Installing a fence is a straightforward improvement, but homeowners benefit from understanding when county permits apply and how inspections work to avoid costly delays in fence installation. This 2025 guide focuses on navigating Glen Burnie’s fence permit process, fees, timelines, inspections, and key rules, with pointers to official Anne Arundel County pages for the most current information.
Glen Burnie Fence Permit Basics
Do I need a permit? Anne Arundel County’s Inspections & Permits Department handles permit decisions, plan reviews, and field inspections for residential projects. Before buying materials, confirm whether a permit applies to the scope, height, and location of the planned fence.
What’s restricted? County code limits barbed‑wire and electrified fences to specific zoning districts and conditions. Most residential yards don’t qualify, so plan on standard residential materials unless a code allowance clearly applies (a contractor can confirm quickly).
Placement context (not a permit exemption): The County’s placement rules cover setbacks and accessory structures. Fences are part of that framework—for example, some fences don’t follow standard setbacks—but that’s about where a fence sits, not whether a permit is needed. Treat placement and permit as two separate checks.
Why fence permits matter in Glen Burnie: Starting without required approvals can bring stop‑work orders, fines, or rework. If an HOA applies, get HOA approval in addition to the County permit to avoid delays and post‑installation headaches.
How do I apply for a fence permit in Glen Burnie?
Start and submit: Use the County’s Inspections & Permits pages for guidance, then create a record in the Accela Citizen Access portal. Accela is where applications, uploads, fees, and status live—so keeping it accurate and complete saves time.
Documentation (process‑based): Provide clear property boundaries and the fence layout and height. A recent survey is a best practice because it prevents encroachment issues. If an HOA applies, include that approval—HOA review is separate from County permitting.
Fees and timing: Check the County’s current fee schedule. Review times vary by workload and submittal quality, so monitor the Accela record for updates rather than assuming a fixed timeline.
Inspections: Some fence permits may require a final check. If that applies, schedule through the County’s instructions in Accela. Planning for fence permit inspections in Glen Burnie up front helps avoid last‑minute changes or re‑inspection delays, especially around any gate or access points.
What are the key Glen Burnie fence regulations?
Materials limits (codified): Barbed‑wire and electrified fences are restricted by County code and only allowed in certain districts or conditions. Before any fence purchase or installation in Glen Burnie, plan on standard residential materials and verify any exceptions.
Placement and setbacks (framework): The code includes a placement/setback framework for structures, and fences appear within that context. That tells you where a fence can sit, but doesn’t automatically answer whether a permit is required. Always verify both placement and permit for the parcel and zoning in the Baltimore area context.
Height and visibility (verify case‑by‑case): The County’s public materials do not provide a countywide fence height‑by‑yard chart or a fencing‑specific visibility triangle, as of publication. Confirm parcel‑specific height limits and corner‑lot visibility with Inspections & Permits (through customer service) or in the code before you finalize the layout.
Practical best practice: To avoid resubmittals, consider working with a Glen Burnie fence contractor who can translate parcel conditions and zoning into clean Accela submittals and help coordinate inspections with the County.
Why might my fencing permit be denied or delayed—and what can I do?
- Typical issues (process framing): The most common slowdowns come from incomplete site documentation or layouts that don’t meet placement rules; this is especially true for fencing near a porch, patio, or drive where clearances matter. The fix is straightforward: respond through Accela, revise the plan to match code, and resubmit promptly.
- Local corridors: Projects on Oakwood Rd or Oakwood Village Dr still have to meet placement and visibility rules. If corner views are tight—such as with a picket fence or taller aluminium panels—ask the County what they’ll accept before setting posts to avoid rework.
- Practical timing: Try to schedule work around busy neighborhood times and events. It’s not a County requirement, just a smart construction practice that keeps access open for crews and deliveries and preserves usable yard space during the build. Pay extra attention to staging so panels and materials don’t block walkways.
Beyond the basics—fence planning tips for Glen Burnie homeowners
Timeline planning: Start early, track the Accela status, and time materials to match review and inspections. This reduces idle time and keeps the build moving once approved, including for chain link orders.
Budgeting boundaries: Use the County fee schedule to estimate permit costs. Installation pricing depends on materials, scope, and site conditions, so ask contractors for itemized estimates—especially if planning a deck and fence together.
Materials and climate: Choose materials that stand up to Mid‑Atlantic weather, and check for any code restrictions on electrified or barbed‑wire products. Coordinate with neighbors so the fence doesn’t cross property lines or paved edges like concrete borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can fencing be to the property line in Glen Burnie?
It depends. Placement follows the County’s framework and parcel conditions; a contractor overlays surveys, easements, and sightlines to place it correctly. Stake corners and mark the line on site before submittal to prevent encroachment corrections.
Are barbed‑wire or electric fences allowed at homes?
Usually no. These materials are tightly limited and often not allowed in typical residential districts; a contractor can verify allowances and propose compliant alternatives. Choose residential‑appropriate materials and include specs in the application to streamline approval.
How do fence permit inspections work?
If required, an inspection verifies the fence matches the approved location and specs; a contractor schedules in the portal, ensures access, and closes punch‑list items. Capture post locations and heights with photos and measurements before final scheduling.
What if it was already built without a permit?
You can still fix it. A Glen Burnie fence company can assess compliance, prepare as‑builts, and seek after‑the‑fact approvals or targeted corrections to minimize tear‑out. Map the fence to parcel lines and measure heights/materials so the County receives a resolution‑ready package.
How long do fence permits take?
Timelines vary. Workload and submittal quality drive speed; contractors cut cycles with complete, legible plans and quick responses. Pre‑screen for corner visibility, easements, and material limits, and submit outside peak windows when possible.
How much should I budget for permits and installation?
Permit fees are standardized; installation costs are market‑based. Request an itemized, bundled proposal (design, submittal, installation) and include a modest contingency for survey or minor revisions to keep totals predictable.
What’s the best way to avoid project delays?
Front‑load accuracy. Hire a fence company that verifies parcel/zoning details, prepares precise site plans, coordinates HOA approval, and schedules inspections early. Lock materials and layout before submitting, and route County questions through one point of contact.
Get Expert Help with Your Glen Burnie Fence Project
Aim for customer satisfaction by choosing a team known for clear communication, meticulous permitting, and a strong commitment to the Glen Burnie community.
For a smooth, code-compliant install, All Around Fence and Decks, LLC coordinates planning and timelines while homeowners confirm approvals with the County. Because applications must reference parcel conditions, zoning, and code sections in Accela, working with an experienced local fence contractor helps streamline document preparation, code referencing, and inspection coordination—reducing resubmittals and schedule impacts while County staff complete reviews.
Finally, take a quick look at your warranty—it’s designed to safeguard your project with coverage for workmanship and materials, while code compliance is handled separately for added assurance.
