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Planning a Maryland ADU for a parent? Check property feasibility, ADU type, accessibility, septic and utilities, future rental use, budget and care needs before paying for plans.

One of the easiest ADU mistakes is asking a single office, “Can I build this?” and treating the answer as approval of the whole project. Maryland ADUs can involve several review tracks. Zoning can answer one question while building, Environmental Health or a utility answers another. The exact offices vary by property. This guide explains … Read more

An ADU permit package in Maryland is not one universal form. Zoning, building, health and utility review can be handled differently by each county or municipality. The useful approach is to assemble the property evidence first, then confirm the exact submission list with the authority that reviews your address. Maryland’s ADU law requires local governments … Read more

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

Laurel is actively creating its own ADU rules through Ordinance 2057 / Text Amendment 270. See the September 15, 2026 Planning Commission hearing, current city zoning authority, permit path, and what homeowners should verify before relying on proposed rules.

Rockville has its own ADU rules separate from Montgomery County. See the 75% size rule, owner-occupancy requirement, no-parking rule, detached ADU standards, permits and rental licensing.

Washington County adopted a dedicated ADU ordinance in 2025. See the 75% size rule, 1,200-sq-ft cap, parking waiver, setbacks, septic review and the separate Hagerstown pathway.