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Hampstead plans local accessory dwelling unit ordinance after state law change
Summary
Town Manager said staff have drafted a local ADU ordinance tailored to Hampstead after 2025 Maryland legislation and will review it with the town attorney before introducing it at the August council meeting.
Town Manager told the council staff have reviewed the 2025 Maryland legislation that requires counties and municipalities to authorize accessory dwelling units and have prepared a local draft ordinance. “The draft of the ordinance is currently being reviewed by our town attorney. We have a meeting with him on Friday to go over it, and we will be introducing the ordinance at the August council meeting,” the Town Manager said.
He said staff reviewed ADU guidelines and researched other municipalities' ADU ordinances to design an approach "that we feel is the best fit for the type of existing housing developments that we have in town." The manager told the council the ordinance draft is still under legal review and described it as giving the town flexibility to regulate ADUs consistent with state guidelines.
Planning & Zoning Commission liaison Deb reported the county planning representative discussed ADU issues at the commission's June 24 meeting, and the commission approved other routine zoning certificates that night.
Council members did not take a formal vote on an ADU ordinance at the session; staff will return with the draft and attorney feedback at the August meeting for formal introduction and subsequent council action.
