Bill > HB1538

This bill, the Maryland Generational Housing Act of 2026, aims to increase housing options by making it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on the same property as a primary single-family home. Specifically, it requires local governments to allow at least one internal ADU (like a basement or attic conversion) and one external ADU (like a backyard cottage) on properties with a primary single-family home, regardless of existing density limits. The bill also limits when local governments can require extra off-street parking for ADUs, stating that no additional parking can be mandated if the ADU is created by converting space within the main house or an existing accessory structure. Furthermore, utility providers are prohibited from charging excessive connection fees or capacity charges for ADUs occupied by a "qualified family member" (defined as a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling, including those related by adoption or marriage), and they must allow ADUs occupied by qualified family members to share utility meters and service lines with the main house. Finally, counties and municipalities cannot impose development excise taxes or impact fees on ADUs smaller than 1,000 square feet, and ADUs occupied by qualified family members will be exempt from property tax.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1538?ys=2026RS