Quick answer: Hyattsville homeowners should look first to Prince George’s County for the core ADU zoning and building-approval framework. The City of Hyattsville does not perform general building/construction inspections; its local role is strongest in rental licensing and inspections, selected City permits such as driveway/fence work, code compliance, and coordination with County historic-preservation requirements.
As of September 18, 2026, Prince George’s County’s ADU package is still moving through legislation. Proposed County rules should therefore be treated as pending until final action and effective dates are confirmed.
The County controls the core ADU zoning framework
The primary Prince George’s County zoning proposal is CB-074-2026. It would establish ADU definitions, use permissions and zoning standards under the new Maryland framework.
The separate CB-092-2026 addresses non-zoning topics including ADU rental requirements, short-term rentals, impervious surface, woodland/tree-canopy provisions and sewage-disposal issues.
The County also introduced CR-095-2026 to address a possible timing gap around Maryland’s October 1, 2026 local-law deadline.
For the Countywide status, use our Prince George’s County ADU rules guide.
Hyattsville does not replace the County building-inspection process
The City’s Code Enforcement FAQ states that Hyattsville inspectors are not building inspectors and that building and construction inspections are the responsibility of Prince George’s County.
The City does issue certain construction-related permits of its own — including permits for driveways, driveway curb cuts/aprons, walls, fences and security doors/grates. An ADU project that changes one of those items may therefore have a City permit question even though the County handles the main building permit and construction inspection.
For the general approval sequence, see our Maryland ADU permits-to-completion guide.
Rental ADUs need a Hyattsville rental license
Hyattsville’s strongest city-specific ADU layer is rental regulation. The City’s Residential & Short-term Rentals page says the City administers inspection and licensing of residential and short-term rental properties within City limits.
Homeowners who rent their property must secure a City of Hyattsville Single-Family Residential Rental License annually. The City’s code guidance also makes clear that rental regulation includes rooms, basements and whole-property rentals — which is directly relevant to internal or basement ADUs.
Hyattsville’s inspection guidance states that single-family rentals are inspected as part of the licensing process and the license is renewed annually.
For broader Maryland rental issues, see our Maryland ADU rental and short-term-rental guide.
Short-term rental licensing may not mean an ADU can be used for Airbnb
Under Hyattsville’s current rental system, a homeowner operating a short-term rental must obtain a Prince George’s County short-term rental license in addition to the City single-family rental license.
But pending County bill CB-092-2026 specifically addresses a prohibition on short-term rental of ADUs. If that provision is enacted, the fact that Hyattsville has a short-term-rental licensing pathway would not by itself make a newly legal ADU eligible for Airbnb-style use.
Verify the final County ADU legislation before basing project economics on short-term rental income.
Historic properties can add a County preservation review
Hyattsville contains county historic sites and a National Register Historic District. The City’s Historic Preservation page explains that the City itself does not make historic-site designations or determine what work may be done to a designated historic property. Depending on the designation, those functions are handled by Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission, Maryland Historical Trust or the National Register process.
The Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission can approve or reject proposed exterior work to County-designated historic sites. A detached ADU, exterior addition, garage conversion, new entrance or major site change on a designated property may therefore need historic-review attention in addition to normal ADU approvals.
Hyattsville’s strategic plan supports ADUs — but that is not the permit rule
Hyattsville’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan says the City wants to promote missing-middle housing, including accessory dwelling units, multifamily development and other modest density increases.
That is useful context because it shows the City’s housing-policy direction, but a strategic plan does not substitute for the County zoning ordinance or a building permit. Homeowners still need to follow the enacted Prince George’s County ADU rules and applicable City licensing requirements.
Hyattsville ADU feasibility checklist
- Confirm the address is inside Hyattsville. Use our Maryland ADU Jurisdiction Finder as a starting point.
- Confirm the final Prince George’s County ADU law. Do not treat CB-074 or CB-092 draft language as final until enacted.
- Check setbacks, lot coverage and height. Use our setback guide, lot-coverage guide and height guide.
- Apply for the County building approvals. Prince George’s County handles building/construction inspection.
- Check whether a City site permit is also triggered. Driveway, curb-cut, fence or wall work can have separate City requirements.
- Check historic designation. County-designated historic properties may need exterior-work approval.
- If renting, obtain the annual Hyattsville rental license and complete inspection.
- Do not assume short-term rental is allowed for the ADU. Verify final CB-092 requirements.
Bottom line
Hyattsville adds genuine municipality-specific information without duplicating the Prince George’s County page. The County controls ADU zoning and general building inspection, while Hyattsville adds annual rental licensing/inspection, selected site permits and local code compliance. Historic properties can introduce another County review layer.
As of September 18, 2026, the County ADU package remains in transition. Verify the enacted versions and effective dates before using proposed standards for final design or construction.
Sources checked September 18, 2026: Maryland Land Use § 4-504; Prince George’s County CB-074-2026, CB-092-2026 and CR-095-2026; City of Hyattsville Residential & Short-term Rentals; City of Hyattsville inspections and Code Enforcement FAQ; City of Hyattsville Historic Preservation; City of Hyattsville 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. This page is for planning information and is not legal, zoning or architectural advice.
What to do next
Start by finding the office that reviews your property. A mailing city or a county guide does not establish your parcel’s authority.
- Find Who Reviews My Property.
- Obtain your parcel identifier, survey, floor plans and utility records.
- Ask the reviewing office which current rules, supporting documents and approvals apply.
- Continue to your planning workspace.
Enable JavaScript to prepare a downloadable next-step brief. Planning guidance is not permit approval.