Gijo John Short answer: Maryland’s statewide ADU framework is written for an accessory dwelling unit on the same lot, parcel, or tract as a primary single-family detached dwelling. A vacant lot with no primary dwelling does not fit that state ADU definition. That does not mean a vacant parcel can never be developed with more than one … Read more
Quick answer: Before signing a Maryland ADU construction contract, verify the contractor’s current Maryland licensing, make sure the written agreement identifies the exact contracting entity and scope, and check that design, permits, site work, utilities, allowances, payment milestones, change orders and project closeout are addressed in writing. Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) rules also impose … Read more
Montgomery County Bill 41-26 would remove the ADU rental-license owner-occupancy requirement and create fee relief for qualifying affordable ADUs. Track what is proposed, what applies now, and the October 6, 2026 hearing.
Quick answer: Historic status does not create one simple statewide “yes” or “no” answer for a Maryland ADU. A property can be eligible for an ADU under HB 1466 and still need separate historic-preservation review. The first question is what kind of historic status applies: a local historic district, an individually designated local landmark, a … Read more
Quick answer: A Maryland property can be eligible for an ADU and still face a separate Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area review. The most important first step is to determine whether the parcel is inside the Critical Area and, if so, whether it is classified as an IDA, LDA or RCA. The … Read more
Quick answer: HB 1466 does not automatically legalize an old or unpermitted Maryland ADU, and it does not spell out a statewide rule for every ADU that existed before a new local ordinance. Maryland Department of Planning says HB 1466 is silent on existing ADUs and recommends that local governments recognize legally existing ADUs when … Read more
Quick answer: Maryland’s statewide ADU law does not waive building or fire-safety requirements. Maryland Department of Planning says state law requires residential fire sprinkler systems in newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings, which includes newly constructed ADUs. Existing-house conversions, garage conversions, manufactured homes and attached ADUs can follow different code paths, and local building departments … Read more
Chevy Chase View adopted Ordinance 105 in July 2026 to bring its ADU rules into compliance with Maryland law. The ordinance removes the old 15-ft/25-ft detached-ADU setbacks, uses ordinary accessory-building setbacks with height/length modifiers, removes the extra ADU parking requirement, and limits a detached ADU to no more than 75% of the principal dwelling’s floor area. See the Town and Montgomery County permit path before building.
The Town of Somerset requires its own ADU permit in addition to Montgomery County approvals. Current Town rules use height- and length-based accessory-building setbacks, a one-space ADU parking rule, rear-yard coverage limits and Town Council review. See how Town and County requirements interact before planning an ADU.
The Town of Chevy Chase adopted Ordinance 26-03 on July 8, 2026, effective August 7, revising ADU setbacks to match ordinary accessory-building rules and setting a 75% size limit. See interior/corner-lot setbacks, height/length increases, rear-yard coverage, nonconforming structures and the Town/Montgomery County permit split.
