An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second dwelling unit that is part of an existing one-family detached dwelling or is in a separate accessory structure on the same lot as the main dwelling. Only one ADU is permitted on a lot. When an owner applies for a rental license for an ADU, they are required to post a public notice sign in the front yard within 5 days of acceptance of the application. The sign must remain posted for 30 days.

An ADU must be licensed by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) if it does not have a Special Exception (see link for information). This applies to both rented and personal use ADUs. The residence cannot be prohibited by a common ownership community document and not more than 30 days past due on any common ownership community fees. Effective May 20, 2013, a Special Exception is not required for all Accessory Dwelling Units.

To file a complaint regarding the allowance of an ADU in a neighborhood, please call the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings at 240.777.6660.

For further information regarding the creation or licensing of an ADU, please click on the link below. Note: The survey applies to all landlords including ADU. The year built would be for the original structure and number of bedrooms refers to just the ADU portion (the part being rented out).

Online users who have additional questions and would like to be contacted by a departmental staff member may submit a request by clicking on the Create Service Request button below. Please complete all the fields in the Contact Information section and provide a brief description of the request in the Brief Description field