Last researched: September 19, 2026. Galena is actively updating its local rules for accessory dwelling units. The Town’s current legislation page lists “PROPOSED UNSIGNED Ordinance 2026-09: Accessory Dwelling Units”. That wording matters: as of this review, the Town itself is presenting Ordinance 2026-09 as proposed and unsigned, not as an adopted ordinance.
Homeowner takeaway: Do not design a Galena ADU around Ordinance 2026-09 as though it is already effective. Galena’s existing zoning ordinance already contains a residential-use category called “Dwelling – Accessory Apartment (10.40)”, but Maryland’s October 1, 2026 ADU deadline is driving a new local update. Before spending money, ask the Town which currently enacted zoning section controls your parcel and whether Ordinance 2026-09 has since been adopted, amended or withdrawn.
Galena ADU planning snapshot
| Question | What we verified |
|---|---|
| Local zoning authority | Galena administers zoning within the incorporated Town and directs property owners to Town Hall for zoning and permit questions. |
| Existing accessory-apartment language | The current Galena zoning ordinance includes “Dwelling – Accessory Apartment (10.40)” in its residential supplementary-use regulations. |
| 2026 ADU legislation | The Town currently lists Proposed Unsigned Ordinance 2026-09: Accessory Dwelling Units. |
| Adoption status | Not verified as adopted as of September 19, 2026. The Town’s legislation page still labels the ordinance “PROPOSED UNSIGNED,” and Galena’s Ecode “New Laws” page does not list Ordinance 2026-09 among adopted laws. |
| State deadline | Maryland requires covered municipalities to adopt a local ADU law by October 1, 2026. |
| State size rule | Maryland defines an ADU as up to 75% of the size of the primary single-family detached dwelling. Maryland Planning says covered jurisdictions may not impose a lower local maximum. |
| Setbacks | Maryland law says local ADU side and rear setbacks may not exceed the jurisdiction’s existing accessory-structure setbacks. |
| Parking | If Galena imposes additional off-street parking requirements for ADUs, Maryland requires a parking study and a waiver process. |
| Town review | The Town says plans for property changes should be reviewed by its Planning Commission/Zoning Coordinator, with Board of Appeals review when required. |
| Utilities | Galena operates municipal water and sewer billing, so utility availability and connection requirements should be confirmed early for an ADU. |
Ordinance 2026-09 is proposed, not yet confirmed as adopted
The clearest current status comes directly from Galena’s legislation page. The Town lists ordinances adopted earlier in 2026 without a qualifier, but lists Ordinance 2026-09 specifically as “PROPOSED UNSIGNED” and identifies its subject as accessory dwelling units.
Galena’s Ecode “New Laws” page separately lists legislation that has been adopted but not yet incorporated into the main municipal code. As of this September 19 review, that adopted-law list includes multiple 2026 ordinances but does not show Ordinance 2026-09.
Those two official sources support the same practical conclusion: homeowners should treat Ordinance 2026-09 as a proposal unless and until the Town confirms adoption.
Galena already has an accessory-apartment category in its zoning ordinance
Galena is not starting from a zoning code that has never heard of secondary dwelling units. The Town’s current zoning ordinance includes “Dwelling – Accessory Apartment (10.40)” under Article V, Part III, Section 27, Residential Uses.
That existing category is important because an application submitted before a new ADU ordinance takes effect may still need to be evaluated under the Town’s currently enacted zoning rules. The presence of an accessory-apartment category, however, should not be treated as proof that every single-family parcel automatically qualifies for an ADU. District applicability, supplementary standards and approval procedures still matter.
Ask Galena’s Zoning Coordinator which current use-table entry and supplementary-use standards apply to your parcel today.
Why Galena is rewriting its ADU rules now
Maryland Land Use § 4-504 requires each covered county or municipality to adopt a local law authorizing accessory dwelling units by October 1, 2026. Galena has its own planning and zoning authority, so it cannot simply assume that Kent County’s unincorporated-area ADU ordinance will serve as the Town’s local law.
Maryland’s law also limits how restrictive the local ordinance can be. According to the Maryland Department of Planning:
- an ADU may be up to 75% of the size of the primary single-family detached dwelling;
- a covered jurisdiction may not impose a lower local maximum than that 75% limit;
- ADUs must be excluded from residential-density calculations;
- side and rear ADU setbacks cannot exceed the jurisdiction’s existing accessory-structure setbacks;
- additional off-street parking requirements require a parking study; and
- any such parking requirement must include a waiver process.
Those state requirements are the framework against which Galena’s final Ordinance 2026-09 should be checked once the Town adopts a signed version.
Do not assume Kent County zoning applies inside Galena
Galena is incorporated and has its own zoning law. Kent County’s Unified Development Ordinance governs unincorporated County property, not ordinary zoning decisions inside Galena’s corporate limits.
If your property is outside the Town, use our Kent County ADU Rules guide. If you are unsure whether your parcel is actually inside Galena, start with the Maryland ADU Jurisdiction Finder.
Town review comes before assuming a project is buildable
Galena’s own homeowner guidance says people considering changes to a home or property should contact Town Hall to determine whether the project is allowed. The Town says plans are reviewed by the Planning Commission/Zoning Coordinator and that the Board of Appeals reviews requests requiring relief or review under the ordinance.
The Town also publishes separate forms for building permits, lot improvements, certificates of occupancy, demolition, Board of Appeals applications and zoning text amendments. For an ADU, ask staff which combination applies to an internal conversion, attached addition, garage conversion or new detached unit.
Galena’s municipal water and sewer can still affect the project
Galena provides municipal water and sewer service and bills those utilities directly. An ADU adds plumbing fixtures and residential occupancy, so utility availability should be checked before a final layout is purchased.
Ask whether the project triggers any meter, connection, capacity, fixture, impact or inspection requirement. A zoning-compliant ADU can still require utility work that materially affects the budget and placement.
What we are not claiming about Proposed Ordinance 2026-09
The Town’s public legislation page confirms the proposal’s number, subject and unsigned status. During this research pass, the linked proposal itself was not exposed through a stable searchable official text page that allowed every provision to be independently checked section by section.
For that reason, this guide does not publish unverified claims about Galena’s proposed ADU maximum size, owner-occupancy requirement, bedroom limit, parking ratio, height or exact setbacks. Those details should come from the signed final ordinance or directly from Town staff.
What to ask Galena before paying for ADU plans
- Has Ordinance 2026-09 been adopted?
- If yes, what was the adoption date and effective date?
- Was the proposed language amended before adoption?
- Which zoning districts currently allow ADUs?
- How does the Town distinguish an ADU from the existing “Dwelling – Accessory Apartment (10.40)” use?
- Are internal, attached and detached ADUs all permitted?
- What size-measurement method is used for Maryland’s 75% limit?
- What accessory-structure setbacks control a detached ADU?
- What height and lot-coverage standards apply?
- What parking requirement and waiver process apply?
- Was a parking study completed if extra ADU parking is required?
- What municipal water and sewer review is required?
- Which Town permit, site-plan or Board of Appeals process applies?
- Which inspections or building-code approvals are handled outside Town Hall?
Galena homeowner checklist
- Confirm that the property is inside Galena corporate limits.
- Identify the parcel’s zoning district.
- Ask Town Hall whether Ordinance 2026-09 is still proposed or has been adopted.
- Obtain the signed final ordinance if it has passed.
- Confirm which current accessory-apartment or ADU standards apply on the application date.
- Determine whether the project is internal, attached, a garage conversion or a new detached structure.
- Verify maximum size and how the primary dwelling is measured.
- Verify setbacks, height and lot coverage.
- Confirm parking requirements and any waiver process.
- Check municipal water and sewer requirements.
- Prepare a survey or scaled site plan before final design.
- Do not make a non-refundable prefab or construction commitment until the Town confirms the current rules in writing.
Galena MD ADU FAQs
Has Galena adopted Ordinance 2026-09?
Not based on the official status we could verify on September 19, 2026. Galena’s legislation page currently labels Ordinance 2026-09 “PROPOSED UNSIGNED,” and the Town’s Ecode adopted-law list does not show it as a new adopted law. Check with Town Hall for any action taken after this research date.
Does Galena already allow accessory apartments?
Galena’s current zoning ordinance includes a residential use called “Dwelling – Accessory Apartment (10.40).” Whether a particular property qualifies depends on the zoning district, supplementary-use standards and current approval process.
What is the maximum ADU size in Galena?
Maryland allows an ADU up to 75% of the size of the primary single-family detached dwelling and Maryland Planning says covered jurisdictions may not impose a lower local maximum. Confirm the final Galena ordinance and its measurement method before designing to a specific size.
Are Galena ADU rules the same as Kent County?
No. Galena has its own municipal zoning authority. Kent County zoning applies to unincorporated County property, while a parcel inside Galena should be reviewed under Town zoning.
Who should I contact about a Galena ADU?
Start with Galena Town Hall at 101 South Main Street, Galena, Maryland 21635. The Town lists 410-648-5151 and info@townofgalena.com for general inquiries.
Primary sources checked
- Town of Galena — Legislation
- Town of Galena Ecode — New Laws
- Town of Galena Code — Article II Zoning
- Town of Galena — Planning Commission
- Town of Galena — Forms & Permits
- Town of Galena — Property and zoning guidance
- Maryland Department of Planning — HB 1466 ADU FAQ
- Maryland Land Use § 4-504
Maryland ADU Guide is an independent research publication, not the Town of Galena, Kent County, a law firm, architect or contractor. This page distinguishes Galena’s currently enacted zoning from Proposed Unsigned Ordinance 2026-09. Confirm adoption status and parcel-specific requirements with the Town before spending money on design or construction.
What to do next
First find out whether Ordinance 2026-09 has become law.
- Confirm who reviews the property.
- Ask Galena for the current signed ADU ordinance and effective date.
- Gather your zoning district, survey and utility information.
- Continue to the Maryland ADU planning tools.
Planning guidance is not permit approval.