Maryland ADU Guide is an independent research and planning publication created to help Maryland homeowners understand accessory dwelling unit rules, costs, permits, and project decisions in plain English.
We are not a government agency, architecture firm, engineering practice, contractor, law firm, or permit-expediting service. Our role is to organize public information, explain what it means for homeowners, and make complicated planning decisions easier to navigate.
What we research
Our research starts with primary sources whenever possible. That includes Maryland statutes and legislative materials, Maryland Department of Planning guidance, county and municipal zoning codes, official planning documents, permit resources, fee schedules, and other government publications.
We then turn that material into homeowner-focused resources such as local rule guides, comparison tables, planning checklists, cost tools, permit worksheets, and decision frameworks.
Why this site exists
Accessory dwelling unit rules can be difficult to research because statewide requirements, local zoning, building codes, utilities, site conditions, and permit procedures may all affect the same project. A homeowner should not need to read dozens of disconnected documents just to understand the next step.
Maryland ADU Guide is designed to close that gap. Our goal is not to publish the largest number of articles. It is to create useful resources that help a homeowner answer a real question, compare options, verify the source, and decide what to do next.
How we work
We prioritize original organization and analysis over generic summaries. Important regulatory claims are tied back to official sources, and time-sensitive pages are intended to show when they were last reviewed. Where rules differ by jurisdiction, we aim to make that distinction clear rather than presenting one statewide answer as if it applies everywhere.
AI tools may assist with research organization, drafting, editing, data structuring, or quality checks. They are not treated as a substitute for primary-source verification. Regulatory content is built around the underlying source material and reviewed before publication.
Who maintains the publication
Maryland ADU Guide is founded and maintained by Gijo John, an independent researcher and blogger focused on turning complex planning information into practical homeowner resources. Gijo is not a Maryland contractor, architect, engineer, attorney, or government official.
For factual corrections, source suggestions, or publication inquiries, contact gijo.j@marylandaduguide.com.