Maryland Waterfront Property - Questions to Ask BEFORE You Buy

This information is included in the Online Anne Arundel County Relocation Package for Fort George G. Meade, NSA, Northrop Grumman, BWI, the the U.S. Naval Academy

Any time of year is beautiful, along the water.

Now, when you see reflections of the beautiful fall colors on the water, it's especially lovely!  If you enjoy fishing, boating or even driving along the miles of shoreline in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, you may be more tempted than ever to "jump in" and buy a waterfront property.

There are several on the market now - 200 listed for sale under $1 million dollars, and another 196 homes priced over $1 million dollars.  That is an exceptionally large inventory for any given time, thanks to today's buyer's market.  You are probably more likely to get "a deal" on waterfront today than any time in the past decade or more.

Before you buy waterfront property, however, I recommend you become familiar with Maryland's critical area laws to make sure you understand them.  In fact, they affect some properties that are near, but not on, the water, as well. 

You will find answers to these 20 frequently-asked questions on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website:

1. What is the Critical Area?
2. Who and What does the Critical Area Act affect?
3. What is the Critical Area Commission and how does it affect me?
4. How do I know whether my property is in the Critical Area?
5. Can I give a building lot to my son or daughter if my property is in the Critical Area and designated Resource Conservation Area (RCA)?
6. What is a "grandfathered lot"? If my lot is grandfathered, am I exempt from the Critical Area regulations?
7. Are farmers exempt from the Critical Area regulations? Is logging and timber harvesting allowed in the Critical Area?
8. If I buy a lot in the Critical Area, may I build a house on it?
9. What is the difference between the local zoning ordinances and the State's Critical Area Law?
10. What is growth allocation and how do I obtain it?
11. Do I need to obtain the approval of the Critical Area Commission to build or develop in the Critical Area?
12. If my home is in the Critical Area will I be able to make a simple addition such as a swimming pool, deck or garage?
13. What is "impervious surface" and what are the impervious surface requirements in the Critical Area?
14. What is the Buffer and how does it differ from the rest of the Critical Area?
15. Exactly what can and can't I do in the Critical Area Buffer? If I think I see a violation near the water, who do I call?
16. What are FIDS?
17. Can I remove trees from my property if it is in the Critical Area?
18. Can I take measures to stabilize my shoreline?
19. What do I do if I have a stormwater problem in my neighborhood?
20. Who can I contact if I need more information?

Information that is specific to Anne Arundel County waterfront is available at the Anne Arundel County Planning & Zoning office on Riva Road in Annapolis.  For a shortcut to information about critical areas provided online by the county, CLICK HERE.

Buildable waterfront property that is still undeveloped in Anne Arundel County is a rarity - and an excellent investment.   Existing waterfront communities, homes and condos are always in high demand.  If you have ever considered purchasing waterfront property, now is an ideal time to get serious about it.  Today's low interest rates and the current buyer's market create an opportunity that may not be available again for years, if ever!

To search for Anne Arundel County property on the market now AND subscribe to updates about new listings or price reductions, CLICK HERE.  Feel free to browse through the listings at your own pace, and contact me to see any that interest you.  Contact information is under my photo on this page.