Controversial ADU Allowances Approved in Maryland

"The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday unanimously passed a zoning change allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as in-law apartments, in three residential zones of the county," reports Dan Schere.

"The zoning change will allow the apartments as attached and detached structures in zones where the minimum lot size is 6,000 to 20,000 square feet," adds Schere. "Attached ADUs must be limited to 10% of the lot area and less than 1,200 square feet. Detached ADUs must be less than 1,200 square feet except when occupying a basement."

County Planning Director Gwen Wright is quoted in the article saying the county could expect the development of about 100 ADUs per year.

The zoning change proposal sparked controversy and even protests on its way to approval. Rebecca Tan reported the day before the council approval about protestors wielding hand-made signs marching into the Montgomery County Council headquarters. County Executive Marc Elrich opposed the bill, too, "on the grounds that it would lead to increased traffic in neighborhoods and school crowding and cause aesthetic problems related to increased storm water runoff."