ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS, REAL ESTATE AGENTS, AND PROPERTY OWNERS THROUGHOUT MARYLAND — ESPECIALLY PRINCE GEORGE’S AND CHARLES COUNTIES!
Did you know Maryland has passed a statewide law expanding opportunities for homeowners to build a smaller second residence on their existing property?
Maryland House Bill 1466 became effective October 1, 2025, requiring local governments with zoning authority to authorize Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Both Prince George’s County and Charles County have passed local legislation implementing the new housing opportunities.
? WHAT CAN HOMEOWNERS BUILD?
Depending on local zoning and permit requirements:
? A completely separate backyard cottage.
? An attached in-law suite.
? A converted garage or accessory building.
? An apartment inside the main residence.
THE SECOND HOME DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ATTACHED TO THE MAIN HOUSE!
? CAN HOMEOWNERS RENT OUT THE SECOND HOME?
YES! Subject to local rental and occupancy requirements, homeowners may be able to:
? Live in the main house and rent out the backyard ADU.
? Live in the smaller ADU and rent out the larger main house.
? Provide an independent home for aging parents or grandparents.
? Allow adult children or other family members to live independently on the same property.
? HOW MANY ACRES DO YOU NEED?
Maryland’s statewide law does not establish a universal minimum acreage requirement specifically for an ADU.
You do not automatically need 1, 2, or 5 acres.
A quarter-acre, half-acre, or larger residential property may qualify if it meets local zoning, setbacks, utility, and building requirements.
Maryland defines an ADU as a secondary residence up to 75% of the size of the main detached house.
For example:
? Main house: 2,000 square feet
? Potential ADU: Up to 1,500 square feet, subject to applicable regulations.
? SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HOMEOWNERS
Prince George’s County passed CB-074-2026, scheduled to take effect November 16, 2026.
Under the county’s ADU legislation:
? Eligible properties may accommodate attached or detached ADUs.
? Homeowners may live in the main residence and rent out the ADU.
? Homeowners may live in the ADU and rent out the main residence.
? ADUs may provide independent housing for aging parents, adult children, or relatives.
? The owner must occupy either the main residence or the ADU under the county’s owner-occupancy requirement.
? Applicable building permits, setbacks, septic requirements, and historic-preservation restrictions must still be satisfied.
Important: Homeowners should verify property eligibility with Prince George’s County Planning and DPIE before beginning construction.
? SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR CHARLES COUNTY HOMEOWNERS
Charles County passed Bill 2026-06, effective August 21, 2026.
The county’s legislation:
? Expands opportunities for attached and detached ADUs.
? Generally permits one ADU per eligible residential lot.
? Removes the former restriction limiting residential living space to 50% of a detached accessory building.
? Removes additional off-street parking requirements specifically for ADUs.
? Allows qualifying rural properties to be considered, subject to septic and other applicable requirements.
Important: Charles County homeowners should confirm current rental, occupancy, zoning, and permitting requirements before constructing or renting an ADU.
? WHAT ABOUT RURAL PROPERTY OWNERS WITH 5, 10, OR 20 ACRES?
Rural homeowners may also qualify for an ADU.
However, agricultural zoning, private wells, septic systems, forest conservation, environmental restrictions, and historic-preservation requirements still apply.
An ADU does not automatically authorize subdivision of the property or allow the second home to be sold as a separate residential lot.
?? ATTENTION REAL ESTATE AGENTS!
Maryland’s ADU law could create new opportunities for buyers, sellers, and property owners interested in:
? Backyard rental homes
? In-law housing for aging parents
????? Multigenerational family living
? Supplemental rental income
? Downsizing into a smaller backyard residence while renting out the main house
Real estate agents should verify ADU eligibility with the appropriate county before advertising a property as having second-home or rental potential.
? OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT SOURCES
Maryland statewide ADU information:
https://planning.maryland.gov/Pages/OurWork/PBP/ADUTF/ADU.aspx
Prince George’s County CB-074-2026:
https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?G=F27536A6-66B6-476A-98DA-4A69995461A9&GUID=EB0FAA0B-0DC5-4A27-B277-C89704C38C02&ID=8128159&Options=&Search=&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Charles County ADU legislation:
https://www.charlescountymd.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6625/16
? MARYLAND HOMEOWNERS — WOULD YOU BUILD A SEPARATE BACKYARD HOME?
Brandywine MDcom
Serving Southern Prince George’s and Charles Counties.
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