For Prince George’s County homeowners, a significant change is underway in how residential property can be used.

Maryland now requires local jurisdictions to authorize accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs, on properties with a single-family detached home. This is particularly meaningful in Prince George’s County, where ADUs have historically not been permitted.

Prince George’s County adopted its primary ADU zoning legislation, CB-074-2026, on September 29, establishing the framework that will allow ADUs in the County. The new County ordinance becomes effective 45 days after it becomes law.

For homeowners, this opens the door to possibilities that simply were not available before.

1. More Options for Multigenerational Living

Perhaps the most immediate benefit is greater flexibility for families.

An ADU can create an independent residence for an aging parent, an adult child, or another family member while allowing everyone to remain on the same property.

For Prince George’s County families who already use their homes across generations, the ability to create a legal, independent living space could make those arrangements considerably more practical.

2. New Potential for Rental Income

ADUs can also provide homeowners with an opportunity to create a separate long-term rental residence on property they already own.

Maryland’s law goes a step further by limiting the ability of private covenants, deeds and HOA bylaws to impose restrictions that effectively prohibit a homeowner from developing an ADU or offering one for rent.

Prince George’s County is establishing its own rental requirements, so homeowners considering an ADU for income should review the final County rules before moving forward.

3. Greater Flexibility From the Property You Already Own

An ADU does not necessarily mean building a traditional second house in the backyard.

Depending on the property and applicable local requirements, ADUs can take several forms. They may be detached structures, additions to the primary residence, converted accessory structures, or living areas incorporated within an existing home.

Maryland defines an ADU as a secondary dwelling on the same property as a primary single-family detached home and allows an ADU to be up to 75 percent of the size of the primary residence.

For homeowners with larger lots, existing accessory structures or homes that lend themselves to expansion, the new rules create another reason to look at the property with fresh eyes.

4. More Choices for Aging in Place

ADUs can also change how homeowners think about remaining in their homes long term.

A homeowner could potentially create a smaller residence on the property for a parent or caregiver. Over time, another possibility may be for the homeowner to occupy the ADU while a family member lives in the primary residence.

Rather than viewing a home solely in terms of how it functions today, an ADU can give a property greater flexibility as a family’s needs change.

5. A New Consideration When Buying or Selling

I believe one of the most interesting implications for Prince George’s County real estate will be how we begin evaluating properties.

Lot configuration, existing garages and accessory structures, utility access, setbacks and the layout of the primary residence may take on greater importance for buyers interested in multigenerational living or additional income.

For sellers, this does not mean every property should be marketed as an ADU opportunity. It does mean that understanding a property’s potential may become an increasingly important part of how we evaluate and position certain homes.

What Homeowners Should Know Before Getting Started

The change in Maryland law does not mean an ADU can automatically be constructed on every property.

Prince George’s County has adopted its primary ADU zoning legislation, but the County is still moving through implementation of its complete regulatory framework. Permitting, building codes, utilities, environmental requirements, septic systems where applicable, and other property-specific considerations can still affect what is possible.

Maryland law also establishes some important parameters. Local governments cannot count an ADU toward residential density calculations, and they cannot impose additional ADU parking requirements without first conducting the parking study required by state law. Local setback requirements also cannot be more restrictive than those already applicable to accessory structures.

For homeowners who previously considered an in-law suite, backyard cottage, garage conversion or separate rental residence and learned that Prince George’s County did not permit ADUs, this is a development worth revisiting.

The opportunity is about more than adding another structure. It creates more choices in how a property can accommodate family, produce income and adapt over time.

If you own a home in Prince George’s County and would like to understand how ADU potential could factor into your property’s future use, value or resale strategy, I would be happy to help you begin evaluating the possibilities.