08/20/2026
ANNAPOLIS Stormwater Laws & Regulations
Permits
Grading Permits are required for:
- Any new single family home
- Any non-waterfront lot disturbing 5000+ square feet
- Any waterfront lot disturbing 2000+ square feet
- Any lot with 100 cubic yards or more of cut or fill
EXCERPT- Stormwater Fee Credit Program
The City of Annapolis has raised the Stormwater Utility Fee effective 2011-07-01. The fee is assessed as part of the water and sewer bill. If you have installed any stormwater management structures or devices on your property, you may qualify to receive a 50% discount on your utility fee.
Commercial Properties
Any commercial property developed after 1985 should have on site stormwater management in accordance with Maryland regulations. Identify the type and location of the facility and verify that it is currently maintained and functioning to its design capacity. Provide a copy of the Stormwater Maintenance Agreement, or, if unavailable, the property owner and the city can create a new agreement. Facilities must be inspected by city staff in order to be considered for a 50% fee reduction. The fee reduction is good for two years from approval. Please use the Stormwater Management Credit Application Commercial, Industrial and Exempt Properties to apply for the fee reduction.
Commercial properties without existing stormwater management facilities can qualify for a fee reduction by installing stormwater management facilities that meet the current Maryland standards. Credit will only be given to commercial customers for stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for which the city will receive credit toward its Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) goals. BMPs must have been installed no earlier than 1985 to receive credit: see list fee reduction application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When are grading permits required in Annapolis?
Grading permits are required for any lot disturbing 5,000 square feet or more, or a waterfront lot disturbing 2,000 square feet or more. A permit is also required for any lot involving 100 cubic yards or more of cut or fill, regardless of the disturbed area.
Does commercial property in Annapolis need on-site stormwater management?
Any commercial property developed after 1985 should have on-site stormwater management in place under Maryland regulations. Property owners need to identify the type and location of their facility and confirm it’s currently maintained and functioning to its original design capacity.
Can a commercial property in Annapolis reduce its stormwater utility fee?
Yes. Properties with stormwater management structures or devices already installed may qualify for a 50% discount on their utility fee. City staff must inspect the facility for it to be considered, and the fee reduction is good for two years from the date of approval.
What if a commercial property in Annapolis doesn't have a stormwater maintenance agreement on file?
The property owner should provide a copy of the Stormwater Maintenance Agreement for their facility. If one isn’t available, the property owner and the city can create a new agreement together, which then supports the property’s application for the fee reduction.
Can a commercial property without existing stormwater facilities still qualify for a fee reduction in Annapolis?
Yes, by installing stormwater management facilities that meet current Maryland standards. Credit is only available for best management practices that count toward the city’s Total Maximum Daily Load goals, and any BMP must have been installed no earlier than 1985 to qualify.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
