Representative photoRemodeling and building in Riva
Riva sits on the south bank of the South River, just across the Riva Road bridge from Annapolis. Its neighborhoods range from 1970s and '80s subdivisions like Berkshire and Annapolis Landing to waterfront lots and newer, larger homes, so projects run from kitchen updates to full rebuilds.
Permits in Riva
Riva is unincorporated, so building permits come from Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits, filed online through the county's Land Use Navigator system.
More detail in our permit guide for Anne Arundel County and Annapolis.
What to plan for in Riva
South River and its creeks
Homes within 1,000 feet of the river or its tidal creeks are in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. Lot coverage limits count driveways, patios and sheds, and work in the 100-foot buffer from the shoreline generally needs a variance.
Septic near the water
If a home is on septic and sits in the Critical Area, a new or replacement system must be a nitrogen-reducing (BAT) unit, installed by a pre-qualified contractor and inspected yearly. Additions that add bedrooms can also trigger Health Department review.
1970s and '80s houses
Many Riva homes are now 40-plus years old. Kitchens, baths, windows and roofs are due, and opening walls in a house this age can turn up wiring or framing that needs updating, so budget a contingency.
Projects we match in Riva
Real project · Kitchen remodelKitchen remodels
Layouts, cabinets, counters and full gut renovations.
Representative photoBathroom remodels
Primary baths, hall baths and accessibility upgrades.
Representative photoAdditions
Bump-outs, second stories and in-law suites.
Representative photoBasement finishing
Living space, egress, bathrooms and waterproofing.
Representative photoNew custom homes
Build on your lot with a registered Maryland home builder.
Representative photoDecks & exteriors
Decks, porches, siding, windows and roofing.
Common questions
Who issues building permits in Riva?
Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits. Riva is unincorporated, and new applications are filed online through the county's Land Use Navigator system.
Who does the work?
An independently owned contractor licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (and, for new homes, registered as a Maryland home builder). TBG makes the introduction; you contract directly with the builder.
Does matching cost anything?
No. It is free to homeowners. TBG is paid by its partner contractors.
How much of a deposit can a contractor take?
Under Maryland law, a home improvement contractor can collect no more than one-third of the contract price when the contract is signed.
