Bill > HB1167

This bill modifies the existing Maryland law regarding municipal authority to regulate building requirements in Montgomery County, expanding the scope of residential structures that can be subject to local building regulations. Specifically, the bill allows municipal corporations or special taxing districts to impose additional or stricter building requirements for residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units, including single-unit houses, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, townhouses, and their accessory structures, without being limited to land zoned predominantly for single-family residential use. The bill maintains that these building requirements must be for protecting public health, safety, and welfare, and can regulate aspects such as fences, walls, parking, storage, building location, dimensions, and lot coverage. Importantly, the bill stipulates that building requirements for residential buildings with two to four dwelling units cannot be more restrictive than those for single-unit houses, but can be less restrictive. Before adopting such local laws, municipalities must hold a public hearing and provide the proposed law to the county council at least 30 days in advance. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, and provides flexibility for municipalities to create waiver procedures for these building requirements.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1167?ys=2025RS