Maryland § 4-504

§ 4-504.

    (a)    (1)    On or before October 1, 2026, each legislative body shall adopt a local law authorizing the development of accessory dwelling units in accordance with this section.

        (2)    A legislative body may adopt a local law that:

            (i)    establishes standards for accessory dwelling unit safety; and

            (ii)    prohibits the full or partial conversion of an accessory structure as an accessory dwelling unit if the only vehicular access to the accessory structure is from an alley.

    (b)    A local law adopted under this section shall provide for construction of accessory dwelling units that meet public health, safety, and welfare standards, including relevant building codes and adequate public facilities provisions.

    (c)    A local law adopted under this section shall exclude the development of an accessory dwelling unit from the calculation of density and the application of any measures limiting residential growth that pertain to the lot, parcel, or tract proposed for the development of the accessory dwelling unit.

    (d)    A local law adopted under this section may not establish setback requirements that exceed the existing accessory structure setback requirements from the side and rear lot lines.

    (e)    (1)    (i)    A local law adopted under this section may establish additional off–street parking requirements that consider:

                1.    the cost to construct off–street parking spaces;

                2.    whether sufficient curb area exists along the front line of the property to accommodate on–street parking;

                3.    the increase in impervious surface due to the creation of new off–street parking and the relation to any applicable stormwater management plans; and

                4.    variability due to the size of the lot, parcel, or tract on which the accessory dwelling unit or primary dwelling is located.

            (ii)    A local law adopted under this paragraph shall provide for a waiver process from the parking requirements.

        (2)    Before adopting a local law under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a legislative body shall complete a parking study to determine the applicable needs and restrictions in the jurisdiction.