Accessory dwelling units code and pending Attorney General opinion
Carroll County
Summary
State law required Carroll County to allow ADUs — small second homes on single-family lots — by October 1, 2026. The board complied but raised the bedroom cap from 2 to 3, making ADUs a bit more flexible for families.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
Homeowners who want to add a rental unit or housing for family members on their property.
The Krauss family, who cannot house their son in the planned accessory dwelling at the proposed location.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Board of County Commissioners Open Session - Sep 17, 2026
State law required Carroll County to allow ADUs — small second homes on single-family lots — by October 1, 2026. The board complied but raised the bedroom cap from 2 to 3, making ADUs a bit more flexible for families.
Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission - Aug 18, 2026
The county must have ADU code language in place by October 1 when new state law takes effect, with a public hearing set for September 3. Commissioner Robertson flagged that the state hasn't weighed in on how ADUs apply to agricultural-preserved land.
Board of County Commissioners Open Session - Jul 30, 2026
State law now requires counties to allow ADUs — small secondary homes on single-family lots — by October 1, 2026. The board is moving toward a public hearing on local rules to comply.
Release of the FY27 Budget - Apr 21, 2026
The county will consider referring a text amendment to the Planning Commission addressing Maryland's new accessory dwelling unit requirements and prohibitions under HB 1466 — action scheduled for April 23.
Board of Zoning Appeals - Jan 27, 2026
The Board reaffirmed that accessory dwellings must be within 50 feet of the main house, rejecting a proposal to place one 290 feet away. The ruling signals the county treats that distance limit as a firm requirement, not a flexible guideline.
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