Prince George’s County planners outline 'missing middle' housing study, outreach; study due March 2026

Prince George’s County planners told the College Park City Council on Oct. 28 that the county is studying ways to reintroduce “missing middle” housing — smaller-scale, multiunit types that fit between detached single-family homes and large apartment buildings — to expand attainable market‑rate options for middle‑income households.

“Missing middle housing fits well within the neighborhood revitalization section,” said Karen Muro, a planner with the county, describing the initiative as an educational and regulatory effort to enable duplexes, triplexes, bungalow courts and similar types across the county. She said the county’s effort will include research, design pattern books and land‑use recommendations.

John Parks, another county planner, said the county’s analysis shows many local workers and essential employees do not earn enough to afford the county’s median‑priced housing. “Missing middle housing types provide housing opportunities for these crucial middle income earners like teachers, firefighters, tradespeople,” Parks said, citing a county median home price of about $420,000 and median rent over $1,700 as context for the affordability challenge.

Planners said the initiative will combine online surveys, municipality presentations and focus groups, and that the county aims to finish the study in March 2026 and then publish a pattern book with recommended designs and regulatory approaches. They emphasized non‑monetary incentives — such as fast‑track permitting, reduced fees and by‑right allowances — as tools to encourage production without heavy public subsidies.

Councilmembers raised questions about design, neighborhood fit and protections against unintended consequences. Councilmember Whitney asked whether the county had considered incentives and scattered‑site approaches; Muro said options could include fast‑track permitting and pre‑approved plans that reduce cost and delay. Councilmember Ray warned of the risk that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be used to expand student rentals; county staff noted a recent state bill requires jurisdictions to adopt ADU permitting policies by Oct. 1, 2026, and said ADU rules would be crafted with local concerns in mind.

Planners also framed the work in an equity context, noting zoning and historic discrimination limited housing options for decades and contributed to racial wealth gaps. They invited College Park officials and residents to contribute design preferences during the pattern‑book phase.

The county team said they will continue public engagement and bring recommendations to elected bodies for any regulatory change. The council did not take formal action on the topic; the planners’ stated next steps are continued outreach and a March 2026 study completion.