Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cottage Food Businesses as Home Occupations
The public hearing closed with no opposition on letting home-based food businesses like an Eastport alcohol-infused desserts company operate legally — the plan advances.
O-12-26: Remove Forbes Street and Monterey Avenue from Parking District No. 5
O-12-26 would remove Forbes Street and Monterey Avenue from Special Residential Parking District Number 5, changing who can park there and under what permit rules.
Special Residential Parking District Number 5 changes
Business employees on a stretch of Forbes Street and Monterey Avenue in West Annapolis have had to move their cars every two hours for over three years. Removing those streets from the parking district would free up the nearby medical building's lot for actual patients.
Fines for mobile food service vendors in the Historic District
A $1,000-per-violation fine for mobile food vendors was postponed because nobody could explain how the number was picked — Planning and Zoning will be asked to appear next time.
Charter preamble expansion (CA-3-26)
CA-3-26 would add language on diversity and inclusion, voting rights, the Chesapeake Bay, and public safety to the city charter's preamble. Alderman Thorp's amendment trimmed it to a tighter strategic statement, and the committee added that the city's foundation is its residents rather than a list of 'pillars.'
Rooming House Fees (R-17-26)
The city is working out what it will charge for rooming house licenses now that Ordinance 11-26 lets homeowners rent long-term rooms in their houses. The fee resolution was pushed to June 17 while the Finance Department refines its cost estimates.
Stadium accessory structures
A zoning tweak would let stadiums use temporary structures — like event tents or hospitality buildings — without repeatedly re-permitting them, as long as safety codes are met.
Special exception process review
A discussion of how the city handles special exception findings and recommendations was postponed to April 1.
Houseboats and house barges on city waters
The council scheduled a work session on how Annapolis should treat houseboats and house barges in its waterways. Rules on these vessels affect harbor character, safety, and who can live on the water.