The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) designed this model ordinance as guidance to assist local governments in complying with the
Land Use Article and Real Property – Accessory Dwelling Units – Requirements and Prohibitions act of 2025 (HB 1466/SB 891). Although the guidance is designed to identify certain measures that local governments can adopt to comply with the ADU Act’s requirements, each local government’s laws and regulations are unique and might affect how, and the extent to which, these measures may be adopted. Local governments should consult with their legal counsel regarding local laws.
MDP prepared this guidance for Maryland's current ADU law as of February 25, 2026. If the Maryland General Assembly enacts legislation altering provisions related to ADUs, aspects of this guidance may no longer apply. MDP will update this guidance as soon as is practicable if the law changes. Direct any questions regarding this model ordinance to Carter Reitman, Lead Housing Planner at MDP, at
[email protected].
Assessment Tool
MDP designed this assessment tool to help jurisdictions that already permit ADUs assess whether they need to update their ordinances to meet the minimum compliance requirements of HB 1466. Jurisdictions can adopt local ADU laws that are more permissive of ADUs than required by HB 1466, but they cannot adopt laws that are more restrictive. This assessment tool does not address HB 1466's modifications to the Real Property Article nor its allowances for local ADU laws preceded by a "may" statement.
Download the Assessment Tool (DOCX)
