City of Annapolis
Maryland · Est. 1649
O-09-26 Ordinance Adopted & In Effect

An ordinance amending Chapter 17 of the City Code to strengthen enforcement of Short-Term Rental regulations.

Adds a three-strike license revocation provision, increases civil penalty structure, and adds disclosure requirements for hosting platforms. Sponsored by Council Member Davis with co-sponsors Brooks and Henson.

1
Introduced
Mar 25, 2026
2
Committee Review
Apr 8, 2026
3
Public Hearing
Apr 22, 2026
4
Final Vote
May 13, 2026
5
In Effect
May 13, 2026

Sponsors

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Full text

As adopted · May 13, 2026
Ordinance · As Adopted
An ordinance amending Chapter 17 of the City Code to strengthen enforcement of Short-Term Rental regulations
O-09-26 · Annapolis City Council · 2026 Session
Underlined text = new language added Strike-through text = existing language removed

the City of Annapolis has experienced significant growth in short-term rental activity, resulting in concerns about neighborhood character, housing supply, and public safety; and

existing enforcement provisions have proven insufficient to address repeat violations, with a small number of properties accounting for a disproportionate share of complaints; and

the City Council finds it necessary to strengthen the enforcement framework while preserving lawful short-term rental activity by responsible operators.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Annapolis City Council, that:

SECTION 1.

That Section 17.40.070 of the Annapolis City Code, titled "Enforcement," is hereby amended as follows:

17.40.070 · Enforcement.

Violations of this Section are subject to the penalties set forth in § 17.100, including but not limited to a civil citation of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) per violation, civil citations as follows: first violation, $500; second violation within twelve (12) months, $1,000; third and subsequent violations within twelve (12) months, $2,500; license suspension or revocation, and injunctive relief.

Three (3) or more verified violations within any twelve (12) month period shall be grounds for revocation of the Short-Term Rental License. Following revocation, no new license shall be issued for the same property for a period of not less than twelve (12) months from the date of revocation.

SECTION 2.

That a new subsection 17.40.080 is hereby added to the Annapolis City Code as follows:

17.40.080 · Hosting Platform Obligations.

Every Hosting Platform that facilitates Short-Term Rental transactions for properties located within the City of Annapolis shall:

(a) Display the Short-Term Rental License number prominently in each listing;

(b) Provide to the City, upon request and not less than quarterly, a list of all listings for properties located within the City, including license numbers, addresses, and operator contact information;

(c) Remove listings that fail to display a valid license number within seventy-two (72) hours of notice from the City.

SECTION 3.

This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

ADOPTED by the Annapolis City Council this 13th day of May, 2026.
EFFECTIVE May 13, 2026.

Legislative history

All actions on this bill
25
Mar
2026
Introduction · First Reading
Bill introduced and read by title only
Introduced by Council Member Davis. Referred to Public Safety & Community Wellness Committee. View meeting →
Introduced 9–0 to refer
08
Apr
2026
Committee · Review & Markup
Public Safety Committee favorable report
Committee voted to send bill to full Council with a favorable report. Two amendments adopted in committee. View amendments ↓
Favorable 5–0
22
Apr
2026
Public Hearing
Public hearing held; 22 speakers testified
11 speakers testified in support, 8 in opposition, 3 with mixed positions or questions. 31 written comments received. Hearing record →
Hearing held 22 speakers
13
May
2026
Second Reading · Final Adoption
Final vote — bill adopted
Council adopted O-09-26 on second reading. Effective immediately upon adoption. View meeting →
Adopted 7–2 View roll call ↓
Roll Call · Final Vote · May 13, 2026 · 7 yes / 2 no
Mayor T. BuckleyMAYOR
Yes
M. DavisW1
Yes
R. BrooksW2
Yes
L. HensonW3
Yes
K. ChenW4
Yes
J. WhitakerW5
No
P. RodriguezW6
Yes
A. ThompsonW7
No
D. FosterW8
Yes

Amendments

3 proposed · 2 adopted · 1 withdrawn
AMD-1 Adopted

Add hosting platform disclosure requirements

Amendment by Council Member Brooks adding Section 17.40.080 requiring hosting platforms to display license numbers in listings, provide quarterly reports to the City, and remove non-compliant listings within 72 hours of notice.

Sponsor: R. Brooks Adopted: Apr 8, 2026 (Committee) Vote: 5–0
AMD-2 Adopted

Clarify revocation period to 12 months

Amendment by Council Member Henson clarifying that the no-relicense period following revocation is twelve (12) months from the date of revocation, not from the date of the third violation.

Sponsor: L. Henson Adopted: Apr 8, 2026 (Committee) Vote: 5–0
AMD-3 Withdrawn

Reduce penalty structure to two-strike system

Amendment by Council Member Thompson proposing a two-strike (rather than three-strike) license revocation. Withdrawn by the sponsor before final vote following committee discussion.

Sponsor: A. Thompson Withdrawn: May 13, 2026 Reason: Withdrawn before vote