Accessory Dwelling Units Frequently Asked Questions

 

Common Questions About ADUs in Montgomery County MD

 

Montgomery County

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary residential unit that is subordinate to an existing one-family detached home and has its own provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation and sleeping. ADUs are also known as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages.

ADUs are allowed in Montgomery County, Maryland, under certain conditions. The property must be the owner’s primary residence, and the ADU must be no larger than 1,200 square feet. The ADU must also have a separate entrance from the main house, and it must not be used for short-term rentals.

If you are interested in building an ADU on your property in Montgomery County, you will need to obtain a permit from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. You can find more information about the ADU permitting process on the department’s website.

Here are some of the benefits of building an ADU:

  • Increased income: You can rent out the ADU for additional income.
  • Increased property value: ADUs can increase the value of your property.
  • Increased flexibility: You can use the ADU for a variety of purposes, such as housing a family member, renting it out, or using it as a home office.
  • Reduced energy costs: ADUs can be designed to be energy-efficient, which can save you money on your energy bills.
  • Increased density: ADUs can help to increase the density of housing in Montgomery County, which can help to address the county’s housing shortage.

If you are considering building an ADU on your property in Montgomery County, we can help you understand the requirements and regulations. You can find more information on the Department of Housing and Community Affairs website.

Can I build an ADU on my property in Montgomery County Maryland?

Accessory apartments, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed today in virtually all residential zones in Montgomery County. They can be built by converting part of an existing home, building an addition, or in some zones by constructing a free-standing unit in the back yard.

Guidelines for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | Read More

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Maryland?

The average cost of an ADU can come in anywhere between $100,000 and $300,000 – much less than the cost of a single-family home, but with all of the same amenities. 

How is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Defined in Montgomery County Maryland?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a residential unit that is either: 1) in or added to an existing one-family dwelling, or 2) in a separate accessory structure on the same lot as an existing one-family dwelling and used as a complete, independent living facility with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping. Accessory Dwelling Unit without a Special Exception approved before May 20, 2013 must apply for a Class 3 Accessory Dwelling Unit License with the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Licensing and Registration.

Can I rent out my ADU as a Short-Term Residential Rental?

Yes you can in Montgomery County, MD. A short term residential rental is unit/room in a single-family home, apartment or condominium that is available for rent for less than 30 consecutive days through online sites such as Airbnb, Flipkey, Home Away and VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner). The dwelling unit used as a short-term residential rental must be the property owner’s or owner authorized resident’s primary residence. All short term residential rentals must be licensed thru Montgomery County Health and Human Services.

Why Build an ADU in Your Backyard?

Additional Space at Home

  • Additional living space you may increase the size of the house you already adore without having to move.
  • Meet numerous purposes with a single addition, from a home office to a living space for a loved one, with countless choices in between, to create a peaceful haven just a few steps from your original dwelling.

Rental Earnings

  • By renting out your accessory dwelling unit, you may offset the cost of your mortgage and other monthly obligations.
  • Since detached ADUs give both you, the homeowner, and your tenant greater privacy, it’s simple to make money without sacrificing your way of life.
  • Use short-term rentals to earn money while continuing to use your ADU for private purposes.
    ADU Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
    Type of ADU

    Increased Home Value

    • ADUs increase the livable area of your home, adding appraisal and resale value.
    • Rising property values increase your equity and create an asset you can leverage in the future.
    • Adding an ADU is a long-term investment in your home that you can also enjoy immediately.

    Age in Place

    • In addition to keeping an eye on the individuals you care about, give them the privacy and autonomy they require.
    • Give elderly parents or adult children a full home experience so that they can feel secure in their proximity to the people they rely on.
    • Make it possible for families to live together in multigenerational housing, giving each member the privacy and freedom, they require.

    A Higher Value for Homes

    • Your home’s usable space will grow thanks to ADUs, increasing its value during assessment and sales.
    • Your equity grows as a result of rising property values, and you gain a future-leverageable asset.
    • The immediate and long-term benefits of adding an ADU to your house are both available.