The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to change the zoning laws, removing significant barriers for homeowners who want to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their properties. At-large Councilmember Hans Riemer, chair of the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee, sponsored the measure, which is intended to increase options for renters in the county and allow homeowners greater flexibility in their living arrangements.
An ADU is a separate living unit, with its own entrance, bathroom, and kitchen, located on a lot zoned for single-unit development. They can be built by converting a basement into an apartment, adding an addition to an existing home, converting an existing shed or detached garage, or building a new backyard cottage.
The expansion of ADUs are part of the Council’s continuing efforts to provide affordable, quality housing to residents at all income levels. ADUs are often utilized as a solution for relatives who want to live independently, but close by their family. They are also a source of income for homeowners who use the ADU as a source of rental income, which can allow seniors to age in place as the cost of living increases or allow buyers to purchase a home in an expensive housing area.
The legislation makes the following changes to the County’s zoning laws:
*Removes the prohibition on detached ADUs in lots smaller than one acre.
*Removes the requirement for an additional parking space within one mile of Metro, the Purple line, or MARC stations.
*Allows for the conversion of existing, legally built structures into ADUs.
*Clarifies that other rental uses (i.e. AirBnB) on a property that includes an ADU are prohibited.
*Removes the prohibition on ADUs in new construction.
*Removes the distance requirement restricting ADUs from being built within 300-500 feet of an existing ADU.