Bill > SB36

This bill, known as the Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026, aims to limit certain zoning regulations that affect single-family homes and townhouses. Specifically, it prohibits legislative bodies, which are elected local government officials, from enforcing rules that would establish minimum lot sizes larger than 5,000 square feet in areas connected to public water and sewer systems, set minimum square footage or exterior dimensions for single-family homes, impose strict lot coverage maximums, or require front and rear setbacks greater than 10 feet and side setbacks greater than 5 feet for single-family homes and accessory structures. Furthermore, it prevents these bodies from dictating design, architectural, or aesthetic elements for single-family homes and prohibits them from banning townhouses in areas zoned for single-family residential use. The bill also allows owners of improved lots (lots with a residential structure) in single-family zones to subdivide their lots into three or fewer smaller lots, provided these lots conform to local law, with an exception for lots created by subdivision within the preceding three years. These limitations do not apply to historic districts designated before July 1, 2025, agricultural land, or conservation property, and they do not supersede necessary building codes, fire codes, or public health and safety regulations that address immediate threats. The Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Education

Education, Energy, and the Environment (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0036?ys=2026RS