Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Edgewater, MD?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Edgewater, MD, but with significant regulations and restrictions. Edgewater is located within Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and operates under county-level short-term rental regulations. Property owners can legally operate short-term rentals provided they obtain proper registration, meet all requirements, and comply with ongoing regulations. However, there are important limitations including property caps, specific occupancy requirements, and jurisdictional considerations that investors must understand before proceeding.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Edgewater, MD

Step 1: Understand Your Jurisdiction

Edgewater properties fall under Anne Arundel County jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Note: Properties located within the City of Annapolis have different requirements and are not subject to county registration.

Step 2: Registration Process

1. Initial Registration: All short-term rentals must be registered with Anne Arundel County
2. Access the Land Use Navigator System: Visit the county's online portal at www.aacounty.org/lun
3. Complete Application: Fill out the Short Term Residential Rental Registration form
4. Notarization: Take the completed form to a notary for signature and seal
5. Submit Application: Mail or deliver application with payment to the Licensing Department

Step 3: Add Registration Number to Listings

Once approved, add your registration number to all hosting platform listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) to finalize compliance with county requirements.

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain current registration, renew as required, and ensure continued adherence to all regulations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Registration Requirements

• Short Term Residential Rental Registration (required for all STRs)
• Registration Form: Available at www.aacounty.org/departments/inspections-and-permits/permit-center/forms-and-publications/short-term-rentals.pdf
• Notarized Application: Must be signed and sealed by a licensed notary
• Registration Fee: $100.00 for a two-year term (reduced from $400.00 via emergency ordinance)
• Registration Number: Issued after application approval (process takes several weeks)

Application Submission

Mail to: Anne Arundel County
Attention: Licensing Department of Inspections and Permits
2664 Riva Road
Annapolis, MD, 21401

Alternative Submission Methods:

• In-Person: Visit the Permit Center for kiosk assistance
• Online: Through the Land Use Navigator system

Exemptions and Limitations

• Property Cap: Limited to registering up to two properties maximum
• Long-Term Stays: Properties rented for 121+ consecutive nights are exempt from STR registration
• Hotels and Motels: Traditional hospitality businesses are exempt
• City of Annapolis: Properties within city limits have separate requirements and are not subject to county registration

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Anne Arundel County Regulations

Definition and Scope

• Short-term residential rental is defined as "the use or occupancy, facilitated by a hosting platform in exchange for rent, of all or part of a dwelling unit to provide accommodations to transient guests for no more than 120 consecutive days in a calendar year"
• Long-term stays are defined as 121 or more consecutive nights

Operational Requirements

• Maximum Properties: Property owners limited to two registered short-term rentals
• Registration Required: All STRs must display registration number on listings
• Platform Compliance: Hosting platforms must verify registration numbers

Fee Structure

• Registration Fee: $100.00 for two-year term (reduced from $400.00)
• Emergency Ordinance: Reduced fee effective January 26, 2021, and remains in effect until county terminates, repeals, or revokes it

City of Annapolis Regulations (Jurisdictional Note)

While Edgewater properties are under county jurisdiction, understanding Annapolis regulations is important as they're nearby and demonstrate stricter local control:

Cap and Density Controls

• Blockface Cap: 10% of units on any blockface can be licensed as STRs
• Small Blockfaces: Blockfaces with fewer than 10 residential units limited to one STR license
• Owner-Occupied Exemption: Owner-occupied properties don't count toward cap
• Event Exemptions: Cap not enforced during Naval Academy Commissioning Week and city boat shows

Enforcement and Grace Period

• Current Over-Cap Properties: Grace period until November 2027 for renewals
• Post-Grace Period: Lottery system determines license allocation on over-cap blockfaces
• Resident Priority: Priority given to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County residents with existing licenses

Maryland State Regulations

State-level regulations primarily focus on taxation and general business operations rather than specific STR restrictions. Hosts should consult with tax professionals regarding state income tax obligations and any applicable business licensing requirements.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - Anne Arundel County Licensing Department

• Phone: (410) 222-7788
• Email: licensemailbox@aacounty.org
• Alternative Email: ipmailbox@aacounty.org (for inspection and permit inquiries)
• Physical Address:
  • Mailing: 2664 Riva Road, MS 6006, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
  • In-Person Services: Permit Center (contact county for current address and hours)

Online Resources

• County Website: www.aacounty.org/
• Land Use Navigator: www.aacounty.org/lun
• License Division: www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/licenses/non-trade-licenses/short-term-residential-rental
• Registration Form: www.aacounty.org/departments/inspections-and-permits/permit-center/forms-and-publications/short-term-rentals.pdf

Platform Resources

• Airbnb Host Help: www.airbnb.com/help/article/2917
• Help Site for Land Use Navigator: www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/land-use-navigator-help/system-help

Source Pages and References

Official Government Sources

1. Anne Arundel County Short-Term Residential Rental: www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/licenses/non-trade-licenses/short-term-residential-rental
2. Airbnb Host Help - Anne Arundel County: www.airbnb.com/help/article/2917
3. Anne Arundel County Land Use Navigator: www.aacounty.org/lun
4. Short-Term Rental Registration Form: www.aacounty.org/departments/inspections-and-permits/permit-center/forms-and-publications/short-term-rentals.pdf

News and Regulatory Updates

5. Patch.com - Annapolis STR Cap Article: patch.com/maryland/annapolis/short-term-rental-homes-face-new-cap-annapolis
6. Reddit Discussion: www.reddit.com/r/Annapolis/comments/1lp0f59/annapolis_wants_to_stop_airbnbs_from_taking_over/

Important Notes for Investors

• Jurisdiction Clarity: Always verify your property's jurisdiction (county vs. city) before beginning registration
• Compliance Priority: Registration and fee payment should be completed before listing any property
• Platform Integration: Ensure registration number is added to all hosting platforms immediately after approval
• Renewal Planning: Begin renewal process well before expiration to avoid lapses in legal operation
• Legal Consultation: Consider consulting with local legal counsel for complex situations or multiple property operations

This guide provides comprehensive information for operating short-term rentals in Edgewater, MD. Always verify current regulations and requirements with the Anne Arundel County licensing authorities before making investment decisions or beginning operations.