Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Outdoor Dining Regulations Update (O-29-26)
Two first-reader bills would cut red tape for shop owners — no more permits for sidewalk signs — and let food trucks serve historic district special events.
Rooming houses in private homes (O-11-26)
A hearing was held on allowing licensed rooming houses as long-term rentals in private residences — intended to add housing but criticized over parking. No vote yet.
O-17-26: Right to park in front of residential driveways
Residents can currently be fined $200+ for parking in front of their own driveways. This bill would let legal occupants and their guests park there, with a new appeal process and a temporary exemption for certain Ward 8 streets expiring December 31, 2027.
Short-Term Rental Moratorium
Planning & Zoning reported 65 unlicensed short-term rentals remain, with enforcement hampered by staffing, technology and the legal citation process. Preliminary ideas include a zoning-based framework, annual rental-day limits, higher fees to fund enforcement, and possibly capping the total number of rentals citywide. Final recommendations and community input sessions are still to come.
Short-term rental enforcement and fines
The city wants to raise short-term rental fines to up to $5,000 because current fines aren't deterring unlicensed rentals. A fight over how much discretion to give the enforcement director left the resolution without a committee recommendation.
Zoning Unlocked Phase 2
The city's plan to consolidate zoning districts and merge C-1A protections into C-1 downtown drew fierce opposition from Ward 1 residents, Historic Annapolis, and the Planning Commission chair, who warned of density, parking, and preservation impacts. No vote was taken — the council just received the report ahead of future legislation.