Landscaping, Drainage & Hardscape in Arnold, MD

Drainage and Waterfront Properties in Arnold

The Broadneck Peninsula is bounded by the Severn River to its south, the Magothy River to its north, and the Chesapeake Bay to the east. Arnold occupies the middle portion of this peninsula, and with 20% of the CDP already consisting of tidal water, shoreline and near-shoreline residential lots are common throughout the community. Arnold contains scenic riversides with cliffs and beaches, and there are 12 marinas in Arnold.

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area extends 1,000 feet landward of tidal waters and tidal wetlands. With the Severn and Magothy forming both edges of the peninsula, a significant share of Arnold residential properties fall within or near that buffer. For properties in the Critical Area: grading, hardscape disturbance, and structural work trigger additional county review beyond the standard permit path — including review of impervious coverage and, for projects close to the mean high water line, possible coordination with the Maryland Critical Area Commission. As a Maryland Licensed Marine Contractor, Actaeon is qualified for construction and excavation work in and near tidal waters.

French drain and yard drainage work in Arnold addresses the drainage conditions of a tidal peninsula — river-facing slopes, mature lots with established grades, and low areas that receive both surface runoff and groundwater from the wooded interior.

Retaining Walls, Patios, and Hardscape in Arnold

Although Arnold is now largely suburban, the area historically comprised numerous farms along both the Severn and Magothy rivers, and established residential lots often reflect several decades of prior landscaping decisions. Retaining walls, patios, stone installations, concrete and masonry, driveways, and outdoor living spaces are the primary hardscape scope for Arnold properties.

For properties outside the Critical Area buffer, hardscape permitting follows the standard county path: retaining walls over 24 inches require an Accessory Structure permit; patios and driveways do not require a building permit, though a Standard Grading Plan Application may apply depending on disturbed area. Properties within the Critical Area buffer face additional review of impervious coverage limits before hardscape work proceeds.

Permits and Stormwater Credits for Arnold Homeowners

Arnold is unincorporated — there is no city permit office. All permit applications go to Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits: 2664 Riva Road, Heritage Office Complex, Annapolis, MD 21401 · (410) 222-7730 · Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–3:45 PM. Properties in the Critical Area may require additional coordination with the county's Office of Planning and Zoning beyond the standard permit path.

Arnold homeowners who install qualifying stormwater practices may be eligible for two county credits. Under the Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit, 10% of eligible installation costs are credited against your property tax each year — capped at $10,000 over five years. The Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee (WPRF) Credit trims your annual WPRF bill by up to 50%. Both are credits against amounts owed, not cash payments. Contact the county at aacounty.org for current qualifying installation types and application procedures.

Other Anne Arundel County Communities Actaeon Serves

Actaeon serves homeowners and businesses throughout Anne Arundel County, including Annapolis, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Crofton, Odenton, Millersville, Severn, Pasadena, Linthicum, Gambrills, Davidsonville, and Edgewater. See the Anne Arundel County hub for full county coverage.