Small Homes, Attached Suites Now Allowed On Same Lot As Primary Houses

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A new law allows small, independent homes to be built on the same property as a primary residence in Howard County.

Approved by the Howard County Council Monday in a 4-1 bipartisan vote, Council Bill 3-2026 aligns Howard County’s zoning regulations with the broader goals of the county’s HoCo By Design General Plan and Housing Opportunities Master Plan, as well as the state’s recently adopted accessory dwelling units law.

“This legislation expands housing choices across our county, particularly for the next generation of our workforce and older adults looking to downsize while staying in our community,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Whether it is college students or recent graduates; teachers, nurses or childcare providers; family members; or retirees, ADUs will thoughtfully create a variety of smaller housing options throughout our community that will meet a diverse set of needs. By supporting the development of ADUs, we will strengthen our neighborhoods, promote equity and create a more inclusive and resilient housing landscape for everyone.”

Passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2025, House Bill (HB) 1466 establishes a clear policy directive to promote and encourage the creation of ADUs as a means of addressing the diverse housing needs of Maryland residents. The legislation requires counties and municipalities to adopt local laws by Oct. 1, authorizing the development of ADUs on qualifying properties, subject to specific requirements.

“‘Missing middle’ housing options, like ADUs, are some of the most important tools we have to expand housing supply and lower costs for Maryland families," said Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day. “This legislation is sensible, practical and fair – it will allow Marylanders to build smaller, more affordable homes on their own properties that expand opportunity without expanding sprawl."

The legislation allows single family homeowners to construct either attached and detached ADUs or renovate existing space to accommodate an attached ADU in various residential zoning districts. Examples of ADUs include small, detached cottages, garage apartments, townhome basement units and in-law suites.

“These amendments streamline and improve ADU regulations to make development more flexible, accessible and beneficial to our residents,” said Lynda Eisenberg, department of planning and zoning director for Howard County. “By allowing a wider range of housing unit types, maintaining the owner-occupancy requirement and by-right use for ADUs, removing lot size requirements while ensuring neighborhood character is preserved through established setback criteria and expanded lot coverage maximums, we are creating practical pathways for expanding housing affordability across the county.”